It’s no secret that Australia’s weather gets pretty extreme at times. And from the scorching heat to the wild thunderstorms, summer can be especially bad. If you’re looking to escape, it’s important that your home is weather-proof. Otherwise whatever the weather outside, it’ll likely affect your comfort inside. Keep your home cool – and protected from storms – with our easy tips.

Insulate your attic

Insulation is the single most important thing standing between you and the weather outdoors. It provides a barrier to heat flowing in and out of your home, and will help to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Up to 45% of all heat gained and lost in your home is through the roof, so good insulation in the attic should be your number-one priority in weather-proofing your home. It may cost you a bit to install, but the savings to your energy bill will make it worthwhile in the long run.

Choose the right glass for your windows and doors

Double glazing is a key way to make your home more energy efficient, and it will eliminate draughty glass doors and windows, creating a barrier against the outside weather. It’s important to choose a reliable glazier for this, who will fit high-quality glass as well as insulted timber or PVC frames, as required.

Fix any leaks in your roof

As a general rule, it’s better to keep the rain outside the house. So, if it’s getting in through damaged tiles or other leaks in the roof, you’ll definitely want to fix them so you can stay dry. Sooner rather than later is preferable, as it doesn’t take long for the occasional drip to turn into a steady stream in the wrong weather. And there’s another advantage – repairing any leaks will ensure gaps are stopped up and draughts eliminated, which can help keep the hot air out.

Keep your gutters clear

Leaves are great when they’re on the trees, but once the wind starts blowing it’s easy for them to start clogging up your gutters and drains. Blocked gutters will result in a build-up of water, which may then turn into leaks and create damp in the house when it’s forced to run off elsewhere. To avoid this, regularly check your gutters and make sure they’re clear. If you find you have a constant problem with blockages, you may want to consider investing in mesh cages to keep more leaves from drifting in.

Draught-proof your home by fixing gaps in window and door frames

Even if you have good windows fitted, draughts can still occur. Staying vigilant to these will serve your best interests in the long run. Hold a candle at door frames or windows to check for air flow – if the flame flickers, you know there’s a draught coming in. Alternatively, test to see if the windows rattle when shaken. If they do, they will leak air. Patch any leaky spots with caulk or weather stripping, and get a draught excluder for using along the bottoms of doors.

Install curtains

This is a really easy way to have a significant impact on your home’s climate. Heavy curtains – especially insulated drapes – help to keep the sun’s rays out in summer, and the heat in during winter. Plus, changing the window dressings will add a new sense of style to the room.

To find the right glass merchants and glaziers to weather-proof your home, just check out the Yellow Pages.