Wet season in South East Queensland brings more than just rain — storm cells, strong winds and the odd power outage are part of the deal most summers. A few minutes checking your doors, screens and shutters before the season gets going can save you a scramble later. Here's what's worth looking at.
Check your security screens and doors
Run each door and screen through its full motion. Sticking, rust, or a lock that doesn't quite catch are all things that are easier to sort out in dry weather than mid-storm. If you haven't given your screens a proper check in a while, our flyscreen maintenance guide covers the basics, and it's worth knowing how your lock hardware should be working while you're at it.
Check your shutters close fully
Plantation shutters that are slightly warped, stiff, or not closing flush can let water and wind-driven debris through where you don't want it. Open and close every panel in the house, not just the ones you use daily — a spare room or laundry window is an easy one to forget. We've also covered how shutters perform in extreme weather if you're curious about the detail.
Look at entry points while you're at it
Sliding tracks collect leaves, dirt and grit over a dry season, which is exactly what causes a door to jam shut — or stay open — when you need it to move. A quick vacuum and wipe-down of the tracks now is a five-minute job that avoids a much bigger headache later.
A note for Logan homes
If you're further inland in Logan rather than right on the coast, you're generally a little more buffered from storm surge and the most extreme coastal winds — but severe storm cells, heavy rain and hail don't care how far you are from the beach. The same checklist applies just as much in Logan as it does on the Gold Coast; the main difference is usually storm intensity, not whether it's worth doing the check at all.
When to call in help
If something isn't closing properly, don't wait until a severe weather warning is already out. Custom made products take time to manufacture, so getting ahead of the season means any repairs or replacements are sorted with time to spare rather than under pressure. You can see what that process looks like in what to expect from measure to install.
Pre-storm season checklist
- Open and close every security screen and door in the house
- Check locks engage fully and aren't sticking
- Open and close every shutter panel, including spare rooms
- Clear debris from sliding tracks
- Check seals around screens and doors for gaps
- Book a repair or replacement early if anything isn't working properly
Frequently asked questions
Do security screens affect airflow during a storm?
No — a well-fitted security screen or door is designed to let air move freely even when closed, which is part of the point of having one over simply boarding up a window.
Should I close my shutters before a storm?
Closing plantation shutters during high wind can help protect the window glass behind them from flying debris, as long as the shutters themselves are in good working order and close fully.
What if my screen or door won't close properly?
Don't leave it until a storm warning. A screen or door that's sticking, rusted or not latching properly should be looked at well before the wet season starts, since repairs and replacements take time to manufacture.