As NSW braces for a rare and powerful bomb cyclone, it’s natural to feel anxious, especially when responsible for the safety of a building and its occupants. This guide outlines practical, calm, and effective steps for long-term resilience through remedial waterproofing and building upgrades, as well as short terms solutions to reduce the risk of water ingress, meaning unwanted water entering a building, and storm-related damage.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a commercial landlord, or part of a strata committee, preparing early can make all the difference.
Why Bomb Cyclones Are Especially Dangerous for Buildings
A bomb cyclone, or “bombogenesis”, is a rapidly intensifying storm system. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, these systems bring intense rainfall, wind gusts, and localised flooding that can overwhelm standard drainage and waterproofing systems. The State Emergency Service (SES) has advised property owners across Sydney and wider NSW to prepare for flash flooding and prolonged wet conditions.
48-Hour Readiness Checklist: Exterior, Interior & Safety
Water ingress prevention begins with short-term preparation. Use this checklist to ensure your property is ready for the coming days.
48-Hour Readiness Checklist
| Area | Action |
| Exterior | – Clear gutters, downpipes, and drains
– Check roof flashing and tiles – Secure loose items (bins, outdoor furniture) |
| Interior | – Move valuables off ground level
– Place towels or barriers near known entry points – Test sump pumps and backup systems |
| People & Docs | – Inform residents and staff of emergency procedures
– Keep torches and batteries handy – Store important documents in waterproof containers |
Long-Term Resilience: Invest Now to Avoid Recurring Losses
Short-term fixes help, but long-term resilience requires addressing underlying vulnerabilities. Here’s how remedial waterproofing and building upgrades compare to temporary patches.
Quick Fix vs Permanent Upgrade
| Issue | Quick Fix | Permanent Upgrade |
| Cracked facade or render | Seal with temporary filler | Full remedial waterproofing of external walls |
| Roof drainage overload | Clear gutters | Roof drainage upgrades (Sydney-certified systems) |
| Basement seepage | Wet-vacuum and fan-dry | Install internal/external waterproofing membranes |
| Balcony leaks | Use waterproof mat | Re-waterproof balcony with diagnostic investigations |
| Window frame gaps | Apply silicone sealant | Replace frames + integrate flashing and water ingress solutions |
Learn more about our diagnostic investigations and water ingress solutions.
The Cost of Inaction
Failing to prepare for extreme weather can lead to more than just wet carpets or a leaky ceiling. Water ingress can compromise the integrity of your building’s structure, leading to costly repairs, safety hazards, and disruptions to daily life or business operations. In strata or commercial settings, these issues can result in insurance complications, liability claims, and strained relationships between owners, tenants, and management.
Long-term water ingress issues can also lower property value, attract pests, and contribute to unhealthy living environments due to mould growth. Without proper remedial waterproofing, minor leaks today can evolve into major damage tomorrow. And when demand spikes after a storm, emergency waterproofing services are often more expensive and harder to book, meaning higher costs and longer wait times when you can least afford them.
Take the Next Step
You’ve already taken the first step by seeking information, now it’s time to act. Proactive preparation protects not only your property but also the people who rely on it. Whether you’re unsure about your current waterproofing or know you’ve had water ingress issues in the past, it’s worth speaking to a professional.
