March on the Sunshine Coast brings warm afternoons, longer evenings, and the tail end of storm season. If you’ve lived in Maroochydore, Noosa, or anywhere along the coast for more than a year, you know what a decent storm can do — blocked gutters, debris-covered patios, mould creeping into corners you forgot existed.

The difference between a minor clean-up and a major headache often comes down to what you did before the storm hit. Here’s our guide based on years of post-storm call-outs across the Sunshine Coast.

Before the Storm: Cleaning That Prevents Damage

Most storm damage to homes isn’t caused by the wind directly. It’s caused by loose objects becoming projectiles, water finding its way through neglected seals, and blocked drainage systems overflowing.

Clear your gutters and downpipes. This is the single most important thing you can do. A blocked gutter during heavy rain sends water cascading over the edge and pooling against your foundations. In Buderim and Nambour, where properties often sit on slopes, this can cause erosion and water entry into subfloor spaces.

We recommend clearing gutters at least twice during storm season — once in November and again in February. If you’ve got overhanging trees (common in Coolum Beach and hinterland areas), check them monthly.

Clean window tracks and seals. Dirt and grime in window tracks stops windows from sealing properly. During driving rain, that gap lets water in. A thorough clean of all window tracks with a stiff brush and soapy water takes an afternoon but can prevent water damage to internal walls and carpet.

Wash down external surfaces. A clean patio, deck, or driveway is easier to assess for damage after a storm. When surfaces are already covered in mould and grime, you can’t tell what’s new damage and what was there before.

Secure outdoor furniture and clean storage areas. Before storing outdoor cushions, umbrellas, and loose items, give them a proper clean. Items stored damp in sheds or garages during storm season become mould magnets. Dry everything thoroughly before packing it away.

After the Storm: Where to Start

The call-outs we get in the 48 hours after a big storm follow a predictable pattern. Here’s the priority order we recommend:

Step 1: Safety check. Before you start cleaning, check for fallen power lines, structural damage, or damaged trees that could fall. If anything looks unsafe, call the SES or your local council before touching it.

Step 2: Clear debris from drainage. Remove leaves, branches, and debris from gutters, downpipes, drains, and any low points where water collects. The faster water can drain away from your property, the less chance of water intrusion.

Step 3: Dry wet areas immediately. If water has entered your home, get air moving. Open windows, run fans, and use towels or a wet vacuum to remove standing water. Every hour that moisture sits on carpet, timber, or plaster increases the chance of mould taking hold. In Sunshine Coast humidity, mould can appear within 24-48 hours of water exposure.

Step 4: Clean and disinfect flood-affected areas. Storm water isn’t clean. It carries soil, bacteria, and whatever it picked up along the way. Any surface that’s been in contact with storm water needs proper cleaning with a disinfectant solution, not just a wipe-down.

Step 5: Document everything. Take photos before you clean up. If you need to make an insurance claim, those photos of the mess are your evidence.

The Technology Behind Modern Storm Response

One thing that’s changed in recent years is how quickly cleaning businesses can respond to storm events. Team400 built systems for service businesses that use weather data to pre-position resources and trigger automated client communication before storms arrive. For us, that means we can contact clients in high-risk areas proactively rather than waiting for the phone to ring after the damage is done.

Long-Term Storm Season Maintenance

If you’re on the coast between Caloundra and Noosa, annual maintenance cleans should be timed around storm season. We suggest a thorough exterior clean in October (before the season starts) and another in April (after it winds down).

Between those major cleans, keep an eye on:

• Mould on south-facing walls. These stay damp longer and are the first to show mould growth after storms.
• Roof valleys and flashings. Debris collects in roof valleys during storms. Even small blockages cause water to back up under tiles.
• Subfloor ventilation. If your home has a raised subfloor, check that vents aren’t blocked by debris after each major weather event.

Don’t Wait for the Damage

The clients who call us least often after storms are the ones who maintain their properties year-round. Regular cleaning isn’t just about appearances — it’s property protection. On the Sunshine Coast, where salt air, humidity, and storms are facts of life, that ongoing maintenance is what keeps small problems from becoming expensive ones.

If you’re not sure where your property stands heading into the end of storm season, a professional exterior assessment can identify the vulnerabilities before nature finds them for you.