Shop: 50 Gale St, Busselton WA 628008 9752 1408
Yard: 10 Bunbury St, Busselton WA 628008 9752 4322

Top 9 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter in Busselton (With Practical Steps)

Winter in Busselton brings strong winds, heavy rain, and cold mornings. For locals, whether you’re a homeowner, tradie, or DIYer, it’s the season to get your home and property sorted before the weather takes a turn.

At Geographe Timber & Hardware, we stock the tools, supplies, and advice you need to prepare for the colder months. Here are nine hands-on tips to help protect your home, save on heating costs, and stay safe this winter.

1. Seal Out Draughts and Stop Heat Loss

Action Steps:

  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Walk around your home with a lit candle or incense stick to detect draught
    • The flam will flicker when a draught is near
    • Or the smoke will move in the direction of where the draught is coming from.
    • Common areas include window frames, under doors, and near vents.
  • Install door snakes, weather strips, and window seals to the areas where drauhts are detected.
  • To seal small gaps around pipes entering the home, you can use gap filler or paintable silicone. (This can also help with vermin, if this is a problem)
  • For homes that are off the gound with timber floors, installing insulation under the house can make a HUGE different to stopping draughts.

GTH Tip: Not sure which product to use? Ask our team to help you choose the right sealant for your home, whether it’s timber, brick, or aluminium.

“I was talking to the team at Geographe Timber & Hardware, one morning while on the job, and I mentioned how cold my house was in winter, I explained that I live in an old restored queenslander home, where there were so many gaps in the floor boards and my power bill was costing me over $350 bi-monthly, they recommended insulating under the floor, so I did… It was an instant result the house was so much warmer, and I reduced my power bill to $150 bi-monthly” – Ellie Clare

2. Clear Gutters and Keep Water Flowing

Action Steps:

  • Use a sturdy ladder to access gutters safely (we stock height-adjustable models and gutter gards if needed).
  • Remove leaves, sticks, and moss by hand or with a gutter scoop.
  • Rinse gutters with water to check flow and identify leaks or pooling.
  • Install gutter mesh to reduce future build-up.

GTH Tip: Use a gutter guard like Pat here to protect your gutters, and stablise your ladder! Reducing the risk of damage to both you and your home! Ask us about tools to make the job safer and easier.

3. Fix Last Year’s Leaks, Before They Get Worse

Action Steps:

  • Think back to where you noticed water ingress last year, near windows, eaves, or roof lines.
  • Use roofing silicone, weatherproof tape, or flashing repair kits to patch small gaps and cracks.
  • If unsure, a quick inspection on a dry day can reveal problem areas before heavy rains hit.

GTH Tip: Signs Your Roof Might Be Leaking

Not all leaks are easy to spot, but catching them early can save you thousands down the track. Here are some key signs your roof might be leaking:

  • Water stains or bubbling paint on ceilings or upper walls
  • Mould or mildew in corners near the ceiling
  • Musty smells in rooms that are otherwise dry
  • Drips or damp patches during or after rain
  • Sagging roof lining or insulation inside the ceiling cavity
  • Rust streaks on downpipes or gutters
  • Loose or lifted roof sheets or tiles

If you noticed any of these signs last winter, don’t wait for the next storm to hit. Leaks only get worse and more expensive the longer they’re left. Come in to Geographe Timber & Hardware for the right sealants, roofing tapes, and advice to patch it up before the weather turns.

4. Prepare Your Fireplace for Efficient Heating

Action Steps:

  • Shovel out old ash and debris from the firebox.
  • Clean the flue with a flue brush or hire a professional sweep.
  • Add a Smart Burn canister to your fireplace to clean your chimney and improve heat output.
  • Stock up on firelighters, matches, and kindling for a fast and safe fire.

GTH Tip: Smart Burn is a low-cost, Aussie-made product that cleans your flue while you use it. We also stocks a full range of fireplace accessories and safety gear.

5. Firewood Storage and Chopping Essentials

Action Steps:

  • Store your firewood off the ground and under cover. Use high-quality tarps or build a simple shelter to keep it dry.
  • For a budget-friendly solution, build your own firewood shed using seconds timber available at our timber yard.
  • Use a solid chopping block, block buster, or axe to split larger logs for indoor storage or fire-starting.

GTH Tip: We’ve got a range of axes, and block busters to suit casual users or serious wood choppers. Our seconds timber is great for DIY builds, just ask in the timber yard.

Huge range of Seconds Timbers available at our Timber Yard: Save on your next project! Come in and make a deal with the team!

6. Keep Your Chainsaw Ready for Firewood and Storm Clean-Up

Action Steps:

  • Check your chainsaw chain tension, bar oil, and spark plug.
  • Use a chainsaw file or sharpening kit to get a clean, safe cut.
  • Always have a spare chain, and store fuel safely away from heat sources.

GTH Tip: Chainsaws are great for firewood prep, but they’re also essential if a tree or branch comes down during a storm. We’ve got sharpening kits, oil, fuel mix, and PPE to keep you prepared.

7. Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Action Steps:

  • Put together a kit with battery-powered torches, lanterns, extra batteries, and power banks.
  • Store it in a central, accessible location in case of a power outage.
  • Include essentials like first aid items, thermal blankets, and multi-tools.

GTH Tip: We stock everything from LED torches to high-lumen headlamps, plus bulk battery packs. Perfect for camping too.

8. Insulate Where It Counts

Action Steps:

  • Top up your roof insulation to reduce heat loss.
  • Lag exposed pipes or taps (especially outdoors) to prevent cracking or freezing.
  • Use garage door seals and window film to add another layer of protection.

9. Stay Warm While Working Outdoors

Action Steps:

  • Invest in a heated jacket or thermal vest, perfect for early starts or long days outdoors in the cold.
  • Add thermal gloves, socks, and beanies to your kit.
  • Consider hand warmers or battery-operated heated gear for extra comfort.

GTH Tip: We stock a range of heated clothing suitable for tradies and weekend warriors alike. Come in to try them on and see what’s new.

Visit Geographe Timber & Hardware Before the Cold Hits

From fireplace efficiency to emergency prep, staying warm and safe in Busselton starts with a little planning, and the right gear. If you’re not sure what you need, just come in for a chat. Our friendly team is here to help you find tools, materials, and practical advice for every winter job.

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