Select windows with good seals on moving sashes (the glass and frame) and over weep holes. Wind-driven rain can enter through the weep holes in windows and glass sliding doors.

Some windows are designed with features such as ball valves in sills or flaps over weep holes. This is to minimise the volume of water that is driven into the sill by differential pressure from the outside of the building to the inside. Better quality seals do not allow water to bypass them at the ends of the seal. They can also accommodate movement in the window under high pressures.

Installing windows for a higher wind classification is one way to achieve better water resistance.

Ask your builder about the effectiveness of the seals for pressures higher than the standard test pressure. This will give you an indication of the performance of the windows.

Roof sarking is a strong and pliable membrane that can be installed under tiled and metal roofs. It is usually made with a reflective foil layer on one or both sides. It may be possible to install sarking in an existing roof if you are doing major renovations or home extensions. For example, if a tile roof is being re-tiled, it may be possible to install sarking before the new tiles are installed. The best time to install sarking is during the construction phase. This is because it needs to be installed directly below the roofing material.

Sarking also protects the exposed frame of your house from dust, wind and rain during the construction phase.

Sarking improves the sealing of the roof from wind-blown hazards. This includes wind-driven rain in tropical cyclones if the sarking is water-resistant.

Flashings are thin sheets or strips of water-resistant materials. They are installed at the intersections of roofs or walls and around windows and doors. They help to direct rainwater flow away from the building. Flashings must be fastened securely with closely spaced screws. The maximum spacing for screws is 500 mm for most flashings. This is outlined in AS 1562.1, the Australian Standard for the design and installation of metal roof and wall cladding. They should be secured so they can’t be lifted or blown off your home by wind.

Penetrations and openings in the roof cladding can create edges that must be sealed. This includes openings for aerials, air conditioners, skylights, and whirly birds. This will help seal against wind-driven rainwater in storms and tropical cyclones.

Where flashings tear or are lifted from the building, then wind-driven rain can enter the building. This means plasterboard ceilings can get wet and potentially collapse. Ensuring that the flashings are well anchored to the building can help minimise the amount of rainwater entering the building.

Wind-driven rain can enter your home through windows and glass sliding doors. This can damage floors and carpet. Timber flooring may swell or cup, and carpets are vulnerable to water.

Floor materials such a polished and sealed concrete or tiles are more resistant to water ingress damage.

You should note that if waterproof flooring is placed over timber (plywood) it may impede drying. You may need special attention for drying. 

Storm surge and wind-driven rain are key risks in a cyclone. They can damage vulnerable wall linings. 

This includes damage to:

• plasterboard,
• standard plywood,
• fibreboard
• strawboard.

You can reduce your risk of damage by your choice of construction. You can use concrete or blockwork for your internal walls. Make sure they also can't trap water.

You should also consider choosing water-resistant internal wall linings. 

This could include:

• fibre cement sheeting,
• villa board 
• marine-grade plywood.

Reinforce your gutters by installing gutter clips at closer spacings than specified by the manufacturer.

Gutters are clipped onto the edge of your roof. Extreme wind loads can unclip gutters and cause flailing. This can damage the rest of the building and lead to concentrations of rainwater that can get past flashings and cladding and enter the roof space.