What You Need to Know About Roof Plumbing
With heavy storms and flood activity plaguing many areas of Australia recently, the importance of roof plumbing has never been more clear. Highly integral to the ultimate protection of your home from the elements, you need your roof to always be in peak condition.
There are many factors that can compromise the condition and the structural integrity of your roof, from natural wear and tear to unexpected or extreme weather events. Not only can they affect your roof structurally, but that damage can also bring about certain plumbing concerns as well.
Here is what you need to know about roof plumbing and what it means for your home.
What is Roof Plumbing?
Roof plumbing services help to direct the flow of rainwater away from the rooftop and towards a rainwater tank or stormwater drain. Rainwater is always going to make contact with the roof – that is a given. However, the last thing you want is for it to start pooling on the rooftop or breach the interior of your house and compromise the structural integrity of the property.
A licensed roof plumber will help to channel that water elsewhere, where it can either be stored for use in a tank, or simply reduce the likelihood of it causing serious damage. After all, the last thing you want is water leaking into your home or a roof replacement that you could have easily avoided.
What Problems Can Substandard Roof Drainage Systems Cause?
Leaking roofs and poor roof drainage systems can cause a number of different problems once water breaches the inside of your home. Among those problems are:
- Growth of mould and mildew on the walls and ceiling
- Pest infestation caused by an increase in moisture
- Structural damage
- Waterlogging and “clumping” of insulation
- Electrical problems (water and electricity are never a good combination!)
- Rotting of drywall and wooden fixtures
With quality roof plumbing that reduces the likelihood of a leaking roof, you can minimise the potential for these problems affecting your home as well.
What Does Roof Plumbing Involve?
A licensed and experienced roof plumber typically carries out a variety of services and tasks designed to optimise your roof’s rainwater flow management capabilities. These roofing services usually include repairing and installing features such as:
- Downpipes
- Gutters
- Rainwater tanks
- External flashings
- Spouts
- Ridge capping
A roof plumber will also fix any existing roof leaks and provide waterproofing services for roofs to prevent further avoidable leaking.
What are the Most Common Signs of Poor Roof Plumbing?
With any roofing project that our plumbers take on, we see examples of plumbing that is either of substandard quality or is past its prime and in need of repair. Among the most common signs of a poor roofing plumbing job are:
- Structural damage
- Roof is leaking
- Growth of mould and mildew
- Moisture stains on the ceiling
- Gutters are blocked
With a thorough inspection, an experienced roofing plumber will be able to detect faults in the existing plumbing job and correct them. Corrective approaches might include a new installation, replacement of materials or simple roofing repairs. Whatever the approach, it will only serve to enhance the safety of your home and your family.
Preventative Maintenance and Regular Servicing
As with many plumbing issues, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to roof leaks. Yes, there may be instances where they are unavoidable to an extent, such as the recent floods and heavy storm activity.
But basic preventative maintenance measures, such as scheduling a roof inspection with a qualified roof plumber every six months, can be crucial.
They can help you to identify any potential concerns with your roofing; concerns that might only be small and can be easily repaired now before they become major problems in the future. By having a qualified roof plumber complete an inspection on your roof now, you can avoid costly issues or a premature need for a roof replacement later.
What is the Difference Between a Roof Plumber and a Regular Plumber?
A roof plumber doesn’t typically deal with the kitchen sinks, toilet cisterns and bathroom taps that a domestic plumber would. They deal with downpipes, gutters, flashing and rainwater tanks, as mentioned earlier.
Essentially, domestic plumbers and roof plumbers’ services are different; regular plumbing focuses on the supply and drainage of water inside the home (and at ground level around the outdoor perimeter of your home) while a roof plumber focuses on channeling rainwater away from the roof.
They also undergo additional training to ensure they are able to deliver quality workmanship, completing the work safely and to strict Australian standards. That training includes elevated work platforms and stormwater training.
Therefore, they have the required qualification to complete everything from installation of roof coverings to the replacement or repair of complex flashings and much more. And they can do it with optimal safety and adherence to strict Australian code.
When Do You Need to Call a Roof Plumber?
Aside from the fact that your plumbing problem is occurring well above ground level, there are numerous indicators or times that you may be in need of a roof plumbing professional.
- When you’re building a new property or renovating an established home – you may need to measure, prepare and install roof sheeting, gutters, downpipes and roof flashing.
- Repairs to roof flashing – this helps to stop water from breaching the interior of your home or commercial building.
- Roof leak repairs – a roof plumber will try to repair your roof leak but will also try to prevent future leaks from occurring.
- Emergency events – extreme weather events that cause roof damage leading to water breaches is another common need for a roof plumber.
- Rainwater tank installation – if you’re considering installing a rainwater tank on your property, you will need a specialist roof plumber to get the job done.
A trade qualified roof plumber will be able to prepare and install all your essential roof plumbing fixtures to ensure your roof is able to work effectively and delivers the protection your home deserves.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.