Photo by John Sailer on Unsplash
With summer in full swing, you may already be busy with your annual roof maintenance. If so, you may have to deal with gutter blockages. Or you may have noticed that more roof water is ending up on the ground than in the stormwater system.
If this is the case, it may come as a surprise, but it may be time to call the roofing plumber Belconnen residents are turning to for all their maintenance needs. Roofing plumbers have extensive experience with repairing and rehanging damaged or clogged gutters and downpipes. We take a closer look at the top signs that let you know it’s time to stop struggling with excessive leaks and give your roofing plumber a call.
Watch Out for the Signs
When it comes to your roof’s drainage system, there will always be clear signs that either the gutters or downpipes need repairs. Leaving these minor issues to escalate will result in irreparable issues that will not only lead to extensive water damage but can also be expensive to replace if you didn’t budget for it. Here are a few of the more significant tell-tale signs to look out for.
Gutters are Constantly Overflowing
Some regions in Australia receive high levels of rainfall, which means that your gutters will occasionally overflow and spill more water on the ground. However, the onus is on you to figure out if the overflow that you’re seeing is normal or excessive.
The key way to do this is to watch for instances when the amount of rainfall doesn’t match the overflowing that happens. Ideally, the bulk of any roof’s water should still make it down the gutters and into the stormwater system or garden.
If you see your gutters overflowing even with smaller bouts of rainfall, it may be time to check for blockages. A simple way to do this is to use a pressure washer or hose to force debris and dirt out of the gutters.
Gutters and Downpipes are Sagging and Seem Heavy
You may think that it’s normal for older or smaller gutters to start sagging as they age. The reality is that no matter how old your guttering system is, it should always flow freely. Not cleaning gutters out regularly makes it possible for leaves and twigs to build up throughout the drainage system.
When this happens, the gutters become heavy and can start sagging and pulling away from the walls and roof. The trick here is to contact your roofing plumber as soon as you notice this. If your gutters are in the early stages of sagging and aren’t too badly damaged, your plumbing team may be able to repair and rehang them, saving you money in the long run.
Clear Signs of Water Damage
It can be difficult to check for water damage when you’re in the middle of a rainfall spell that’s lasting a few days. However, keep in mind that water damage from damaged gutters doesn’t just happen on the outside of your home.
In addition to water pooling around your foundations, there may also be water damage developing inside. This happens when excessive water on the roof flows into the attic space and eventually starts leaking down the interior walls in your home.
You’ll easily see this with water stains on your ceiling or walls. There may also be mould spores developing on different spots in your home. These can easily be identified as black spots on the ceiling, walls, and furnishings.
Gutters are Old and Showing Signs of Damage
Another clear sign that your gutters are due for repair or replacement is that they will have visible splits and cracks, which you’ll be able to see from the ground. These cracks and splits often form when older gutters become worn due to a combination of age and harsh weather conditions.
Other factors that affect the overall condition of your gutters include the following:
- Original material used
- Quality of the initial installation
- Volume of rainfall in the area
- Quality of seasonal maintenance
If you’ve inherited older or neglected gutters in the home you’ve recently moved into, it’s a good idea to get a head start on potential issues. By scheduling a roof assessment, you’ll be able to have an accurate idea of exactly what’s wrong with your drainage system. It’s also the perfect opportunity to upgrade your gutter to a larger, more efficient system that’s better suited to the rainfall in your area.
Final Thoughts
Your home needs to have an optimally functioning gutter to prevent water from pooling on the roof or damaging the foundation or home interior. It’s essential to keep an eye out for the subtle signs that let you know your gutters or downpipes may need repairing.
Calling your plumber in the early days of an issue prevents costly replacements. Our experts recommend getting a full inspection and assessment of your entire drainage system as soon as possible. Doing this means that you’ll have peace of mind that your roof and its drainage system can handle the toughest storms this summer!