There are lots of parts that make up your roof. One part that you must not neglect is the drainage system. If there’s rain or snow, you need that water to be able to drain away from the roof as quickly as possible. A well-cared-for system will allow for this and stop any issues in their tracks. Here’s why you should take good care of your roof drainage system.
1. Improper Roof Drainage Systems Can Lead to Foundation Problems
When your roof drainage system is correctly set up, you’ll see that the water is directed away from the roof, through the guttering, and into the drains on your property. When that happens, the water will never come near your foundations. If there are problems with the system, though, that’s when foundation problems can occur.
Excessive water can start to seep in, leading to shifting, cracks in the foundation, and other issues. This can quickly happen, too, if there’s a leak in a gutter or a pipe isn’t positioned correctly. When left unchecked, this will be a very costly fix. Instead, you want to ensure the drainage system is in good condition to avoid further problems.
2. Ice Dams Can Form and Lead to Damage
Blocked gutters are a pervasive problem but one that’s so easily avoided. If the gutters are allowed to get blocked up with leaves and other debris, that can lead to ice dams in the winter. These form when the snow melts off a roof and then refreezes at the roof’s edge. That leads to water freezing and causing a ‘dam’ in the gutter.
No more water will be able to drain off the roof, so eventually, it’ll get backed up and seep under roofing tiles. That will lead to water leaks and all kinds of other problems. If the roof drainage isn’t checked for blockages, the damage can be more severe than you’d think.
3. Water Damage Can Start to Happen With Bad Drainage
On a similar note, you’ll see that water can start to overflow back onto a roof when the gutters are blocked. That again allows the water to get into the roof over time and cause damage. That’s not just water leaks, but mold and wood rot too.
Mold is an issue you want to avoid, as it can cause serious health issues when left alone for long enough. If these leaks go on long enough without intervention, you’ll see that the whole roof may need repair or replacement.
4. Improper Installation Can Lead to Issues
All the above issues assume that the gutters were installed correctly but have experienced problems over time. You can start seeing problems a lot sooner, though, if the gutters aren’t installed correctly in the first place.
They should be secured well to the walls and be at the correct angle to allow water to drain out. If this doesn’t happen, you will see these problems occur sooner rather than later. As such, you’ll want to ensure you get an expert to install them for you to stop these problems in their tracks.
How to Take Care of Your Roof Drainage System
As you can see, some fundamental problems can arise if you don’t take good care of your roof’s drainage system. If you don’t, that can cost you a lot in repairs. However, you can easily avoid this by taking a few simple measures.
Hire a Roof Drainage Expert
When new guttering is installed, it’s always an excellent idea to have an expert come and handle the job for you. It’s an extra cost upfront, but it will save you a lot of money later on as you’re less likely to experience problems. Talk to friends and family, and look for recommendations online to find a roofer that can help you get this job done to the highest standard.
Check Gutters and Downspouts Regularly
You should be doing a complete check of your roof twice a year, looking for any issues such as missing shingles or leaks. While you’re doing this check, make sure you have a good look at the drainage system. Ensure that everything is in place and that there are no sagging or holes in the drains.
You can use the garden hose to spray water into them and see if there are any leaks. If you do see any problems, you’ll want to have them addressed as quickly as possible. The quicker they’re fixed, the less chance there are any issues with your roof.
Clear the Gutters
As you check your gutters, you’ll want to ensure they’re clean and clear. Even a small amount of debris can stop water from getting through them, so you’ll want to do this regularly. Get up on a ladder and take a look in the gutters.
If there’s anything in them, such as leaves or roofing granules, wear some gloves and scoop them out into a trash bag. Once you’ve cleared the gutters, you may want to consider installing a gutter guard. This help reduces the amount of debris in the gutters, so you can ensure fewer issues arise.
Trim the Trees
If there are trees that are growing close to your roofline, you’ll want to consider trimming them back or even removing them entirely. The leaves will fall into the gutters and block them, and you want to avoid that. Cutting those trees back will reduce the chance of debris finding its way onto the roof and causing blockages.
Your roof drainage system is more important than you’d think. When well taken care of, it will stop a lot of potentially expensive repair jobs in their tracks. Take good care of your gutters by adequately installing, inspecting, and cleaning them, and they’ll be able to take care of your home.
