Plumbing includes both ground-based and roof-based plumbing. But we often forget about roof plumbing until there is an emergency.
A well-maintained roof is a vital part of any home. It protects you from the outside elements and can increase the value of your property. Therefore, plumbing is important to keep your roof in good condition.
And unlike most people think, as property owners, we also have to put in a little effort apart from professional assistance. So, here is a guide to understanding plumbing better.
Plumbing Inspection
A thorough roof inspection is an excellent idea. Check the materials used, such as the tiles and corrugated iron—Is any part of it twisted, missing, shattered, or otherwise harmed?
Roof damage can jeopardise your home’s capacity to keep you warm and dry during the winter.
Check Gutters and Downpipes
Don’t forget to check your gutters while performing your annual roof inspection. A leaky gutter will be equally problematic as a poorly maintained roof.
Gutters should be free of rust and debris, such as leaves. You can test the water flow by turning on a hose and putting it towards the downpipe. If there is a constrained flow, there can be a blockage.
You can take care of most simple issues on your own by cleaning out clogged gutters and downpipes, filling in minor cracks, or treating tiny rust spots with anti-rust treatment. But if it has significant corrosion or severe damage, it is better to replace your gutter entirely.
Repair any leaks immediately
Roof leaks are quite common. But leaks can cause serious damage to your roof and home if left unchecked for a long time. Even minor leaks can cause significant issues like mould growth, ruined sheathing and structure, damaged insulation, and ceiling problems.
Replace Rotted Wood
If it’s leaking and there is rotten wood, you may need to replace the rotted wood. The good news is that this can be done relatively inexpensively.
Here are four methods for replacing rotted wood:
1) Cut out the rotted wood with a saw and remove it.
2) Use a chisel to remove the rotted wood.
3) Use a drill to make several small holes into the rotted wood and insert screws into the holes to hold it in place while you fill the cracks with caulk or sealant.
4) Use a hot wire brush to clean and seal any cracks in the material around the rotted area.
You can also use composite shingles. Composite shingles are made of several layers of materials and can last longer than traditional shingles.
Check Your Attic
The attic can tell whether a roof needs replacing or is still in good shape. If water stains are visible and daylight peeps through the boards, the roof must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Prune Overhanging Tree Branches
Make sure to keep the trees trimmed away from your roof. Overhanging branches can damage shingles and allow water to enter your home.
Tree trimming reduces damage by keeping leaves and moss off the roof. Extremely high winds and friction from leaves and tree limbs can harm shingles.
Overhanging branches also allow rodents and squirrels to get up there and nibble on it. To stop these animals from climbing the tree, the branches should be kept off the roof, or if that is not practical, you can encase the tree trunk in metal sheeting.
You never know if there is damage to the shingle from something, so check it regularly. The roof needs a fix right away if any of the shingles are twisted, buckled, or missing.
Ceiling Mould
Water stains or paint bubbles on the roof are often the first signs of excessive moisture. If untreated, it can result in the mould growth, which sometimes triggers allergies or could even be toxic.
If the symptoms appear or worsen only after rain, your roof and/or gutters are most likely leaking. But if the symptoms appear during rainy and sunny weather alike, check to see if there’s any plumbing issue in the neighbouring room that might need to be fixed.
It typically indicates that other parts of the room will also have mould or stains in addition to the ceiling. Another problem can be inadequate ventilation. Mould grows when condensation develops and the environment is too moist to dry.
Flashing and Capping Methods
Your plumber wouldn’t be able to ensure that the seams between any metal roofing sheets will be seamless. Therefore, no matter how small the gaps are, water may still enter through them. There are numerous repercussions of leaking water on the roofing and residence.
To stop this damage, roof flashing and capping are adopted. Plumbers use these methods to conceal the joints. It prevents water from entering. Once they are installed, it is also necessary to inspect them regularly.
Beware of Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when water from melting snow streams down the roof’s surface and re-freezes. Ice dams are annoying because they cause damage, and their removal may result in leaks into the house.
Do not try to forcibly remove the already-formed ice since it could harm it. Instead, clear the snow away from the gutters by three feet using a rake.
And after every major storm, inspect it for air leaks and poor insulation to reduce the risk of ice dams.
Coating
If you want to keep your roof healthy for a long time, you should consider getting a coating. There are various types of coating available—acrylic coating, asphalt emulsion, silicone coating, and butyl rubber.
The acrylic coating has superior resistance to mildew, and prevents dirt accumulation. Whereas the asphalt emulsion coating strengthens the durability.
On the other hand, silicone coating helps protect from UV rays. At last, the butyl rubber coating is known for its high elasticity and tensile strength. It is also highly reflective, fast drying, and suitable for maintenance.
You can pick one as per your needs, and it is a great idea to go for a coating.
Conclusion
Using this simple guide you can keep your roof in good shape and save money. It’s lifespan will be extended by such basic regular maintenance.
Surely, you can handle some of these problems on your own, while you need a professional’s help for the major ones. For those times, you can get in touch with Doyle— a plumber in St. Kilda.
