Realising that you may have roof drainage problems can come as a bit of a shock.
For the most part, we don’t think much about our roof or gutters on a day-to-day basis. It’s only when we notice that something isn’t quite right that we start to contemplate how important our under-appreciated roof and gutter systems are.
Proper roof drainage plays a key role in protecting your property from damage, so it’s worth learning how to spot a problem in the making.
How to Spot Poor Roof Drainage
During a rainstorm, particularly a heavy downpour, you may notice water overflowing from your gutters.
Other signs of poor drainage that may be visible at any time include:
- Dirt streaks on the outside of your gutters
- Blistering or peeling paint in areas that should be dry
- Soil erosion in garden beds under the gutters
- Water damage
- Mould or mildew
- Sagging roof or ceiling
Poor roof drainage can lead to costly structural damage. It can also cause leaks that damage items inside your home. Even worse, moisture in the wrong place can encourage the growth of mould, including black mould, which can be very dangerous and damaging to human health.
If you suspect drainage issues on your roof, it’s important to take the time to assess your system.
If in any doubt, it’s always advisable to call in the professionals to help diagnose and treat problems with your drainage systems.
Causes of Poor Roof Drainage
There are many factors that can contribute to problems with drainage from your roof.
When inspecting your system, take the time to consider all possibilities. Sometimes more than one problem is contributing to the issue.
These are the most common things to look out for.
Blocked Gutters or Downpipes
The most common (and easy to fix) cause of drainage issues are a blockage in your gutters and/or drainpipes.
Autumn leaves are the obvious culprit here, but it isn’t uncommon to find obstructions caused by anything from twigs and dirt to dead animals and growing plants!
The simple solution is to clear the debris and things should start running smoothly again.
Only do this work yourself if you feel confident working at heights on ladders or on the roof and have access to the proper safety equipment.
If you need a hand, we’re here to help.
Damaged Gutters or Downpipes
Sometimes heavy accumulations of debris can damage your drainage system over time.
You may also notice damage caused by one-time events like a branch fall or deterioration because of wear-and-tear.
Look out for cracks, leaks, or places where the system is pulling away and replace the damaged sections as soon as possible to prevent drainage system failure.
Gutter Design Flaws
Gutters are deceptively simple things. On the surface, they look like simple structures that convey water easily away from the roof.
In reality, they are carefully planned water channels designed to funnel water efficiently away from your roof because they are angled at the correct slope to do so.
If your gutters are too flat or too steeply tilted, water won’t flow at the correct rate, leading to drainage problems.
You may suspect this issue if water seems to stagnate or gush by without any visible blockage or damage.
Downpipe Design Flaws
Similarly, downpipes need to be installed in the right number, size, and location for your system to work properly.
If your drainage system overflows during heavy rain and you’ve eliminated the possibility of a blockage or damage, you may need your drainage system design assessed.
