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Whether you are starting a building project or simply renovating, you may need a quick guide to what roof plumbing is. After all, your roof gives you good protection from the rain and sun’s heat. This guide will consider what roof plumbing is, the parts of a roof plumbing system, why you should use a roof plumber, and how to choose a good one.
Roof plumbing can be described as any work that includes renovating, installing, fixing, altering, and maintaining roof flashings, guttering, and roof coverings on buildings or structures. It involves protecting your roof from damage due to water. Furthermore, roof plumbing can involve fixing skylights and ventilators.
Who Is A Roof Plumber?
A roof plumber is a trained specialist who does metal roofing, roof covering, guttering, and drainage. Sometimes, they are also called metal roof plumbers or steel roofers.
What’s The Difference Between Roof Plumbing And Regular Plumbing?
Fixing roof plumbing is one thing. Fixing plumbing problems in other home areas such as the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom is something different. While regular plumbing considers the supply and drainage of water in other building areas, roof plumbing focuses on draining rainwater off your roof.
Hence, you see roof plumbers working with gutter downpipes, roof flashing, rainwater tanks, and gutters. Furthermore, the requisite training of a roof plumber is different from that of an average plumber. A roof plumber needs more specialised training like heights training and stormwater training.
What Are The Effects Of Stagnant Roof Water On Your Home?
Stagnant water can not only threaten the integrity of your metal roof, but it can also threaten your home. How? Consider the weight of water. Then, think of the ultimate effect accumulated water can have on your roof. Indeed, it can make the roof sag.
Furthermore, when the water pools at the foundations of the building, it damages the foundation. Moreover, it can cause further damage when it seeps into siding, weatherboards, and bricks.
What Are The Parts Of A Roof Plumbing System?
Gutters
The gutters are the most visible part of roof plumbing. Their screws must remain tight. In addition, there should be no holes or leaks. Moreover, it should not be blocked by debris. Such a situation can lead to poor water drainage. Typically, you should clean your roof gutters at least once a year.
Gutter Downpipes
Gutter downpipes are meant to direct water from your roof gutters to your local stormwater drainage system. What this means is that less water ends up in the ground near your home.
Roof Flashing And Capping
It would be difficult for your roof plumbing contractor to guarantee seamless joints between your metal roofing sheets. Thus, water may get in through those gaps no matter how narrow they are. The effects of seeping water on the roof and home are many and will be considered shortly.
However, roof flashing and caps are used to prevent this damage. Roof plumbers use them to cover up the joints. This way, water does not get in.
When Do You Need A Roof Plumber?
The following are the general situations that call for a roofing contractor.
- New Building/Roofing Projects
A roof plumber can help you prepare a plan for new buildings. This includes helping you determine the materials and structures needed. Thereafter, they help you with the roofing project itself.
- Roof Flashing
Here, they ensure that the roof penetration is flashed or roof coverings are added. This is to prevent leaking.
In other words, they use materials like metal, glass, and fibreglass to cover and protect roof structures. Other materials they may use include malthoid sheets and polycarbonate.
- Roof Drainage Systems
They connect roof drainage systems to street and sewerage systems. This includes rainwater drainage and stormwater drainage systems. Furthermore, they can help you design and install roof drainage systems.
- Roofing Fixtures
Similarly, they measure, fabricate and install roofing fixtures such as gutter downpipes, roof safety systems, roof mesh, and rainwater tanks.
For example, your roof plumber may want to connect your rainwater tank to stormwater pipes. In addition, they may want to set up your indoor plumbing to receive collected rainwater.
- Roof Repair And Emergency Plumbing
Furthermore, they perform roof repairs and emergency plumbing installation and repairs.
- Installation, Repairs, And Maintenance Of Gutter And Spout
This is another area where a roof plumbing contractor can be of use.
Signs Of Poor Roof Plumbing
You do not want poor roof plumbing or metal roof installation in your home. Just imagine what could occur. Water may seep into your ceiling. It could also sit in your roof gutters. Consequently, after a while, it may result in internal or structural damage. Moreover, the water drainage system could be affected.
The following are some signs of a roof plumbing problem.
- A Leaking Roof
This can be a serious sign that you need a roof plumber. You may want to put preventive measures in place rather than wait to see a leaking roof. One such step is having your roof plumbing checked once every six months.
- Stained Ceilings
The water that has accumulated can cause sudden stains on the ceiling. The water has probably leaked into the crawl spaces above the roof.
Do you know this can damage the plaster in your ceiling? It could indeed pose a severe structural risk.
- Mould And Mildew
Likewise, you should ensure the roof flashing is adequate, and the roof gutters and spouts are well maintained. Otherwise, humidity and moisture would foster the growth of mould and mildew.
When unhealthy mould grows in your ceiling, your respiratory health could be at risk. Moreover, it is not a wholesome sight.
- Blocked Gutters
When your roof gutters are cracked, damaged, or blocked, water will build up. Mould will grow, your walls may be damaged, and the ceilings and fixtures may be affected. Naturally, you may have to get the gutter cleaned or install a new one.
- Structural Damage
When you see weakened or rotting wood in wooden foundations, it means water is seeping into the structure.
Likewise, it follows that the structural integrity of your home is being compromised.
Why You Should Use A Roof Plumber
If you do not enlist the skills of a professional roofing plumber, you may end up with the downpipe of your roof at one end and the gutter falling a different way. Consequently, water on the roof does not flow to the downpipe.
As mentioned earlier, this can result in the growth of mould and mildew in your home. In addition, it can result in structural damage.
Aside from the health risks mentioned, the mould and mildew can cause your heating and cooling system problems.
Moreover, blocked drains and roof leaks in your roof plumbing can result in electrical risks and fire hazards. Furthermore, such leaks can damage your home’s insulation.
How To Choose A Good Roofing Plumber Or Roofing Contractor
Those roof repairs may need a professional touch. That is where a good roofing fabrication and installations team comes in. They can provide:
- Roofing solutions for high-end residential builders.
- Re-roofing.
- Commercial plumbing and extension projects.
- High-end residential roofing and wall cladding installations.
First, make sure you choose a team with the right experience, knowledge, and skills. Consequently, they will be able to identify your roof plumbing issues, solve them, and implement future preventive measures. For example, they may advise you on how often you should perform gutter cleaning.
Second, the roofing contractors you choose should always work with a safety plan. Third, good roofing contractors follow the latest roofing codes and regulations in the locality. In addition, confirm they have the correct roof plumbing registration, licences, and training. For example, a roof plumber should have a roof plumbing licence before working in a residential building.
One such training requirement is Certificate III Roof Plumbing Training. It ensures professionals are trained in specific areas such as handling roofing materials, working safely on metal roofs, welding, and flashings. Other training areas are roof drainage, roof coverings, and composite roof systems.
Conclusion
It can be disheartening to see leaking roofs or see damp spots on your walls. Delaying action may worsen the situation. A quick guide to roof plumbing can help you identify the problem and choose a good roof plumbing contractor. Consider choosing a first-rate contractor offering residential and commercial plumbing services.
