Whether your roof is sloped or flat, it will have some kind of drainage system; otherwise, water and debris can build up and eventually cause damage to the roofing material and whatever’s under it. On sloped roofs, it’s straightforward – the water runs down the roof into gutters, which then control the flow of the water into downpipes. On flat roofs, though, the system may involve scupper, overflow, and internal drains, which means you need to pay more attention to the drainage.
Whatever drainage system you have, maintenance is crucial to ensuring that it works properly. You can always call the best plumbers Concord wide, but if possible, you’ll want to keep that as a last resort. That said, here are some tips to help you maintain your roof drains.
Inspect the Roof and Drain System
This is especially important if you have a flat roof because the lack of an angle means that any debris that builds up on top won’t slide off as easily as it would on a sloped roof. That said, you need to know what to look out for when inspecting your roof.
The first thing to look for is standing water. Anywhere water is prone to pooling becomes more vulnerable to damage, later on, so make sure you clear away these pools, no matter how small. Keep an eye out for any buildup of debris or leaves; leave those alone for long enough and they could cause damage to the roof if not to the drainage system.
Check the roofing material, too, whether it’s shingles or something else. If it’s damaged or cracked, this means that not all the water is being directed to the drainage system, and that can lead to problems later on down the line.
Clean Out Gutters
A clogged gutter can’t do its job, so don’t forget to clean yours out. Otherwise, the rest of the drainage system as well as the roof itself becomes more susceptible to water damage.
Fortunately, keeping gutters clean is relatively simple. You just need to gather a few supplies including a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands, a small plastic scoop (a toy shovel will work in a pinch), and a hose. You’ll also want to have a sturdy extendable ladder, and standoff stabilizers to keep your ladder in place without damaging your gutters.
Check Gutters for Damage
Carrying out inspection and maintenance on your roof drains can help extend the drainage system’s longevity, but at some point, you’ll need to replace the gutters at least. To know when it’s time to replace them, check the gutters for any cracks, as these can let water through to the material underneath, and replace or touch up any missing or rusting paint.
If the weather’s dry and sunny, don’t forget to check for signs of water damage; this will tell you if your gutters are leaking or overflowing in a section that’s not immediately obvious. If you spot any gutters that are sagging or pulling away from the house, that’s a sure sign it’s time to get them replaced because they’ve weakened and don’t function as efficiently anymore.
