Plumbing on Your Roofing: Facts on Gutters, Downspouts, and Flashings

When it comes to the topic of plumbing, homeowners in Menlo Park, CA and nearby areas are quick to imagine pipes running along the walls and under the floors of their houses, but did you know that there’s also such a thing as roof plumbing? Roof plumbing is any work that involves the installation, repair, alteration, and maintenance of guttering, roof flashing, downpipes, and other types of roof coverings. Basically, roof plumbing, likewise referred to as storm water plumbing, ensures that your roofing system has adequate weatherproofing and proper water drainage.

Take note that roof plumbing work may also include the installation of ventilators, skylights and the application of protective coating material. So when you’re in the process of building a new home or simply working to improve your roofing, which may already have leakage issues and the like, you’ll need the services of established roofers such as those from Shelton Roofing who serve the Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto, CA areas. The following are some critical components of roof plumbing that you might want to have checked and repaired, if necessary.

Gutters

Commonly made from steel, aluminum, copper, and vinyl, roof gutters are durable roofing elements that direct water away from the roof edge, thereby protecting the roof’s material and the home’s foundation from the damaging effects of water seepage. Without efficient gutters, rain will run down the roofline like a waterfall and cause the immediate vicinity of the house to become waterlogged, potentially allowing water to leak into the basement or cause damage to the home’s structure and landscaping. Regular maintenance and cleaning are required for gutters to function properly.

Downspouts

Downspouts and gutters work together to keep water away from the roof. The type and location of downspouts installed by roofing professionals mainly depends on the building’s appearance, configuration, and architectural features. Technically speaking, however, each downspout should be able to drain a maximum of 50 feet of gutter. Downspouts should not be placed in locations where water flows around a corner and in areas where icing occurs, downspouts on the north side of the property are a no-no.

Flashings

Although a roofing material is said to be resistant to water and moisture penetration, the joints between panels, architectural elements, and masonry units may not be. Therefore, roof flashing is needed to keep moisture and water from entering such vulnerable locations. Flashing is a vital component of a weather resistant barrier (WRB) system and usually made of stainless steel or copper metal sheets.

Source:

How to Fix Rain Gutters & Downspouts, HomeTips