Roof Plumbing: Your Essential – and Simplified – Guide

 

It may sound strange, but plumbing maintenance for your roof and ceilings is as important as its underground counterpart.

Leaks, mould and water stains on ceilings and roofs are bad news, but while the plumbing may be over your head, the process to check, diagnose and maintain it shouldn’t be. Here’s how to decipher the mould and mildew mysteries of your home.

Ceiling mould

Often the first symptoms of excess dampness are water marks and/or paint bubbles on the ceiling. Left untreated it can lead to mould, which often sets off allergies or may even be toxic. You should be able to see watermarks and/or mould on a light-coloured ceiling; if there’s a mouldy smell but you can’t see any stains, it may be on the other side of the ceiling or walls.

Check: If the symptoms only occur or worsen after rain, it’s likely that your roof and/or your gutters leak. If the symptoms occur outside of rainy periods, first find out if there is plumbing in an adjacent room that may need attention. Usually this means you’ll find mould/stains in other areas of the room in addition to the ceiling. Poor ventilation could also be an issue. When condensation forms and the atmosphere is too moist to be dispelled, it encourages mould.

Remedy: Remove the mould carefully. It’s best to wear a mask to prevent breathing in mould spores.

  • Create a solution of 1 teaspoon tea tree oil to 1 cup water (shake well before use), or 4 parts white vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle

  • Spray the area liberally and leave for at least 20 minutes

  • Physically remove the mould by lightly sponging the area with clean water

You may need to repeat this process a few times if the mould is established.

To prevent the mould from returning, make sure the area has airflow through windows and doorways; if not, consider installing an exhaust fan. Also think about heating the room in cold or wet weather to encourage dryness.

(For roof and gutter leaks, see below.)

Roof

Most people only notice a leaky roof when it rains but by then many problems, such as ceiling mould, may have already taken hold. It’s worth conducting an annual check to prevent more costly, harder-to-resolve issues down the track.

Check inside: Take a look inside your attic or roof cavity for the following symptoms: cracks, water stains, peeling paint, mould or wet patches, all of which may indicate a moisture problem.

If you have roof structures such as chimneys, skylights, antennae and/or solar panels, inspect them to ensure they are properly attached and are in good condition. If the structures are loose or have deteriorated, they need further attention.

Check outside: Safety first! Choose a dry day for your check, as roofs are slippery when wet. Use a high-quality extension ladder, secured to the house in two places, and wear a safety harness with a lifeline, which you should attach to a stable fixture on the roof as soon as you climb up. Always work with another person. Climb up to one corner of the roof and avoid stepping on it as much as possible as this can cause damage.

What to inspect:

  • Edge metal at eaves and seams should be well attached

  • Exposed fasteners should be tight

  • Protective coating should be intact and rust-free

  • Roof tiles should be whole and in place

  • Chimney bricks and mortar should be intact

Remedy: If you spot anything amiss that you cannot easily fix yourself, especially leaks, call a professional plumber. For issues with structures, contact the professional who specialises in that structure, for example a bricklayer or mason for loose chimney bricks.

Gutter maintenance

While you’re conducting your annual roof check, don’t forget to take a look at your gutters. A well-maintained roof and a leaky gutter can be just as problematic as a leaky roof.

Check: Gutters should be clear of debris, such as leaves, and rust free. Check water flow by turning on a hose and directing it into the down pipe. If the flow is restricted it may indicate a blockage.

Remedy: You can address most basic problems yourself: clean out dirty gutters and downpipes, patch minor cracks, and deal with small rust spots using anti-rust treatment. If large areas contain rust or your gutter is severely broken, it’s best to replace it altogether.

If you are not comfortable or able to work at heights, a professional plumber will also be able to conduct these checks for you.

Don’t delay

Don’t wait until your house floods to conduct roof plumbing and drainage maintenance. Winter is a perfect time to clear gutters of autumn leaves and locate all the cracks and gaps that might let the cold in – you may as well check for leaks and anything that needs repair while you’re up there.

*This article originally appeared on Houzz - https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/roof-plumbing-your-essential-and-simplified-guide-stsetivw-vs~88434377

 
Amber Madden