We all recognise the importance of having a ‘roof over our heads’ and yet we often neglect our roof and gutters until it is too late. Inspecting and maintaining your roof, gutters and downpipes should be carried out at least every six months. We recommend at the end of autumn and spring. In some locations where there are overhanging trees or where the premises are close to the ocean more frequent maintenance may be required. In addition, check your roof, gutters and downpipes during and after storms. Deterioration to roofs and gutters can suddenly be accelerated by storms and high winds.
Overflowing gutters indicate that there is a serious problem with your water management system. Gutters that have a build-up of debris with leaf matter, dirt and organic growth will lose a large amount of their water carrying capacity causing them to overflow. Overflowing gutters can lead to flooded ceilings, damaged roof timbers, saturation of the internal walls and damage to the buildings foundations, which can result in some serious structural damage. Valley lines are also prone to trapping leaves, causing water to divert and overflow onto the ceilings below. Often this results in not only damaging the ceiling and some of your possessions below, but also insulation, light fittings and electrical wiring.
INSPECTING YOUR ROOF – Where possible carry out a visual inspection of the roof from ground level (binoculars are useful). This may be sufficient if there is no evidence of problems from inside the building or the roof space. Inspect the roof for any loose metal sheeting, clogged, bent or broken gutters and downpipes. Check for damaged or lifting capping’s and flashings, paying particular attention around chimneys, parapet walls, pipe penetrations, air-conditioners and sky-lights. Look for signs of corrosion at the joins between the sheets and also along the screw line.
Not all roof problems can be rectified without the services of a roofing professional, however gutter and downpipe maintenance, when approached in a sensible manner can be fixed within a few hours. Safety should be the primary concern when deciding whether to do this yourself or engage someone else.
SAFETY FIRST – Many problems can only be identified by getting up on the roof and any work you do around your premises with a ladder requires care. Use a sturdy, standalone ladder placed on a level surface. Carry out an inspection as outlined above. In addition, check the gutters and downpipes for a build-up of debris and leaf matter. Wear thick gloves and protective eyewear to avoid cuts to hands and swarf entering your eyes.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE – Using a safe and stable ladder, wearing appropriate thick PVC gloves and protective eyewear, clean and remove the build-up of leaf matter, dirt and debris from the gutters. Use a stiff, soft bristled brush to sweep debris into a pile, being particularly careful not to scratch or damage the metal gutters. Place the debris into a bucket or plastic bag and lower to the ground. With a garden hose wash down and remove all sludge and decaying leaf matter. Check that the gutters are draining freely towards the downpipes or outlets and that they do not hold any water as this will accelerate rusting of the steel or iron gutters and considerably shorten their life.
Downpipes should be cleared of any debris by inserting a water pressure hose down (from the top) each downpipe. Clearing of obstructions should immediately remove the risk of water backing up in the gutters. Underground storm water systems may require a plumber to unblock any obstructions.
CONSIDER A PERMANENT SOLUTION – Reduce the amount of time you spend removing debris and cleaning your gutters by installing Rev Guard Gutter Guard system. Rev Guard Gutter Guard acts like a permanent barrier to foliage and other debris, giving you year round protection from the risk of blocked gutters and downpipes. It is made from 100 per cent BlueScope ZINCALUME® steel, created in a custom made profile which is then perforated and cut to lengths of up to 8 metres and folded to suit any application.
If your gutters and downpipes have been cleared and cleaned and there are signs of leaks then it is likely that your gutters and downpipes require replacement. Our representatives can help identify the problem. Call Hindmarsh Roofing for more information or an obligation free quote on 08 8268 1600.