White gutter on the roof top of house

We all take our roofs for granted. As long as they keep us safe and comfortable, most of us don’t worry about maintenance. However, we don’t realise how important gutter and downpipe maintenance is to the overall condition of our roof. Leave it for too long, and debris can build up, which leads to leaks and severe water or structural damage.

With proper upkeep, you can maintain the quality of your roof and prevent damage to your home.

Gutters

Gutters are what safely manage the water in your roof. However, if debris builds up and blocks them, your gutters won’t be able to do their job. Gutter blockage is one of the most common roofing issues. Overflowing gutters can result in leaks, which will further lead to roof flooding, saturated walls, and timber and foundation damage.

To prevent leaks, you’ll need to make sure that your gutters are regularly cleaned out, especially during winter. Wild weather can cause leaves and twigs to fly off and land in your gutter. When cleaning out your gutter, make sure you’re pushing the debris away from the entrance of the downpipe. You should also place additional measures to prevent gutter blockage. Invest in gutter guards to stop your gutter from clogging.

Downpipes

Much like gutters, blocked downpipes can result in serious damage to your roof. However, they’re a little trickier to unclog due to their sharp angles. You can unclog your downpipes by inserting a wire in the top of the pipe and breaking up the debris. Afterwards, insert a water pressure hose and flush it out. Some downpipes may be harder to access. If that’s the case, you may have to disassemble your downpipes and clean them out. This method can be safer than climbing up on your roof.

You should also check to see if your downpipes are properly sealed. Any issues with sealing may require replacement downpipes, in which case you should call a professional.

Roof Safety

In you plan on clearing out your gutters and downpipes yourself, you should make sure you are properly protected to prevent injuries. Gear up by wearing thick gloves and protective eyewear. This will ensure you don’t get any cuts on your hands or debris in your eyes. Use a sturdy ladder with someone on the ground holding the frames. Make sure the ladder is level with the gutter so you’re not overreaching. The ladder also needs to be properly positioned so you can easily access your downpipes.

Do You Need Re Roofing? Talk to Roof Top Industries!

If your roof has any leaks, or it’s suffered from severe water damage, contact the professionals at Roof Top Industries, Perth! Not only do we provide roof tiles and installations, but we also seal leaks and fix structural damages. For a free measure and quote, call 08 9309 3993 or fill out a form online.