Reasons to Call a Roof Plumber
A roof plumber is interested in anything to do with rainwater and your roof. They deal with problems related to the flow of rainwater across the cladding and along the gutters. Leakage and overflow issues are their specialty. To help you know when to call a roof plumber, refer to the following situations.
Roof Leaks
If you think rainwater is going where it shouldn't, call a roof plumber to investigate. It's not wise to delay this, as rain can severely damage a building. For example, water can rot and weaken the timber beams that support the roof cladding and soak the insulation and ceiling plaster.
You may not experience dramatic situations such as rainwater dripping from the ceiling in the middle of a deluge, forcing you to use a bucket to catch the flow. The signs can be much more subtle. For example, you may notice dark stains or patches on the ceiling, which suggest water is getting in somehow. Other signs to look out for include ceiling mould and mildew.
If you can look into the crawl space — the area between the ceiling and roof cladding — you can check for dark moisture tracks caused by trickling rainwater. Alternatively, look into the roof cavity on a sunny day. If you can see sunbeams shining through, then, you have a hole. Don't endanger yourself, though. If you have any concerns, a roof plumber can check the situation for you.
Overflowing Gutters
Another time to call a roof plumber is if you notice rainwater going to the wrong places outside your home — rather than leaking inside. Once rainwater flows down the roof pitch, it should move along the gutters to the downpipes that safely transport it away from the building.
If you see rain overflowing the gutters, then you have a problem. You may not notice the overflow at the time, but you can look for signs of if afterwards. For example, the external wall may be damp and mouldy. You may also see puddles of water around the base of the building, which can damage the foundation and destabilise the surrounding earth.
The problem could be blocked gutters, which a roof plumber can clear out. Otherwise, the guttering itself may need attention — it could be loose or sagging or it may have rusty patches and holes. The roof plumber will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.