Does your roof drain properly? This is an important consideration in winter, since snow and rain can rest on the roof if you don’t have the right drainage. Find out the three elements you need to properly drain a roof and what to do if your roof lacks drainage.
Slope
The slope of your roof naturally pushes water away from the top and toward your drainage system, which is gutters for a pitched roof. If the slope’s too flat, your roof will develop pools of standing water.
Adequate, Clean Drains
Drainage should be sized according to the amount of rain your area gets. If the drains are too small to carry rainwater away from the roof, you’ll have standing water on the roof. This creates the potential for roof damage and leaks.
Drains also back up when they are blocked, for instance by leaves. This is why it’s so critical to have your gutters cleaned in the spring and fall.
Proper Placement
Even if you have the other variables, your roof will not drain properly if the gutters aren’t placed in the right areas. Gutters and drains must be installed according to the roof pitch and angles. If they are not installed correctly, water will not be able to drain. Additionally, the weight of rain and snow can pull gutters away from the roof, causing drainage issues.
What to Do if Your Roof Doesn’t Drain
If your roof does not drain, it could be due to:
- Lack of maintenance
- Improper installation
- Roof damage
- Cracked, bent, or corroded gutters
Time is of the essence when it comes to roof repair. If you delay taking action, you could wind up with a leaky roof, a mold problem, or other expensive damage. To find out what’s gone wrong and fix it quickly, call a licensed roofing contractor. They can clean, repair, or replace gutters so your roof drains properly.
Call us now to get a free estimate for gutter work.
