PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OF RAINWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Many home maintenance plans tend to neglect the rainwater management system. Regular waterproofing maintenance can prevent costly and unnecessary repairs in the future. There are a number of components to the rain management system which include roof and roof ridges, gutters, downspouts and gulleys, facias and bargeboards and paving. All of these precautions will help prevent rainwater damage.
Roof and Roof Ridges
Roof and roof ridge maintenance is often overlooked by most homeowners knowing the average life span of a roof is around 20 to 25 years. This is only true if the roof is well maintained and inspected every 3 years and the necessary preventative maintenance is carried out.
The inspection of the roof includes inspecting the roof ridge and shingles or tile roof covering. During the inspection look for any broken, loose, missing or worn ridge or roof tiles as well as missing cement between the ridge tiles. Inspect the flashings for any damage or wear.
These items should be repaired or replaced as required to prevent water leakage into the roof cavity which could cause moisture damage to the roof structure or even the ceilings inside the house.
Check for any overhanging trees which could rub against the roof covering and could cause damage or wear to the roof cover. Cut any overhanging trees back away from the roof.
Remove any fungal or moss growth from the roof using a household antifungal cleaner and regularly wash the roof to remove excessive dirt or algae growth.
Here are a few ways how you as a Home Owner can prevent water leakage in your roof;
- Install Waterproof Barriers
- Install Pre-manufactured Flashing
- Install Roof Deck Protection
- Install Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles
- Spect Skylights
Gutters, Downspouts and Gulleys
These play an important role in draining the rainwater from the roof and diverting it away from the house structure.
When inspecting these components, check that the gutter and downspouts are firmly attached to the facia boards and the house structure. Make sure that the gutters slope slightly downwards towards the downspouts to allow correct water flow.
Inspect all the components for any damage or leaks and repair or replace as required ensuring that all overlays are correctly sealed with a good quality caulk sealant.
Remove any leaves, debris or plant growth from the gulleys, gutters and downspouts which may prevent the flow of rainwater through the system.
Ensure the boot of the downspout has sufficient clearance from the ground level and is facing away from the house structure to enable the water to flow away from the house.
Facias and Bargeboards
Facias and bargeboards form part of the roof line. Facias are fastened to the end of the overhanging rafters and bargeboards on the gable end of the roof and are exposed to excessive weathering and require regular maintenance.
Maintenance would include regular cleaning and painting of facias and bargeboards to ensure they are securely fastened. Rub them down with coarse sandpaper and check for any damaged or rotten sections. Cut these out and replace them with new material where necessary. Fill in the joints with good-quality caulk or wood filler.
Apply a good quality primer and undercoat before painting over with a good quality acrylic paint.
Paving
Paving assists with the flow of rainwater away from the house structure and requires regular cleaning, sealing and weed control maintenance.
When inspecting the paving, remove any weeds from the grouting before removing any dirt or stains by regular sweeping and washing.
Check the joint grouting for any gaps especially caused by the removal of weeds and refill with a grouting mixture of sand and cement. Remove any moss or algae from the paving and seal with a good-quality paving sealant.
Proper and regular maintenance of a home rainwater management system will not only enhance the home’s appearance but will also prolong the lifespan of the components of the system.
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