Not all plumbing around the home is found in the walls or underground. In fact, a large part of the plumbing around your building is located on its roof. Gutters, downpipes and even the roofing itself are all part of a large plumbing system designed to control and carry away rainwater before it can damage your property. If you’re seeing signs of water damage, like a growing water stain on the ceiling, it’s probably time to call a roof plumber for help. In this article we are going to look at the specialty and find out what a roof plumber does and how they can help look after your home.
What is the Difference Between a Roofer and a Roof Plumber?
If you’re thinking that roof systems are the domain of roofers then you’re half right. When it comes to installing roof panels or tiles, fitting underlays and weatherproofing your home, roofers are the ones putting in the hard yards. For everything else, including the waterproofing, guttering and flashing, roof plumbers are the trades you need. The confusion usually comes from the fact that these two professions have plenty of overlap between them. To make it simple we can say that roofers specialise in the installation of roofing materials while roof plumbers specialise in the installation of rain and stormwater management.
That means you would call a roofer if you had a broken roof tile or rusty roof panel, but that you’d call a roof plumber if a section of your gutter had collapsed.
Common Roof Plumbing Problems
Like other common plumbing issues, problems with your roof can lead to expensive water damage over time. Some of the most common roof plumbing issues are:
- Roof leaks
- Leaking, rusty or broken gutters
- Blocked downpipes
- Property erosion
- Stormwater damage to foundations
If you are experiencing any of these problems then it’s time to speak to a roof plumber. Left unchecked, small leaks can become major repairs. Something as simple as a water spot on the ceiling can be the first sign that you have a problem with your roof. But leaky roof plumbing isn’t limited to damaged plasterboard – more serious problems are also common.
If your gutters develop a leak or your stormwater drains become blocked the foundations of your home could be at risk. Building foundations are designed to stand up to lots of abuse over the years, but water damage is a serious issue. Water not only erodes soil and leads to foundations collapsing, it worsens the effects of expansion and contraction over time. These large shifts can cause foundations to crack and potentially do structural damage to the walls of your home.
What Do Roof Plumbers Do?
Roof plumbers look after everything that has to do with the water that lands on the roof of your home. That means you can call on their help for a wide range of construction, installation and repair jobs. Some of the most common tasks handled by roof plumbers include:
- Leak repair
- Gutter system design and installation
- Construction of roof flashing
- Installation of downpipes and stormwater systems
- Installation of water tanks
- Running stormwater drains to the kerb or other drainage systems
If you’re building a house then a roof plumber will also be involved in the roofing portion of the work. Alongside other roofing professionals, your plumber will design, fabricate and install the flashing, guttering and stormwater systems that keep the foundations of your home safe.
Need an Experienced Roof Plumber? Contact S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting today!
In a climate like Brisbane’s where summer storms can deliver a beating, keeping on top of your roof plumbing is important. If you do experience a problem then don’t let a leaking roof turn into a major repair – contact the roof plumbers at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting. Our experienced team of qualified plumbers are ready to help with any issues you’re experiencing. We can safely and quickly access and repair any problems with your roof, gutters and stormwater system. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and make an appointment today.