We have focused on the installation of flat roofs, the repair of flat roofs and the damage that leaks can cause inside a building if the leak is not found quickly and repaired in previous posts. In this post we are going to discuss eaves trough repair associated with flat roofs.
Every building should have an eaves trough. An eaves trough will collect the water coming off the roof of a building and channel it away from the foundation. The eaves trough is attached to the side of the building at the roof line so that water coming off of the roof goes directly into the trough. Even flat roofs will need to have an eaves trough. Although a flat roof is flat, there will be a slight slope to it so that water will run off of the roof instead of collecting and standing on the roof. Standing water on a roof is not a good thing since it adds weight that the roof must support, it may penetrate even the tiniest hole in the roof and then it freezes in the winter time. Always ensure that water does in fact flow off of your roof into the gutter.
The water may go directly into a storm sewer in some areas, while in others a pipe will lead the water away from the buildings foundation into other areas of the property were it can find it’s way into the local water sewer system or into local streams. Proper drainage is important for water not to collect on the roof or around foundations at the base of a building for a number of reasons.
Water Leaks on Your Roof Caused by Clogged Eaves trough
Debris can also build up on your roof from time to time, blown in by the wind etc. In the fall leaves fall on roofs and fill eaves troughs clogging then as well. If water can not run off of the roof into the gutter, it will collect on your roof or perhaps back up under the flashing and now you have another leaking roof problem to deal with. At least once a year have someone check the eaves trough to make sure that it is free and clear of debris and that water can exit from the roof easily through the gutter into the eaves trough.
When water sits in an eaves trough, usually because there is something that is clogging it, there is a great deal more weight. In the winter time, ice builds up and the combination of the ice and the age of the installation may cause the eaves trough to gradually separate from the building. Now water will not drain properly away from your building. In addition ice dams are then formed causing the water and ice to back up onto your roof and cause further damage as well. When a thaw occurs and much of the snow melts on your roof it has no where to go because the ice dam is blocking it from draining properly adding to the weight that is already there. The best approach is to keep your eaves trough clean and free of anything that could disturb the flow of water off of your roof. The fall is a good time to perform this inspection after the leaves have fallen.
Damage to your Foundation and More
Water normally will seep down to the weeping tile and then into the sewer system. As it seeps through the soil, some particles are carried with it and into the tile. Often, over the years if this process continues it will lower the soil level around the base of the building and cause the tile to become filled with silt. When this occurs, a small lake can form at the base of the foundation every time it rains and the water eventually will find it’s way through the foundation of your home and into your basement causing all kinds of problems.
This is the most serious of the problems that can occur, next to a leaking roof. When water seeps into your basement through cracks etc, water damage to the contents can be very expensive and then there is mold, which can form and cause respiratory problems for many people.
Inspecting Roofs, Eaves Trough and Making Repairs
Once a year a complete inspection of your roof and eaves trough should be completed. Debris should be removed from the roof and the eaves trough and any repairs that are identified should also be repaired. Many building owners will do this themselves or have their maintenance staff perform the inspection and then call in the experts if any problem is identified. However you can also arrange for an inspection and cleaning of the roof troughs by one of the roofing companies as well. They will fully inspect your roof and eaves trough, clean it and review with you any potential trouble areas that they have spotted.
If you suspect that you have a roof that needs repair or your eaves trough is beginning to separate from the building wall, now is the time to arrange for repairs. Give them a call at the number listed at the top of this page to arrange for an inspection and estimate of what is needed to complete repairs. Don’t wait until the damage is so bad that the eaves trough must be replaced. Call now.