Different types of roofing require different types of roof drains, but despite the kind of roof that you have, it is very important to have a drainage system, regardless of the roof type. A roof without a drain will become a leaking roof, inevitably causing water damage to your home. This in turn will make your home potentially dangerous and unsafe!
All types of roofs, whether they are sloping or flat, have some sort of drainage system. Sloped roofs have the advantage where water can run off its slope and into gutters along the sides of the roof. Flat roofs require a different kind of drainage system, but both will suffer without a drain. So, what is the big deal about needing a drain for your roof? Even a small leak that could be noticed in your home can cause hazards. Here are several examples of these potential hazards:
Damage To The Roof And House Materials
Although the exterior of the roof is designed to be water proof, a leak can occur due to poor maintenance, installation, or damage to the roof. Water can further damage the exterior, rusting metals and soaking and swelling wooden trusses, which will age the roof faster and cause potential breakage as it becomes weaker and less water resistant. These problems will inevitably need roof repairs and replacements. Water that further infiltrates the house can cause damage to the insulation in the roof and walls, as well as coats of paint and electrical circuits within the walls. Leaks can even cause damage to floors.
Molds
A constant leak offers continuous moisture within the roof and home, making it a breeding ground for mold and mildew (a greyish-white fungus that can be seen growing on the ceiling or walls). If inhaled, these molds and mildew can be toxically hazardous to your health. These fungi can spread and grow overtime in constant moisture, slowly increasing health hazards. Ventilation systems in the house, in addition, can help spread microscopic fungi, and once breathed in, can cause throat, nasal, eye and skin irritation. These molds that are spread can enter carpets, clothing and furniture which will exacerbate the problem!
Electrical Wiring
Any electrical wiring that makes contact with water can be damaged overtime due to corrosion or mildew, causing a major danger zone in the house. Electrical accidents are the most fatal, so it is critical that no leakage can affect electrical wiring in the house. Faulty or corroded wiring can cause sparks and burning of the wires, which may result into a home on fire! Anyone who risks touching unprotected wiring can electrocute or burn themselves.
Inefficient Insulation
Insulation within the roof or walls that become wet will reduce its effectiveness, and your home can then lose hot and cool air. Wet and ineffective insulation will result in higher costs in utility bills (such as electricity bills) when you attempt to find alternative means to heat up or cool down your home.
Slip And Fall
It may sound obvious, but it is still something important to consider when you have children or elderly people living in a home where puddles collect on the floor due to roof leakage. If you slip and fall from a puddle in the home, you can really injure yourself, especially on hard surfaces such as tiles.
Roof drains come in different forms to suit different roof types. You need to consider the type and size of your roof, as well as drainage location when considering what kind of drain you would need.
If you are uncertain about what kind of drain to have for your roof, or if your drain needs replacement or repairs, contact Aabco Roofing for professional roofing and drainage advice, as well as safe and quality services. If your roof needs leakage repairs, Aabco roofing services can offer quality repairs, as well as drainage maintenance.
