Roofs are among the most dynamic components of residential structures; they provide everything from shelter to protection and from curb appeal to platforms for solar panel installation. You can’t have a house without a roof, and you can’t reasonably expect a roof to last without an optimal drainage system. The most basic drainage system of a roof structure is its inclination, but this factor alone does not provide draining efficiency.
In any region where climate conditions result in precipitation, roof drainage systems feature a more sophisticated design involving eaves, gutters, drain pipes, soffits, downspout connectors, leaf guards, vents, and channels. These systems are part of a strategy to protect the roof and the rest of the residential structure from damage caused by precipitation, humidity, and excessive moisture.
Basic Roof Draining Mechanism
When torrential rains, hailstorms, and snowfall hit your roof, the surface coating of the roofing materials repels water as it forms a thin sheet and begins following the pitch, which is the angle of the sloping roofline. The goal is to stimulate an efficient flow of water falling towards the eaves, where an internal channel structure directs the water to the gutters. From this point, the now-horizontal water flow through the gutter reaches the downspout, which directs the water to its ultimate drainage destination.
The Protective Role of Roof Drainage Systems
Each component of your roof drainage system plays a crucial role in protecting your roof and your home. When you have a well-maintained system that creates proper drainage, the risk of water damage is significantly reduced, thus increasing roof structure longevity. Keep in mind that the system essentially connects your roof to the ground; it serves the purpose of protecting the home’s foundation from getting overflooded, thus preventing structural damage that might require considerable repairs.
You can’t skimp on the maintenance of your roof’s drainage system. Let’s say your roof appears to be draining correctly during rainstorms, but the fascia and soffit panels are blocked. The ventilation becomes compromised, thus increasing the potential for moisture to build up in the crawl space. If your home is located in a leafy neighborhood, your gutters will become leaf collectors during the fall and rainy seasons. In this case, installing leaf guards is highly recommended.
When your roof drainage system lacks efficiency because of hail damage or progressive deterioration, problems such as water pooling on the roof surface quickly arise. If you have stagnant water seeping under the shingles, their waterproofing ability will be diminished, thus increasing the potential of leaks in the underlying roof deck and attic. Excess weight from accumulated water can also weigh down on the roof structure, particularly on flat roofs.
Whenever your home needs roof repair services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Kairos Roofing in Winston-Salem, NC.