When you hear the word "plumbing," you may immediately think of the pipes inside your home that are connected to sinks, toilets and showers. However, the term plumbing simply refers to a connection of hoses, pipes and other such pieces, and which direct or control water, gas and similar elements; your gas furnace needs gas plumbing, as an example. Your roof also needs plumbing to keep it in good condition; note what is meant by this term when applied to a roof, and how to ensure your home is always in good repair.

What is roof plumbing?

Roof plumbing refers to  your home's guttering system, meaning the gutters and downspouts, as well as to other materials that are meant to protect the home from water damage, and direct rainwater away from the roof. This includes the flashing that is put under shingles and around a chimney base, and which helps to direct water away from the roof itself, as well as cladding along the outside of the home. A roof plumber might also install and maintain a rainwater tank that is placed at the end of a downspout.

Can any roofer handle roof plumbing?

Proper roof plumbing is an integral part of a well-maintained roof, so most roofers will be able to manage roof plumbing repairs along with other types of repairs. For example, if gutters are undersized, water may sit up against the roof edge, and then get absorbed by the roofing and building materials, causing damage. This is why most roofers will be able to replace undersized gutters and damaged downspouts. However, if your yard is always flooded after a rainfall, you may need a landscaper, who can grade the property and ensure that rainwater continues to move away from the home after it's been directed off the roof.

 Are all water leaks the fault of poor roof plumbing?

Proper roof plumbing will protect the home's roof from having water collect around its shingles or next to the chimney. This plumbing will also keep water away from the home's exterior walls and foundation. However, the roofing tiles need to be in good condition in order to keep water from collecting on the roof, so missing shingles can mean exposed flashing that then suffers water damage. The chimney, roof vents, and other such pieces may also have cracks and damage that let water inside. A roofer can inspect the home in the area of any water leaks note what needs to be done to address this issue properly.