Although you may not think about rainwater downpipes often, they're one of the most important structures on your roof. They play a role in redirecting rainwater, which in turn keeps your roof sturdy and can prevent flooding. If you start to experience problems with yours, it's important to call on a roofer as soon as possible. By familiarising yourself with potential issues, you can spot them before they escalate.

Blockages

Rainwater downpipes are more likely to experience blockages when there is a lot of foliage around your property. Wind blows loose leaves into the pipes, and when rain starts to fall, it turns those leaves into mush. When they become mushy, they're less likely to flush through the pipes and can cause blockages. 

Examine your pipes periodically to check for leaves. If any are present, give your pipes a good clean so that water can flow freely. Allowing blockages to build can result in water pooling and weakening the pipes further. This, in turn, can result in leakages through your roof.

Loose Brackets

Loose and sagging gutter brackets can also stop water from flowing freely through your pipes. When your gutters begin to sag or have loose brackets, water will pool rather than flow. Some of that water may leak in through your roof. If it has a chance to pool for too long, the weight will cause the pipes to weaken and sag further.

Although it may be tempting to fix a sagging gutter yourself, it's always wise to call on a roofer. Try to offer the gutter some temporary support and fix it back in place if you can. For a longer-lasting solution, get a professional to do the job for you.

Incorrect Positioning

Ideally, your downpipes will lead into an area where water can drain easily. This ensures that the water doesn't pool around your home and cause potential flooding problems. As downpipes can shift over time, it isn't unusual to find that yours gradually stops directing water to the wrong area. Key signs of this include water pooling around your home more often than usual following rainfall.

Repositioning your rainwater downpipes comes with several benefits. In addition to reducing the risk of flooding, having fewer puddles of stagnant water means you're less likely to attract insects. You may also reduce the risk of damp occurring in certain areas of your property. As soon as you suspect the positioning of your pipes isn't right, ask a roofer to look at them for you.

Contact a local roofer if you notice any of these issues with your downpipes.