Sydney is one of Australia's rainiest state capitals, with an estimated annual rainfall of 1044 mm. Of that, there are two distinct "seasons" of rainfall, a relatively dry period between July and December, and a much wetter January to June, with the highest monthly rainfalls occurring in February and April as the heat of summer begins to cool into the milder temperatures of autumn.
This weather pattern can bring incredible deluges, with 111 mm recorded in just 24 hours in April 2024 at Observatory Hill in the city's CBD. With such powerful wet weather systems increasing, the impact on Sydney's roofs has never been more intense. This makes the time leading up to the holidays and the new year the perfect opportunity to assess the condition of your roof and plumbing to make sure that wild weather stays where it belongs—outside.
Heavy rain, particularly from storms with high winds, has a way of finding any gaps in the shingles or roof tiles that milder rain events might not reveal. Most of us probably don't make a habit of going up onto the roof very often, so we're likely unaware of issues until the storm reveals them. However, by the time we do notice drips coming from the ceiling, that means rainwater has already invaded the ceiling space, causing wet insulation and electrical wiring.
There's no one reason why water finds its way inside the roof, but the most common roof plumbing problems exacerbated by heavy rain include:
The consequences of ignoring roof plumbing issues include inviting moisture into your living space, which can create a wide range of costly problems down the line. Water can damage your home's interior and compromise its structure, causing rippling in the plasterboard, flaking paint, and weakened joins. Over time, this can sharply reduce property values as potential buyers will see the cost involved in renovation and repair.
More than that, once inside the ceiling space or walls, the rain and moisture has a difficult time escaping again with little or no ventilation, creating a haven for mould growth, which comes with health risks, such as severe respiratory illness. Additional health issues arise from moisture coming into contact with your home's electrical circuits, causing corrosion and damage, and the risk of electrical shock when using appliances or taps.
While the presence of water dripping from your ceiling during a thunderstorm is the most obvious sign of roof issues, there are several more subtle signs that homeowners should look out for regularly, not just during periods of wet weather:
If you notice any of these signs in or around your property, it is best to organise a professional inspection with a qualified plumber, who can then diagnose the source of the leak and provide solutions to reduce and repair water damage.
Whether you need repairs or replacement depends on how severe the damage to your roof is and how long it has been allowed to accrue. Roofing materials are sturdy and can handle wear from Australia's harshest elements, but their longevity comes with a need for intervention and frequent inspections.
Roofing repairs include realigning tiles, using epoxy to seal minor cracks or holes, or removing clogs and debris from downspouts and drains.
Replacements, on the other hand, involve removing tiles to replace sarking, installing new skylight flashing, and the installation of new sections of damaged guttering or piping, broken tiles, or laying down new layers of weatherproofing materials.
Prevention and preparation for storm season increase the longevity of your room and the home sitting dry and comfortable beneath it. Taking advantage of the lower rainfall in Sydney from July to December means that repairs and replacements have a longer time to settle and sealant can dry more effectively in less humid air.
Being proactive about repairs helps you to avoid costly damage, both to the roof and inside the home when it is exposed to water. Maintenance also increases the roof's lifespan, by repairing or replacing minor parts before the damage has a chance to spread to require a full replacement.
Finally, you can enjoy Sydney's storm season without fear, enjoying peace of mind even during periods of heavy rain.
If you've conducted your own checks and found evidence of damage or moisture in or around your roof, it's now time to find a reputable and trusted plumber to help you solve the problem. But how do you know which plumber is best for you?
First, search for local Sydney plumbers, specifically those local to your area as they will have the local expertise of both local council regulations and compliance, as well as the specific drainage systems, roof styles, and common problems found in your area. Next, check their website for evidence of licences and insurance, while a quick online search can bring up a wealth of reviews from previous customers that you can peruse.
Another important note is to check the warranties offered on plumbing work to ensure any repairs that aren't up to the test will be fixed at no extra charge.
The plumbers at Plumberoo are local professionals with the knowledge and experience required to protect your home's roof and plumbing from the worst of Sydney's weather conditions. We are fully licenced, accredited, and insured, and are very proud of our five-star reviews from satisfied Sydney customers. We are also locals, based in Sydney's eastern suburbs, which means we can arrive at your home in less than two hours to attend to your roof plumbing issue as soon as possible.
Now is the best time to take action by booking an inspection or roof repair to avoid issues during the rainy season. Sydney's weather can get wild, and if your layers of waterproofing aren't up to scratch, the efficiency of the protection your roof should offer can result in costly repairs further into the future.
Pre-empt those issues and give yourself peace of mind to enjoy the rain without worrying about leaks or indoor flooding. Call the experienced local team at Plumberoo today for all of your roof plumbing inspection and repair needs.