How Rusted Downpipes Can Damage Your Roof and What to Do About It

Home Blogs How Rusted Downpipes Can Damage Your Roof and What to Do About It

Downpipes move water away from your home, and they work as the first line of defence for your property during rain, wind, hail or shine.

When they work as they should, downpipes guide water off of your roof, walls, and foundations, ultimately preventing long-term damage such as mould, rot, and foundation cracks.

Instead of thinking about your downpipes only when something looks off, you need to maintain them to avoid bigger issues, such as damage during severe weather.

Rusted Downpipes: How Can They Do Damage?

Let’s take a look at how rusted downpipes can damage your roof.

Water won’t channel safely away

When water leaves your gutter, downpipes play an important role in keeping your roof and home dry. Downpipes properly placed will carry water away from the roofline and channel it into drains or stormwater systems.

Without a downpipe functioning, water might pool near the base of your home or back up onto the roof itself, or cause:

Water to intrude into the roof cavity
Mould and mildew can grow in the roof insulation
Rotted wooden fascia boards or roof decking

Leads to internal ceiling leaks

Disconnected, blocked or cracked downpipes mean that water has nowhere to go! Water seeps into walls or ceilings, causing sagging, stains or mould growth. You might just think it’s a roofing problem, but it’s actually a drainage issue lower down. Foundation damage can include:

Rotted eaves and soffits
Cracks or damage near the roof edges
Eroded soil and foundation settling
Basement leaks or shifting that affects the roof structure
Weakened roofing materials around the drainage points

Gutter and downpipe replacements go hand-in-hand with roof repair for Melbourne properties. When you fix both systems at the same time, water will be managed properly from top to bottom.

Your property will be protected year-round from ice dams in colder winters (trapping water on the roof or blocking the draining pipes), water damage from overflowing, and more.

Avoid repeated damage

In some cases, you’ll fix a roof leak, and yet water will come back through the damaged gutter system.

When you repair or replace both the roofing and drainage all at once, you cut back the chance of needing to revisit the problem a few months later. In Melbourne, the weather changes quickly some days (especially in spring), so take a full-system approach to protect your home for peace of mind.

How can you spot some warning signs early? Check and see if there are stains on your ceiling, sagging gutters, or rust on your downpipes! If you aren’t too sure, a roofing professional from Xclusive Roofing checks the surface of your roof, assesses the condition of your gutters and downpipes.

Read: Top Reasons To Replace Rusted Downpipes Before They Fail.

What else can you do when downpipes are rusted?

Have them inspected seasonally for rust patches, leaks or drips during rain, or signs of clogging after storms.
Clean gutters and downpipes so water flows. Use a hose to flush the downpipe to make sure there’s no blockage.
Replace or repair rusted sections. For minor rust, use a wire brush and rust-resistant paint or sealant. Major rust needs to be fully replaced, such as with Zincalume steel.
Install downpipe guards or filters to stop leaves and debris from entering and causing blockages. Leaf catchers or gutter guards are a great preventative measure.
Downpipes must be connected or extended to stormwater drains. Splash blocks or diverters can move water away from the foundation.

When installing a downpipe within a building, it must be tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.3 Section 9. Additionally, combustible downpipes must not be installed within the encroachment space.

For downpipes used to collect roof water that supplies a rainwater tank intended for drinking water, the materials must comply with AS/NZS 4020 standards.

Why should you choose Xclusive Roofing for Downpipe Services?

Why Should You Choose Xclusive Roofing For Downpipe Services

Obligation-free quotes with honest, upfront pricing and no hidden fees
Locally owned and family-run, delivering personalised service to every client
Guaranteed on-time project completion, so work is finished within the agreed timeframe
Customer satisfaction is our top priority, with all services backed by comprehensive warranties for peace of mind

Check out our roof colour chart for inspiration.

Roof Colour Chart For Inspiration

Roof Colour Chart

Do you need roofing support in Hampton, Caulfield, Bentleigh, Bayswater, Doncaster, St Kilda, Ringwood, Croydon, Brighton, Toorak, or Windsor?

For Metal Roofing Repairs in Melbourne, Get a Quote From Us Today

At Xclusive Roofing, we offer expert downpipe services designed to protect and maintain the structural integrity of your home or commercial property. Our skilled team is committed to delivering high-quality products and craftsmanship, ensuring rainwater is effectively directed away from your building.

From the initial consultation through to final installation, we ensure a smooth and efficient process. Our downpipe installation service in Melbourne is tailored to your property’s needs, carefully selecting the appropriate size and type based on roof area and local rainfall intensity.

For older homes and buildings, our team can inspect your current downpipe system and offer expert guidance on whether repairs are sufficient or if a full replacement is recommended. Our downpipe repairs include removing blockages, resealing joints, and replacing damaged sections, ensuring your roof drainage system remains operational.

As a proud family-owned business, we take the time to tailor our services to meet your individual needs, from roof restorations to roof tiling, gutter replacements, custom made flashing, box gutters and more. Call us on 03 5978 6473, quotes@xclusiveroofing.com.au or submit an online enquiry today for a no-obligation, free quote! You can also visit our yard address at 18 Argon Circuit, Clyde North, Victoria.

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Roof Repairs in Melbourne: Frequently Asked Questions

Roof Repairs In Melbourne

How often should I have my downpipes checked?

It’s advisable to have your downpipes inspected at least once a year or after a severe storm to identify potential issues early.

Can I install downpipes myself?

While it’s possible for DIY, professional installation ensures that the downpipes are correctly installed in accordance with local regulations and that water is channelled away from your property.

How much do downpipe services cost?

The cost of downpipe services can vary depending on the complexity of the job. We offer no-obligation quotes to give a clear idea of the investment required.

Do you offer custom gutter replacements?

Yes, at Xclusive Roofing, we offer customised solutions tailored to suit your roofing structure and aesthetic preferences. Colorbond steel roofing or cladding is an option.

How long does the gutter replacement process take?

The timeline of the gutter replacement process depends on various factors, including the size of your property and the complexity of the replacement. However, we always strive to complete our projects in a timely manner.

Xclusive Roofing also restores downpipes and gutters in Doncaster, Lysterfield, Sandringham, Cheltenham, Mount Martha, Hallam, Narre Warren, or anywhere across Melbourne.