Soffits – stains (water leaks from gutters, around vent pipes)

Cause

Leaks around flashings of penetrations

Repair

  • safety is a prime consideration when working at height. Find information here about using ladders and scaffolding safely. Always let someone know when you plan to work at height
  • determine the source of the leak(s) and make the appropriate repair. You can find guidance on this website for roof flashings lifting, chimney or flue flashing has lifted, etc.
  • if you can’t find the leak, consult an experienced roofer or building surveyor to help
  • once repairs are made, allow the soffit to dry completely and then thoroughly clean the surface. Once clean and dry, paint/repaint the surface with two coats of good quality acrylic paint
  • where it is suspected that there is a risk of consequential damage, such as rot in timber framing from a long-term leak, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building and suggest options

Cause

Gutter overflow due to blocked outlets or insufficient fall (particularly those gutters concealed behind a soffit) 

Repair

  • safety is a prime consideration when working at height. Find information here about using ladders and scaffolding safely. Always let someone know when you plan to work at height
  • check outlets and downpipes and remove any blockages. If blockages are the result of trees overhanging the roof, cut back the branches
  • check that there is sufficient fall (slope) to the guttering. There is no minimum fall given for external gutters generally in the Building Code. Guttering manufacturers recommend minimum falls for their products, typically at least 0.5 mm per metre of length for uPVC gutters and 2 mm per metre for metal gutters. Where fall is insufficient, remove and reinstall the guttering, or install new guttering
  • appropriate design and installation is especially important for guttering concealed behind a soffit
  • external gutters fixed to the fascia that have no overflow features in the design should be installed with a gap between the guttering and fascia to ensure overflows are directed to the outside of the building
  • guidance for gutters can be found in section 5 of the Acceptable Solution E1/AS1 and in E2/AS1 (8.1.6 and Figure 50)
  • once repairs are made, allow the soffit to dry completely and then thoroughly clean the surface. Once clean and dry, paint/repaint the surface with two coats of good quality acrylic paint

 

Cause

Water blowing back up under the roofing – front edge of gutter too low

Repair

  • lifting the front edge of the existing guttering will not be possible in most cases. New guttering with a higher front edge should be installed, following the instructions of the guttering manufacturer and documents such as E1/AS1, E2/AS2 and for metal roofing, the NZMRM Code of Practice
  • once repairs are made, allow the soffit to dry completely and then thoroughly clean the surface. Once clean and dry, paint/repaint the surface with two coats of good quality acrylic paint
  • where it is suspected that there is a risk of consequential damage, such as rot in timber framing when the problem has existed over a long period, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building and suggest options