How Do Roof Soakers Work?
Roof soakers work by being installed underneath roof tiles and extending upwards to the edge of an object, like a chimney or wall, directing water away from vulnerable joins and into the gutter.
Understanding Roof Soakers
Roof soakers are essential components in preventing water ingress around features that penetrate or meet the roof surface. Unlike continuous flashing that covers a join entirely, soakers are individual pieces fitted with each course of tiles.
The Mechanism Explained
Based on how they are fitted and designed, here's a breakdown of their function:
- Placement: Soakers are fitted underneath the tile. This means each soaker piece is layered beneath the tile it's protecting, creating a shingled effect at the point where the roof meets a vertical surface.
- Upward Rise: Once fitted underneath the tile, the soaker is designed to rise up to the edge of the object it's protecting (e.g., a chimney or a wall). This upward bend creates a barrier along the side of the object.
- Water Diversion: The critical function is that water should run down the join of the tiles and soaker. As rain hits the roof and flows downwards, the soaker directs the water flowing along the side of the object and the edge of the tile.
- Prevention of Entry: By directing the water down the join and onto the roof surface below the penetration, the soaker effectively prevent[s] water from entering the roof space.
- Safe Discharge: The directed water then continues its path running off into the gutter and away from the roof structure, preventing potential leaks and causing damage to the overall structure.
Key Actions of Roof Soakers
In summary, the process involves:
- Being placed under tiles.
- Turning upwards against a vertical surface.
- Guiding water along the tile edge and the soaker.
- Blocking water from entering the roof at that join.
- Ensuring water flows safely towards the gutter.
This layered approach ensures that even if water gets under the edge of a tile near a vertical surface, the soaker beneath catches it and directs it safely away.
