Fall leaves can block a brownstone's gutters, leaders and roof drains, causing water to pool on the roof or overflow against the façade. Clearing the drainage path during the fall and after the last leaves drop helps prevent leaks, masonry damage and winter ice problems.
How water leaves a brownstone roof
Most brownstones have flat or low-slope roofs. Water moves toward a gutter and leader or into a drain set in the roof. Leaves and roof debris can block either route. When that happens, water pools against the roof membrane, flashing and other places where it can enter the house.
What clogged drainage can damage
- Water can back up under roofing and flashing, then appear as a stain or active leak at the top-floor ceiling.
- An overflowing gutter can keep the brownstone and mortar wet. Repeated exposure contributes to cracking and spalling on the façade.
- Standing water can freeze inside leaders, split them or create ice on the stoop and sidewalk.
- Water trapped on the roof keeps testing weak seams in the membrane and flashing.
Warning signs to watch for
- Water stains on the top-floor ceiling after rain.
- Streaks or green growth on the façade below a gutter.
- Water spilling over the gutter during a storm.
- Puddles remaining on the roof a day after the rain has stopped.
The fall cleaning schedule
Leaves do not all fall at once. Gutters and drains may need clearing during more than one visit, followed by another cleaning after the last leaves come down. On the maintenance checklist, NYC Brownstone clears roof leaves in November and the remainder in December. Downspouts are checked for ice clogs in February and March.
What happens when an inspection finds damage
Cleaning and inspection are maintenance work performed by NYC Brownstone. If the roof membrane, flashing, gutter, leader or façade needs repair, that work is handled with affiliated NYC Brownstone General Contracting. The condition should be inspected before deciding on the repair.
Agreement clients can ask their office property manager to add a drainage concern to the next visit. A significant active leak is an emergency, and agreement clients can use their 24/7 emergency line. Non-clients should call the office, with emergency help handled case by case.