As local West Midlands roofers, we see this repeatedly, yet it’s so simple to resolve.

A downpipe is coming down the wall of a property at a higher, as you might expect.

Therefore, when it rains heavily, a lot of rain will come shooting down here and straight onto any flat roof area directly below it; that’s what it’s meant to do – take water away from the roof.

However, the question then is where all this water goes.

Often there is an area further out on the roof where the water is supposed to trickle to eventually. Maybe a hopper head at the top of another downpipe taking water down another story.

So, in simple terms, if water can make itself along this flat roof from where one pipe ends and another begins, then bingo.

But the issue is this journey across this flat roof area.

Water can soon pool on here as it spreads rather than neatly travels. This can eventually cause water ingress and leaks through, say, the felt covering, plus turn into during cold spells and a potential trip-hazard for people walking on here.

The solution is often simple – a horizontal pipe stretching across from the bottom of one pipe to the top of another, preventing water from even needing to touch the flat roof.

However, with have a few pieces of advice with this as well.

Firstly, position this at a slight angle downwards so that water can naturally filter down by gravity.

Secondly, make sure this is correct at the end of the roof, so it’s out of the way of people on here.

Thirdly, firmly fixing to the walls and each pipe so that no harsh weather or heavy rainfall can disturb it.

Fourthly, check the downpipes and gutters everywhere at the same time. Look for signs of dampness, water leakage, or wonky pieces that may quickly disappear.

Plus, of course, the gutters are clear of leaves and debris; after all, this will permanently stop the natural pathway of water along these.

Fifthly, check the joints between pipe sections, as these typically fail over time and begin causing classic water leaks and issues.

And sixthly, they look as good as they can because you want them to hide well and not stand out too much. So maybe black plastic material to match others, or making sure any metal ones are not rusting away.

Need any more help? Then as good local Birmingham and Black Country roofers, contact us today for more help and advice.