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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

FLAT ROOF DRAINAGE

There are many architectural designs for homes and commercial buildings that incorporate flat roofing.  A flat roof not only works with the aesthetic of many building designs, but it is also durable and resistant to environmental factors that can lead to roof damage such as wind, hail, and animals.  Flat roofing in residential settings may also be used for an outdoor living space or rooftop garden, adding a unique element to the building.

The one challenge with flat roofing is ensuring proper drainage.  Unlike other roofing types that are slanted or sloped to allow water to drain automatically, flat roofs need a built-in drainage system to help remove moisture and debris.  Poor drainage can lead to serious issues with flat roofing, from leaks to structural damage.  There are several drainage solutions available for flat roofing and it is important to consider the pros and cons of each system before making a decision.  This guide explains the advantages and disadvantages of the three most common flat roof drainage solutions; interior drains, gutters, and scuppers.

WHY FLAT ROOF DRAINAGE IS IMPORTANT

Flat roofing does not drain naturally like sloped roofs that can rely on the force of gravity to remove water.  If these roofing types are not fitted with a proper drainage solution, they will experience poor drainage which leads to the following issues:

• Pooling of water on the roof that can eventually lead to leaks or structural damage

• Accumulation of debris such as twigs and leaves

• Damage to the caulking and tar from debris buildup and pooled water

• Extra stress from ice in the winter

• Leaks near features of the roof such as the chimney or vent pipes

Leaving your flat roof without a drainage system will greatly increase the risk of these issues.  Fitting the roof with one of the following systems to ensure proper drainage will help keep it protected.

INTERIOR DRAINS

Interior drains work just like the drain in your shower or sink.  These drains are placed in areas of the roof that collect the most water, and they lead the water into a system of pipes that is installed below the roof.  The water travels through these pipes until it is dispensed into a gutter or downspout at the side of the building.

This drainage system has the following benefits:

• The walls and foundation are protected from water damage.

• The pipe system is protected by the roof and walls of the building which reduces the risk of cracking or freezing.

• Interior drain systems are customizable and can improve the curb appeal of your home or building.

Before deciding on an interior drain system for your flat roof, you must consider the following disadvantages:

• Interior drains are the most expensive flat roof drainage system.

• While this system is less likely to sustain damage, any damage that does occur must be repaired by a professional roofing technician.

• The drains and pipes can easily become clogged with debris. You must install strainers on the drains to prevent debris blockage and routinely check the system for debris buildup.

THE 3 MOST COMMON DRAIN SYSTEMS OF A FLAT ROOF

Flat roofs have unique architectural characteristics that make them desirable in many situations.  They are ideal for climates that don’t experience large quantities of rain and moisture. A rooftop garden or additional outside living space are the top reasons people choose flat roofs.  Along with the benefits of a flat roof come unique challenges.  The most critical of these issues is the flat roof drainage systems.

Your building and location can help determine which drain will fit your roof needs.  Of course, the best designed flat roof has the correct amount of pitch to drain the water off naturally. There are roof coating products available if there isn’t enough slant or slope to accomplish this.  There are three types of drain systems commonly used on flat roofs. Each of these systems has its own pros and cons.

A major maintenance issue shared between all types of roof drains is debris removal.  Regular cleaning and unblocking of the drains, gutters, and scuppers is mandatory.  Each of these systems can become clogged by debris. This may include dirt, gravel, leaves and other foreign materials.

GUTTERS

Rain gutters are the most common drain system in use for all types of roofs.

• Inexpensive – gutters are the easiest types of drain systems to get and install

• Keeps water from pouring off of the roof in an uncontrollable manner

• Protects doorways and window openings

• Can keep water from pooling and building up near the building foundation

Although they do have their benefits, they also tend to be favored less due to several reasons:

• High maintenance – gutters need continual cleaning and upkeep all year long

• Gutter brackets can make them hard to clean – installing screens can reduce this problem

• Gutters may become brittle and crack. The brackets may also give way due to water or wet leaf weight

• Winter freezing – ice builds up causing a dam which leads to cracking

INNER DRAINS

Inner drains are found many times on large building roofs.  Residential homes may also have this type of commercial roof installed.  The drains are usually placed near the center of the building.  They attach to pipes that drain the water down through the building’s roof.  This keeps the water safely away from the walls and foundation.

• Unlike gutter systems, inner drains will not freeze up and crack or fail during the winter. The building and walls naturally protect the pipes from the elements.

• Inner drains are customizable as an attractive feature of your flat roof. Increase your building’s curb appeal and beauty with custom fittings.

• Strainers for inner drains are best when custom-made to fit your roof and your particular climate. They assist in keeping any debris from clogging the drain.

Inner drains do have some issues that need consideration before installation:

• Inner drains are the costliest of the three drain systems to install.

• Maintenance and repair of an inner drain system usually require a professional technician. This leads to an even larger expense.

• Vigilance is necessary regarding debris on the flat roof with inner drains.  A small amount of debris can completely clog the system.  This can become a domino effect as water will have nowhere to go, creating standing pools of water.

• Be sure there is an adequate and appropriate number of drains for the size of your roof. Not enough drains will cause a problem with water building up.

SCUPPERS

To put it simply, scuppers are openings in the outer walls or curbs along the roof line.  They allow water to run through the wall via a metal box protecting and surrounding the scupper.  When designed and installed in the correct manner, scuppers are usually the best value.  hey are the top choice for draining water from your flat roof efficiently.

• Low cost

• Easy to almost negligible maintenance required

• No clogging issues if scupper is large or wide enough

• No leaf or debris build-up, everything washes or blows off the roof

• Water shoots out away from the building instead of down the side

• Can add architectural appeal to roof line with custom scuppers

The only real negative with scuppers occurs when they hook up to a downspout or gutter.  Because of the clogging habits of both of these attachments, it is a better idea to leave them off of the system.