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How to Drain Water From a Flat Roof

 

WHY FLAT ROOF DRAINAGE IS IMPORTANT

Picture this: your home has a rooftop garden decorated with your favorite plants.  It is the perfect place for simple walks.  This is only possible when you have a flat roof.  However, weather can damage it.  Cracks, leaks and blisters are just a few of the problems commonly associated with this type of roof.  Does that mean you have to give up on your rooftop garden? Not at all. You can install a flat roof, but you will have to maintain it to avoid damage.

By the way, a flat roof is not entirely flat.  It is in fact slightly sloped towards the drains so that water passes easily.  These roofs are, no surprise, prone to clogging which can lead to leakage.  If you choose to install a flat roof on your property, you should be aware of the various ways you can drain it.  A flat roof might give you the option to make use of the space (say hello to your rooftop garden), but stagnant water can lead to severe damage and, eventually, collapse. Here are a few effective ways to drain your flat roof.

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.

GUTTERS

Gutters are the most commonly used, and most cost-effective drainage solution for flat roofs.  They catch rainwater as it rolls off the edge of the roof and divert the water into a downspout that dispenses it a safe distance from the foundation of the building.  This prevents the water from rolling off the roof uncontrolled and running down the side of the building which could damage the siding, windows, and foundation.

There are a couple of disadvantages to using gutters on flat roofs.  Gutters need consistent cleaning throughout the year because they gather debris that can block the flow of the water.  If this debris is not cleared out, the water will overflow and run down the side of the building.  Gutters are also susceptible to damage from severe weather, ice, and heavy debris.  It is important to weigh these disadvantages against the low cost of gutters before making a final decision.

SCUPPERS

Scuppers are the most effective drainage solution for flat roofs.  With this system, large square openings are made along the edge of the roof that shoot the water away from the side of the building.  Sometimes downspouts are installed directly below these openings to catch the water and drain it away from the building and foundation in a controlled manner.

Flat roof scuppers have the following benefits:

• Cost effective

• Easy to maintain

• Large, wide scuppers rarely if ever get clogged by debris

• Well designed scuppers can enhance the aesthetics of the home or building

While scuppers are the generally the best drainage solution for flat roofs, there are some disadvantages to take into account.  Any downspouts that are installed below the scuppers for drainage are vulnerable to clogs and must be checked regularly for debris.  Scuppers can also be ineffective for heavy rain and snowmelt, and they are less effective on flat roof with little to no pitch to guide the water to the edges.  Scuppers must be cleverly designed for the best effect.

If your home has a flat roof, you are probably only all too aware of the issues of water pooling on it.  If an excessive amount of water builds up due to poor drainage, it has the power to threaten your roof.  It can lead to your roof leaking and even cause structural damage, such as sagging.  It is important that water does not remain pooled on the roof for more than 48 hours because the roof will become compromised.

How to prevent water from pooling on a flat roof 

If you have had an issue with water pooling on a flat roof you can have it fixed in a number of ways to prevent it from happening in the future:

• Ensure any low spots where water pools are repaired.  You can do this by filling in the low spot with roof plaster to make it level with the rest of the roof.  Bearing in mind flat roofs do have subtle slopes to ensure water flows towards the drainage system A professional roofing contractor is able to do this for you.

• It is a good idea to open up and/or unclog the existing drainage system.  Over time leaves, and other debris can build up and cause a drainage issue causing water to pool on the roof. Having a regular cleaning of drains and gutter is essential for roof health.

• Invest in more drains and gutters.  If the areas you live in have a lot of rain or more rain than it used to, it may be an idea to install more drains to remove the water from the roof. Alternatively, you could make the current system wider to allow more water to flow off the roof.

• The roof may need repitching if it was not done correctly the first time.  This means that the subtle slope was simply not done well enough and doesn’t let water flow off the roof. This can be quite a complicated task, so it is best to speak to roofing professionals.