Welcome to Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

 

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.

 

IMPORTANCE OF FLAT ROOF DRAINAGE

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.

Why is Flat Roof Drainage so Important?

Flat roofs are prone to ponding, and standing water on a roof is never a good thing.  Standing water on a flat roof is especially worrisome, as it can cause the membrane to fail.  Ponding water also carries dirt and debris, and will leave dark spots, especially on white membranes.  This leaves the membrane vulnerable to UV rays, which can break it down and eventually cause it to fail – so drainage systems on flat roofs are extremely 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.

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.

SCUPPER

Roof scuppers are rectangular outlets in a parapet wall at the roofs edge that function as a drainage device.  Scuppers allow water to drain through an opening in a roofs edge and are one of the most common and most effective ways that flat roofs drain.  Scuppers are used in combination with the design of the roofing system to direct water to the edge and allow it to drain instead of pond on the roof.  Scuppers usually channel water into gutters or downspouts, where it can make its way down the side of the building to a storm drain or the concrete below.

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.

Crickets

 Another important component in the way flat roofs drain is the use of crickets.  A cricket is a triangular structure used to divert water away from certain areas on a roof where it may become trapped, similar to chimney crickets in residential roofing systems.  Crickets are almost always made out of insulation.  The insulation is built up under the roof membrane in such a way that it creates a triangular structure, adding a little more slope to the roof to prevent water ponding. Roof crickets are usually placed near walls, around HVAC units and skylights, and around drains.  When properly designed, crickets are extremely effective at diverting water where it needs to go to drain off of the roof and protecting against the issues that come along with standing water.

Outlets

The size and shape of the outlets you install will make a big difference in how well the drainage system works to eliminate water.  The smoother the transition it has from horizontal to vertical flow, the more water it will allow to flow into the downpipe.

Another great idea is to invest in a conical outlet to improve the flow of water which can easily be doubled by installing a sump.  On the other hand, spigots and side outlets aren’t as efficient and may obstruct water flow into the gutter.  This makes them an unsuitable option for commercial and industrial properties.

When it comes to choosing a flat roof drainage system for your property, it is well worth considering the factors mentioned here.  By thinking about these elements beforehand, you will protect your property for years to come.  If, however, you are still unsure about which type to choose, get in touch with professional roofers from top roofing companies.  They will have the experience and skills to understand the needs of different properties and help you choose the right option.