Drainage Solutions for Flat Roofs

EFFECTIVE DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS FOR FLAT ROOFS

Did you know that flat roofs are as susceptible to damage as any other roof? Many elements can cause blisters, cracks and leaks in flat roofs. Some of the main reasons are:

- Age of the building.

Growth of plants on the walls of the building.
Water retention.
Weak structure of the building.

While flat roofs are resistant to damages caused by weather elements, they are highly vulnerable to water damage, unless they are built with an effective drainage system. Architects and engineers have devised effective solutions that come with their own pros and cons.

Here are types that will help you maintain the roof in perfect condition: Tips provided by: Maynard Roofing

Gutters

A well-designed flat roof will not be completely flat. It will slope toward the drains so that rainwater will not pool on the flat surface. Not entirely visible to the naked eye, the slope will pitch in a single direction towards the gutters that will drain off the excess water. The efficiency of the gutters depends upon the material used. Also known as conductor pipes, gutters are constructed out of galvanized steel pipes, aluminum or vinyl pipes.

Gutters are an open drainage system, which requires regular maintenance to remove debris.

Inner drainage system

The inner drainage system is designed to cleverly conceal the drainage pipes within the walls or under the roof. A perfect solution for large flat roofs, the drainage system is sometimes designed with the pipes running through the center of the roof, and the slope is directed towards it.

The inner drainage system keeps all the pipes well-hidden and aids to the aesthetic look of the building. Properly constructed, the system ensures the complete drainage of water even if there is a leakage. However, this system requires regular inspection and maintenance. Any damage to the pipes can result in stagnation and infiltration of water within the walls of the building.

Scuppers

Scuppers are openings on the sidewall of a building that is in the same level as the flat roof. This opening collects the water from the roof and drains it away through gutters or downspouts. Scuppers are one of the oldest methods of draining flat and sloped roofs.

To use scuppers effectively, the building should have a parapet or a perimeter wall running adjacent to the roof. A gently sloping roof will cause the rainwater to run into the scuppers.

If scuppers are your choice, ensure that you have the space to fit wider ones. Small scuppers will easily get clogged with debris.

Siphonic Flat Roof Drainage Systems

The Siphonic drainage system is mostly used for large roofs of commercial buildings. It is one of the most effective drainage solutions that used a gravity-induced vacuum pump to remove the water. A series of drainage openings are connected to a single main pipe that is fitted horizontally. Using hydroponic pressure, the system draws away water from the roof at high speed.
Siphonic drainage systems are effective in places that experience heavy rainfall. The system can cover a large flat roof and work effectively for years with minimum maintenance.
You can choose the kind of drainage system your flat roof requires based on budget and weather elements of the place. Remember that for any drainage system to work, your roof must be flawless in construction.