There are many reasons why you might elect to have a flat roof on your commercial property, from the visual appeal and style of the building to the added stability in challenging weather and more reasonable cost. However, there is always one critical question property owners want to understand: How do flat roofs drain?
The simple answer to this vital question is that a flat roof does not drain unless a drainage system is included in the design and installation of the property. The answer becomes more complicated when you delve into the different drainage systems that can be included with or on a flat roof. The team at Weather is eager to discuss these options and assist you in selecting the one that will best meet your needs when having a flat roof installed on your commercial property.
Common Flat Roof Drainage Systems
When you are selecting a flat roof for your commercial facility, you will need to evaluate these drainage options to ensure that there is a reliable system in place to remove moisture and its added weight from the roof surface:
- INTERIOR DRAINS – Interior drains function much like the drainage system in a house or commercial building. Drains are installed in the roof, typically in areas where water will pool, to transport the water from the roof’s surface to a cistern via pipes and gravity.
- SCUPPERS – Scuppers are one of the most basic and affordable drainage systems for flat roofs. This system uses a space lower than the rest of the roof to collect all the water from the roof’s surface. The lower scupper area routes the water off the edge of the roof. Some systems allow the water to naturally fall to the ground, while others use downspouts to control the flow of the water to the ground or a catchment system.
- GUTTERS – You typically envision gutters on a sloped roof as a means of channeling water from the roof surface. However, the same exterior water transportation system can be used on a flat roof. In this application, you will find that the roof is only slightly sloped to ensure the water flows from the roof’s surface into the gutter and then into a downspout.
- CRICKETS – Crickets are triangular structures that add elevation to the roof surface. They can be strategically installed to provide peaks that force water to flow to other catchments, such as gutters or scuppers, to eliminate standing water on the roof’s surface.
- TAPERED INSULATION – Much like crickets, tapered insulation adds a third dimension to a flat roof to create water flow and drainage. The slope of these panels can divert water away from roof-mounted equipment and walls while moving it toward drains, scuppers, or gutters.
Weather – The Team You Know You Can Trust
When you are exploring your options for a new roof replacement roof, or are in the planning phase of a new commercial property, the team at Weather is here to provide professional guidance and assistance in determining the best solutions to meet your budget, needs, and the visual appeal you have envisioned for your commercial property. Please reach out to our staff in any of these locations to help you understand your options and make the best choice for your flat roof drainage needs:
