Best Drainage Solutions for Flat Roofs

Best Drainage Solutions for Flat Roofs

Flat roof house designs are a common feature that most commercial and residential buildings share. However, with different roofing designs in increase, these roofs are now typical in most homes. Although it is possible to contact a professional roofer, such as the ones found at Beemer Kangaroof / roofers in Travelers Rest, who can replace a roof, flat rooves have several benefits. They are resistant to harsh climate conditions and increase the living space. Flat roofs allow large commercial builds to accommodate HVAC (Heat, Ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment.

Flat roofs are believed to be more susceptible to water damage than sloping alternatives. Although there are companies that specialize in providing water damage restoration in Raleigh and other areas, preventing the damage in the first place can save time and money. Unlike sloped roofing options, these roofs hardly use gravity in evacuating water. With poor drainage, the foundational support of the structure will be affected. Luckily, construction experts have established different drainage options that can combat all these challenges.

Let’s take a look at crucial drainage solutions that homeowners can use for flat roofs.

Internal Drains

Such a system utilizes various drains spaces throughout the roof surface converging at the center. These drains are placed at intervals in a flat roof’s central point from the inside parts using common gutters and specialized pipes. Internal drains take advantage of this fact to clear water from the roofs. Each drain empties into a hidden network of pipes or gutters.

The advantage of using these drains is their hidden appearance from outsiders. Anyone walking into the building or observing it from a distance cannot see these drains. However, when damage occurs, fixing them may be cumbersome considering that they are positioned in internal parts of the building. Call professional experts to fix them in case of damage. There are many water damage restoration company numbers that you can call, so don’t hesitate to get assistance when the issue involves water and your home.

Scuppers

Scuppers are openings in the sidewall of flat buildings put on the same level as the flat roof. These elements are installed on the roof edge just like gutters, although they work differently. They expel water away from the roof instead of collecting it. However, the flat roofing structure needs a parapet around it. This parapet is then adjusted such that roofing structure slopes towards the scuppers.

The long scuppers length is significant in saving the house foundation from damage. Water collected by these gadgets falls away from the wall sidings and the foundation. However, people living in areas prone to snowfalls should choose a different roofing style that can allow the melting snowfalls to go down the roof gently.

Gutters

For a roofing design to be considered flat, it needs to have a slope of fewer than 10 degrees. Therefore, gutters can be used in such roofing solutions since runoff water pulls to one side.

Although these drainage systems work perfectly for most roofs, they require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Wondering why gutters are more preferred for drainage? They are simpler and cheaper to install than other drainage products. Their maintenance cost can be lowered by clearing bushes close to the house.

Siphonic Drainage System

The siphonic systems employ the use of vacuum pumps and drainage openings to clear water. These are the most commonly used systems for water clearance on houses that have flat roofs. Such drainage options use gravity to induce hydronic pressure to abolish water at high pressure without electricity. However, they’re costlier and require skilled people to handle them, which is an added cost.

Tapered Insulation

These insulation systems are simple to install panels that create a slope. This slope allows gravity to keep the roof clear of water instead of leaving it to pull in one area. This mechanism is among the most used drainage solutions in major buildings.

Get Expert Input

Before selecting a drainage system, talking to a reliable professional is crucial to a safe roof. We may think that a specific system will work best and proceed to its installation to find later that it was the wrong choice. Several roofing firms like Four Seasons Kanga Roof and other similar services exist across the US. Engage one of the firms and get the best opinions. These experts might even volunteer to install the system at a discounted price.

Bottom Line

There are more ways to prevent water from pooling on a flat roof. Any of the mentioned systems can efficiently prevent water from damaging our wall sidings or landscaping if installed appropriately. Regular maintenance and fast repair of broken parts will keep the system in good condition ready for water deviation in shallow and heavy rains. Before going for a flat roof structure, check out the location, its weather conditions and what other neighbors have done.

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