Flat Roof Gutter Drain

The best flat roof drain is those that are installed in a basin.

Flat roof gutter drain. Featuring durable vinyl construction this extension can be buried bent or connected to additional sections. Sketches courtesy of carson dunlop associates. Gutters are often a viable option for flat roofs directing water on the outside of the structure to downspouts. They re good because you can place them wherever you need to and a custom filter can be used to prevent clogging.

Gutters are the most commonly used and most cost effective drainage solution for flat roofs. Use this downspout extension to divert water away from the foundation or connect to drainage pipe and catch basin to control drainage. This can cause ponding on the roof which can lead to leaks. This causes water to stand which can cause major problems.

A major maintenance issue shared between all types of roof drains is debris removal. Clogged drain strainer can quickly flood an entire roof causing extensive damage. In reality a flat roof isn t fully level and flat roofs built for gutters should direct water to one or more sides where the gutters are installed. Unfortunately there is no way for water to naturally drain away from flat roofs because they are flat.

Even when they are we often see that the edge of the roof is slightly higher due to a tar build up from repeated repairs preventing water from flowing into the gutter. The flexible design easily bends and holds its shape and can be extended from 25 in. On flat or low slope roofs that drain to one end lower right in the sketch especially if the building rear wall does not include a projecting eave or soffit a clogged gutter or downspout send water down the building rear wall flooding the structure through its wall or through windows. Internal drains inner drains are located in central areas of the roof and are connected to pipes underneath the roof that drain the water to a sewer.

Each of these systems has its own pros and cons. Each of these systems can become clogged by debris. Regular cleaning and unblocking of the drains gutters and scuppers is mandatory. There are three types of drain systems commonly used on flat roofs.

Create a basin for the drain. 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. Of course this is a con. These can be used on large flat roofs as well as residential.