When you buy a house, you look at the roof, the HVAC system, and the foundation. You may not be looking at the types of roof water drainage systems for your home. However, how your house roof water drainage is just as important as the roof itself. If a roof doesn’t drain rain or snow properly, it can lead to erosion and foundation damage, as well as roof leaks. If you’re worried about your roof drainage system, there are several options you can try. Here is more information about residential and commercial roof drainage systems and which drain system might be best for you.
What Are Roof Water Drainage Systems?
Roof water drainage systems are used to divert water and debris off your roof during rain and snow events. You may have heard drainage systems called roof water drains, which are the same thing. Whether you need a drain system for your home or a commercial roof drainage system, they work the same way.
There are different parts to the system. First, the system has a roof water drain pipe, which funnels the water into one or more locations on your roof. You then need a way to get the water and debris down to the ground. That is where a downspout comes in handy, because the downspout directs the water to the ground where it can be absorbed by the land.
Types of Roof Drainage Systems
Roof Drainage System
The first thing you need to think about when you are thinking about a roof rainwater drainage system is what type of roof you have. There are four main types of roof water drainage systems that are used in construction:
- Flat Roofs
- Hipped Roofs
- Mansard Roofs
- Gable Roofs
Flat Roof Gutter System
Flat roofs are common in some areas and in commercial properties. Commercial and home flat roof drainage systems are very important because flat roofs are the most difficult to drain, as they don’t have a slope. For a flat roof, there are three roof drain types. If you own a commercial building, you could use an internal drainage system.
The pipes for drainage would be located on the inside of the building rather than the outside. Inner drains are perfect for large, flat roofed commercial buildings. Some flat roofed homes and commercial buildings use scuppers, which are openings on the sides of a wall. Scuppers are paired with a downspout or gutter system to direct the water away from the building.
Best Flat Roof Drainage Systems
When it comes to flat roof drainage, you need a system that is dependable and reliable. The best flat roof drainage systems provide efficient water runoff by using materials such as concrete pavers with gaps between them which allows for even distribution of the water, a slope to ensure it rolls away from the building, and of course an effective drain like a pop-up drain or catch basin.
By installing one of these systems, you can be sure that your roof is well maintained and your home is less likely to suffer the damaging effects of accumulated standing water. It will also help increase your flat roof life expectancy. Additionally, proper drainage will extend your roof’s lifespan as well as reduce potential headache later on. Investing in the right flat roof drainage system today will save you time, money and peace of mind on down the road.
What About Gutters? Could I Use a Gutter System?
Gutters are used in some commercial buildings, and they are most often used in home roof construction. Gutters can be used with various types of roof drainage systems, such as flat, mansard, gable and hipped roofs. A gutter can also be called a conductor pipe. Gutters are used with roof water drain installation to carry any rainwater away from your home or commercial property.
A gutter looks a lot like a trough you might see on a farm to feed livestock. It is narrow, and for many roofs, it is the perfect roof rainwater drainage system. If your roof is completely flat, such as a large commercial roof, you may want to go with a different type of commercial roof drain. If your roof has any gradient to it, the gutter system will work on your roof, whether you have a commercial property or a residential property.
Gutters are the most common form of roof drainage systems, but you need to be careful if you decide to go with a gutter system. Gutters have to be maintained in order to work properly. How well the gutter system works depends on what the gutters are made from and how they are maintained. Gutters can be made of aluminum, vinyl, or galvanized steel.
Residential Roof Drainage Systems
A properly functioning residential roof drainage system is essential to protect your home from water damage. The roof water drainage system consists of several key components, including
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- Splash blocks
- Downspout extensions
- Gutter guards
- Drainage systems
These components work together to collect rainwater and melted snow from the roof and redirect it away from the house’s foundation.
Regular maintenance and inspection of the system is crucial to ensure its effectiveness. Clearing gutters and downspouts of debris and repairing any leaks or blockages can prevent costly water damage to your home. By maintaining a well-designed roof water drainage system, you can safeguard your home and protect your investment for years to come.
What Type of Gutter System Is Best for My Property?
There are three main types of gutter materials used in a gutter system. Vinyl has been a very popular choice in recent years. It is a very economical choice. Vinyl is lightweight, and the vinyl gutter pieces can snap together for easy installation. Vinyl gutters come in many different colors, so you can customize the look of your home. However, vinyl doesn’t always do well in areas with harsh winters and months of cold temperatures. If vinyl siding isn’t installed properly, you can also end up with water that pools in areas of your roof and along the sides of your property, which is never good.
Aluminum Gutters
You may want to think about aluminum gutters as well. Aluminum comes in only one color, but it can be painted to match your home’s trim. Aluminum is not as easy to install as vinyl, but it is not overly difficult. Many aluminum gutters are seamless, which gives your home or property a uniform look. However, aluminum gutters can be bent or dented easily, so they are not appropriate for every property. Be sure that you choose primary aluminum rather than recycled aluminum, because they are higher quality and they are stronger than recycled aluminum.
Stainless Steel Gutters
Stainless steel gutters are another option. They are extremely sturdy and they cannot rust, which makes them a great choice for commercial buildings as well as for homes, if you don’t want to have to replace them in a few years. However, stainless steel gutters can be expensive, and if you have a large home or a commercial property roof that needs a roof drainage system, you will pay a lot more for a stainless steel gutter than either vinyl or aluminum gutters.
No matter what gutter system you use, you’ll want to make sure it is installed properly. If you can, you may want to opt for a seamless gutter system, as the water is less likely to leak out and harm your roof. Also, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned out so that debris doesn’t accumulate and cause rainwater to spill out over your gutter system. This defeats the purpose of a roof drainage system.
Over time, without proper cleaning and maintenance, even the best gutter system will fail. Each roof drainage system has its pros and cons, so be sure to put some thought into choosing the perfect system for your home or business. If you need a roofing professional to install your new drainage system, call our team at All Phase Roofing and Construction today.
