Scupper Problems Flat Roof Damage

For clarity flat roofs actually have a slight slope to allow rain water to drain off the roof but they seem flat when compared with more traditional steeply sloped roofs.

Scupper problems flat roof damage.

This is because the flat roof can hinder drainage from rainwater which results in standing water on the roof. When clearing debris from around a drain or scupper don t just clear enough to get the water flowing. Regular cleaning and unblocking of the drains gutters and scuppers is mandatory. Because of this water backs up onto the flat roof through the scupper.

Flat roof drainage system specifications designs troubleshooting problems solutions for interior drains on flat building roofs flat roof drains scuppers and screens questions answers about keeping the flat roof drainage system working or about installing new drains in a flat roof. This is especially prevalent after a lot of rainstorms. There are roof coating products available if there isn t enough slant or slope to accomplish this. Of course the best designed flat roof has the correct amount of pitch to drain the water off naturally.

The biggest problem with flat roofs is standing water. Any damaged components of the drainage system must be repaired quickly and correctly to ensure they continue to function as designed. When combined with a complete drainage system the water accumulated is redirected preventing damage to the roof and structure. If water ponds on a flat roof it could lead to problems later on.

It is important to make sure that a roof is properly drained. Long term effects of ponding water on a flat roof. There are three types of drain systems commonly used on flat roofs. A major maintenance issue shared between all types of roof drains is debris removal.

Most residential roofs are sloped to the edge and a gutter system catches the water. Leaks and moisture probably the most common problems with flat roofs leaks and lingering moisture are issues that can be dealt with effectively as long as you stay on top of them. Each of these systems has its own pros and cons. Just like any roof a flat roof will develop leaks but since it s flat the water doesn t have anywhere to go but straight down.

The strainer or filter in the images was placed in the neck of the leader header causing to clog fast with a small amount of debris. The extension on the leader header added to more problems. Water leaking through the roof could also cause fire and electric hazards. Strainer in leader header causing a blockage forcing water onto the flat roof through the scupper.

If your commercial building has a flat roof sometimes there is a problem with ponding water. The entire roof should be cleared to prevent the drain from becoming clogged again. The slope should be a minimum of 1 in 80 but in practice a minimum slope of 1 to 40 should be used to allow for deflection of the roof and for normal building tolerances.