Drainage
issues are some of the most common problems with flat roofs. However, you don't
have to resign yourself to drainage problems just because you have a flat roof.
The following measures will keep drainage issues away from your flat roof.
The
first step is to ensure the roof has a well-designed drainage system. The
drainage system must be able to handle the volume of water the roof can collect
during a heavy downpour or snowfall. The capacity of the drainage system
depends on the size of the roof, the pitch of the roof, and the rainfall
characteristics of the area.
For
example, most flat roofs rely on scuppers (where the water exits through a
metal edge) to drain away water from the roof. The scuppers must have the right
diameters if they are to handle all the water from your roof. The drain domes
(that trap debris to avoid drain clogs) must also have the right-sized
openings.
Even
with a well-designed drainage system, your roof risks drainage issues if you
don't keep the roof deck clean. If the roof deck is full of debris, the dirt
will end up in the drains and cause drainage. Typical debris like windblown
debris, dirt, and organic matter from trees (leaves, seeds, and flowers, among
others).
Even
the best drain domes will clog up if your roof has too much dirt. Therefore,
clean your roof deck regularly to avoid blockages. Trim trees around the house
so they don't deposit their organic matter on your roof.
Some
dirt will inevitably get into your roof drains and clog them even if you keep
the deck clean. Therefore, you should unclog the drains regularly to ensure
proper water flow at all times. Don't forget that even partial blockage of a
drain is a problem since it reduces the effective diameter of the drains and
with it the drainage efficiency.
A
flat roof should have a little pitch to help water flow across the roof into
the drainage channels. If the slope is too low, then water won't flow across
the roof and you will have water pooling issues.
The
contractor determines the pitch of the roof during the installation. As such,
you don't have to worry about the wrong pitch if you used a professional
roofing contractor to install the roof. However, DIY roofing work or renovation
can easily mess up with the roof's pitch so you should avoid them if you don't
have the right skills and experience.
When
a roof begins to sag or develops depressions (low spots) will also have
drainage problems. A roof may sag if it is old and the support structures are
corroded or rotten, if the roof is overloaded with weight (such as snow), or if
the roof has experienced accidental damage (such as tree damage).
Low
spots may develop due to accidental damage or frequent foot traffic over the
same areas. Correct such anomalies to encourage efficient drainage for your
flat roof.
Lastly,
you also need to worry about roof objects that may interfere or block the flow
of water in the roof. Roof installations, particularly those that
nonprofessionals install, are common culprits in these problems. Ensure rooftop
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units, communication
antennas, vents, and other objects don't block water flow.
Hopefully,
you won't have to deal with drainage problems for your flat roof. Contract Cal
Roofing Systems Inc. for all your roofing needs to ensure that is the case. We
can also help you deal with drainage problems that your roof has already
developed. Contact
us today for a quote for all your roofing needs.
