Important Things To Know About Flat Roofing Drainage Systems

As one of the best options for both commercial and residential properties, flat EPDM roofing has only grown in popularity over the years. The functional design and water-resistant qualities of the rubber allow any water to drain without causing any internal damage to your building. However, flat roofs are often prone to pooling if the correct draining system has not been installed due to its lack of sloping. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help avoid any water damage from occurring and ensure the drainage system is working properly. This blog post is going to cover some useful things that you should consider when choosing and installing a drainage system for your flat roof. 

What should you consider when choosing a drainage system? 

Flat roofs lack any deep slopes and therefore can be slightly more difficult for them to drain any excess rain, so the design relies entirely on gravity with the low slopes. If property owners do not consider the correct drainage system, their flat roofs will result in interior damage and reduced structural integrity. Other issues with a lack of drainage can include debris accumulation or leaks near other vent pipes or chimneys. 

While there are different types of flat roofing drainage systems, it is important to choose the right type for your property. If you have fitted an EPDM flat roof, you are going to need either a roof drain outlet or pipe boot that works well with both the structure and the roof's material. 

Which draining system you choose depends on the way it needs to be used. If it is for a small building with one flat roof, the best practice is to introduce a slight pitch to it. Preferably a fall of about one in 80 from the back towards the gutter so that will naturally glide down the roof and into a gutter on one or more sides. As long as the EPDM roof has been installed correctly, the water-resistant material should automatically encourage water to drain to the gutter. However, for this to work, there needs to be an overhang at the gutter edge. This overhang then lets the water flow across the flat roof and goes directly into the drainage system.  

What do drain outlets and pipe boots do? 

Pipe seals and drain outlets provide a watertight seal and help protect the roof. It seals between the EPDM rubber membrane and where the rainwater downpipe protrudes from the roof. These products effectively prevent leaking and save money on any damages or repair costs in the long run. Whether you have horizontal or vertical drains, there is an outlet or pipe boot that can help create a neat watertight seal. 

What is the maintenance of a drainage system?

Once you have fitted the correct draining system for your flat roof, it is important to just regularly inspect your drains and clear any debris that may have built up. This will most likely be twigs or branches that have come down due to strong winds, or even something as a wayward plastic bag or anything else caught flying in the wind or carried by birds! In terms of how often you should do this, it entirely depends on the season and location of your property. For example, if your roof is surrounded by lots of trees, then a build-up of twigs may be more noticeable after a matter of weeks or months. However, a more secluded building may only require drainage checks once or twice a year. 

Check out our available products that are perfect for creating a functional, water-tight seal on your flat roof here.