Four Flat Roof Drainage Options to Consider

Need flat roof repair? Call Sugar Land Roofing at 832-944-7663.

Whether constructing buildings on a new property or outfitting an existing home or business with an updated roof, drainage systems provide essential protection for all properties. Knowing the importance of proper drainage and your available options can help you make the right decisions for your roof to prevent pooling water and roof damage. 

Fortunately, our team at Sugar Land Roofing can help. We’re the greater Houston area’s trusted roofing services provider. Here, we cover our top four flat roof drainage options every property owner should consider. 

To learn more about roof construction and upkeep, including waterproofing a flat roof and more, keep browsing our blog or give our team a call today. 

Why Flat Roof Drainage Is Important

Allowing water to pool on a roof is a recipe for water damage, both on your roof and in your attic. Over time, standing water may break down waterproofing barriers or soak through sealant materials. The weight of standing water on a flat roof can also contribute to structural damage, either bowing the roof inward or collapsing roof sections. 

Installing flat roof drainage systems prevents water pooling after snow or heavy rain, helping water flow away to reduce the damage these elements do to rooftops. 

Top 4 Flat Roof Drainage Options

What options do property owners have for proper flat roof drainage systems?

#1: Gutters

Many residential and commercial properties rely on gutter systems to drain water away from rooftops. While most assume that gutters only work for pitched or domed rooftops, these drainage systems actually do the trick for roofs of all types. 

Flat roofs have slight slopes or grades that allow water to travel to targeted drains or other locations. Cost-effective, easily maintained and repaired, gutters provide a durable and budget-friendly option for property owners from all walks of life. 

#2: Internal Drains

Internal drains work best for new construction roofs. These drains rely on specific tilts and drain placements to draw water from rain or snow melt to the center of the roof. A series of pipes and gutters then carry the water through the building and away. 

You can’t see these internal drain systems from the ground, so they don’t disrupt the building’s appearance. 

#3: Scuppers

Scuppers work like gutters, except they don’t run the length of your building. Scuppers are one of the most effective drainage options for flat roofs and keep water off siding and window eaves as well. 

#4: Sloped or Tapered Insulation 

Another option ideal for new construction roofs, tapered insulation requires precutting to exact measurements. During roof installation, roofers create a slope that uses gravity to expel the water from the rooftop. 

Tapered insulation requires significant upfront investment and may work best for those with considerable construction budgets. 

Professional Roofing Services in the Greater Houston Area

Now that you know about flat roof drainage solutions, learn more about roof maintenance and repair, including what to do about roof leaks. 

To schedule your roofing consultation in the greater Houston area, call our Sugar Land Roofing team at 832-944-7663 today.