Roof Drains

There are a number of different varieties of roof drains and roof drain pvc in Moulton, AL and each one is an unique answer to the variety of roof types and their drainage issues. You need to consider the kind of roof, its dimensions, and the roof pitch to be able to choose the right drain. You also may want to take into account the location of the drain, what amount of rainwater is expected and safe practices when selecting a roof water drain for a residence or commercial building.

Gable, dormer, mansard and hip roofs shed water due to gravitational force. Flat roofs, alternatively, collect water. Until this water is routed out and away from the flat roof structure, it will most likely create pools of water that could inevitably leak and the accumulated weight may eventually cause structural damage. That is why roofs with a slope of below two percent should have roof drains positioned at the lowest areas on the roof in which water puddles and should be evenly spread all throughout the roof top.

Types of Roof Drains

There are several distinct alternatives of roof drains. They basically fall into two groups: flat roof drains and pitched roof drains. Pitched roof rainwater drains normally comprise gutters which collect rainwater which travels by means of gravity to the roof edge. Gutters channel this water in the direction of downspouts which steer the water flow down and far away from the building or into sewers. Flat roof drains are one of three main types: scuppers, inner drains or siphonic drains.

Roof Drain Scuppers

Scuppers are located on the roof's periphery. They can also be installed on a balcony or terrace. Small openings are cut in the side of the roof structure so water can empty and drain the roof surface. Scuppers can connect to a downspout, or can be lengthened to make sure that water is guided off of the building sides and foundation.

Inner Roof Drains

There are quite a few different types of inner drains for flat roofs. These are installed at low places on the roof and attach to interior drainage pipes that route water outdoors or into a sewer system. Many models of inner roof drains have domes, strainers or covers that prevent trash from clogging the roof drain pipe. These kinds of drains work via gravitational force funneling pooling water thru the roof drain system. They are made from PVC, cast iron or cast aluminum.

Siphonic Roof Drains

Siphonic roof drains are a more effective substitute for gravity drainage. Standard flat roof drainage allows both air and water to enter the drain system creating pipe space which is occupied by both air and water. By adding an engineered baffle to the sump of the drain body it produces a siphonic drain that removes air from the system and allows for smaller pipe diameters . When all of the air is removed, a negative air pressure in the tail portion of the drain is set up which pulls rainwater off the roof siphonically. Though used primarily for flat roofs, siphonic drains can also be installed on angled roofs.

If you need more information about flat roof drain or roof drain pvc in and around Moulton, Alabama, give us a call. We'd be glad to help.