At this time there are a few distinct types of roof water drains and roof drain system in Harvest, AL and each is an unique approach to the wide range of roof types and their drainage challenges. You must look at the kind of roof, its size, and the roof pitch to be able to pick the correct drain. You also should take into account the site of the drain, how much rainwater is anticipated and safety when selecting a roof water drain for a house or business structure. Gambrel, dormers, hip and gable roofs shed water due to gravity. Flat roofs, alternatively, accumulate rain water. Until the water is guided out and away from the flat roof structure, it will most likely develop pools that may 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 situated at the lowest places on the roof where water pools and need to be evenly spaced all throughout the roof top.
Roof Drain Types
There are a number of different alternatives of roof drains. They generally fall into 2 groups: pitched roof drains and flat roof drains. Pitched roof rainwater drains normally consist of gutters that accumulate rainwater that travels via gravity to the roof periphery. Gutters channel this water in the direction of downspouts which steer the water flow down and far away from the building or in to sewer lines. Flat roof drains can be one of three primary types: scuppers, inner drains or siphonic drains.
Roof Drain Scuppers
Scuppers are located on a roof's perimeter. They can also be placed on a balcony or terrace. Small openings are cut in the side of the roof structure so that rain water can flow out and drain the roof surface. Scuppers can connect to a downspout, or can be extended so that water is directed away from the structure sides and foundation.
Interior Roof Drains
There are many kinds of inner drains for flat roofs. They are positioned at low areas on the roof and attach to inner drainage pipes that route water outdoors or into a sewer system. Several styles of inner roof drains have domes, strainers or covers that keep debris from blocking the roof drain pipe. These kinds of drains work via gravity channeling pooling water through the roof drain system. They can be made of PVC, cast iron or cast aluminum.
Siphonic Roof DrainsSiphonic roof drains are a more effective substitute for gravity drainage. Conventional flat roof drainage permits both air and water to enter the drain system producing pipe space which is occupied by both air and water. By adding an engineered baffle to the sump of the drain body it creates a siphonic drain which removes air from the system and allows for smaller pipe diameters to be used. When all air is removed, a negative air pressure in the tail piece of the drain is established which attracts rainwater off the roof siphonically. Though used mainly for flat roofs, siphonic drains can also be installed on angled roofs.
If you need more information about flat roof drain or roof drain system in and around Harvest, Alabama, give us a call. We'd be glad to help.