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For flat roof owners, rain can create constant stress over the idea that it may penetrate the flat roofing system and leak inside. While the low slope that defines your roof is sleek and modern in appearance, it can cause a lot of issues in regards to drainage. Water pooling, structural damage, and leaks are all too common concerns that can keep you up at night.
But what if there was a critical part of your roof that was specifically designed to address these issues? That’s where roof scuppers come in, as a necessary drainage method for flat roofs.
Whether you are buying a property with a flat roof or thinking of making changes, learning about scuppers is a good idea. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how these roofing features can be the key to transforming your roofing headaches into peace of mind.
What Are Roof Scuppers?
Before we discuss what roof scuppers are, you need to first understand why they’re necessary, and why flat roofs need them in the first place. Imagine your flat roof as a large, slightly tilted tabletop. When it rains, water naturally wants to flow towards the edges. But unlike a sloped roof where water can easily run off, a flat roof needs assistance. This is where roof scuppers come into play.
Roof scuppers are specially designed openings or channels strategically placed around the edges of your flat roof. Think of them as water escape routes. They’re typically built into the walls or parapets (those short walls that often extend above the roof’s edge) of your building.
For new homeowners, understanding what roof scuppers are is crucial. They’re not just another roofing term to learn, they’re an essential component that can mean the difference between a dry, well-protected home and one plagued by water damage and leaks.
Types of Roof Scuppers
Not all scuppers are created equal. Just as homes come in different styles and sizes, scuppers also vary to meet specific drainage needs and architectural designs. Understanding these different types can help you make informed decisions about your roof’s drainage system. Here are the main types you might encounter:
Through-Wall Scuppers
These are the most common type, often seen in commercial buildings but also used in residential structures with flat roofs. In this system, the scupper is built directly into the parapet wall, creating a clear path for water to exit the roof. Imagine a rectangular tunnel cutting through the wall; that’s essentially what a through-wall scupper is. These scuppers are highly effective because they channel water away from the roof’s surface and the building’s exterior.
Open Scuppers
Also known as spillway scuppers, these lack a closed channel. Instead, they allow water to flow freely off the edge of the roof, much like a waterfall. Picture the edge of your roof slightly extending beyond the wall, with an open cut-out section where water can spill over. While more straightforward in design and often less expensive to install, open scuppers have their limitations.
These scuppers may not be suitable for all types of buildings, especially those where water needs to be directed away from the structure’s base.
Secondary (Emergency) Scuppers
These are installed at a higher level than primary drainage systems, and only come into play when the main drainage system can’t keep up with water accumulation. This provides an extra layer of protection against flooding on the roof’s surface.
How Roof Scuppers Help Your Flat Roof (And Your Building)
Here are some of the primary functions of a roof scupper and how it helps your flat roof function better:
Water Removal
The most crucial role of scuppers is to channel water off the roof. When it rains or snow melts, water naturally flows towards the scuppers, which then guide it away from the building. This prevents water from pooling on the roof, which can lead to leaks, structural damage, and even roof collapse in extreme cases.
Overflow Protection
In addition to everyday drainage, scuppers act as a safety valve during heavy rainfall. If the primary drainage system (like interior drains) becomes overwhelmed or clogged, scuppers provide an alternate route for water to escape. This overflow protection is essential in preventing water from backing up and potentially entering the building.
Improves The Appearance Of Your Flat Roofing System
We know that most flat roofing materials are not pleasing to the eye. But if you want to change that, roof scuppers can help. In addition to their popular functional benefits, scuppers can improve the overall appeal of your flat roofing system.
Well-designed scuppers can be seamlessly integrated into the architectural style of your home or commercial building, and can be crafted from materials that complement the exterior, such as stainless steel or copper. This adds visual interest to the roofline, and some architects even use decorative scuppers as design elements.
A Cost Effective Addition To Your Roof’s Drainage System
Installing and maintaining roof scuppers is generally less expensive than implementing a comprehensive internal drainage network with multiple roof drains and extensive piping. For buildings with existing parapet walls, adding scuppers often requires minimal structural modifications, reducing labor and material costs. This cost-effectiveness extends to long-term maintenance as well.
What Are The Problems With Roof Scuppers?
Even well-designed scuppers can face issues. Here are some common problems to watch out for:
Clogging
The most frequent issue with scuppers is clogging due to the accumulation of leaves, debris, or even animal nests. This blockage can prevent water from draining properly, leading to pooling on the roof, which increases the risk of leaks and structural damage over time.
Improper Sizing
Scuppers that are too small for the roof can lead to overflow and potential water damage. Suppose a scupper is not properly sized to handle the volume of water during heavy rainfall. In that case, the excess water can spill over onto walls and foundations, causing deterioration and costly repairs.
Poor Installation
Improperly installed scuppers may not seal correctly, leading to leaks around the scupper. This can cause water to seep into the building’s structure, potentially leading to mold growth and compromising the integrity of the building materials.
The Importance of Proper Scupper Design and Installation
Effective scupper installation doesn’t just happen by chance. Their design and installation are crucial for optimal performance. Key considerations include:
Size and Capacity
Scuppers must be sized correctly to handle the expected volume of water. Undersized scuppers can lead to overflow, while oversized ones might cause unnecessary structural modifications.
Placement
Strategic placement ensures water is directed to scuppers efficiently. This involves considering the roof’s slope and potential areas of water accumulation.
Flashing and Waterproofing
Proper flashing around flat roof scuppers is essential to prevent water from seeping into the building’s roofing membrane. This involves careful integration with the roof membrane and wall construction.
Local Building Codes
The design of commercial roof scuppers must comply with local building codes, which often specify minimum sizes, materials, and placement guidelines.
Want To Install Flat Roof Scuppers? We Can Help!
Roof scuppers provide an effective way to manage water runoff and keep your roof in good condition. If you’re looking for assistance with flat roof scupper installation, our team has the expertise to help. At Renova Roofing & Construction, we can ensure that the scuppers are installed correctly and function efficiently, giving you peace of mind regarding your roof’s drainage system. Contact us today at (601) 647-3433.