Commercial buildings with flat roofing must stay on top of drainage to keep water problems at bay, as they lack the advantages of the sloping roofs of smaller structures. Engineers know this well, so there are a few key features that will ensure precipitation is filtering away from your facility. Here’s a brief introduction to how it works.

A Guide to Drainage on Flat Commercial Roofing

Drains & Scuppers

Roofing with proper drainage has three major components: internal drains, scuppers, and gutters and downspouts. Internal drains are critical because they keep precipitation moving at different locations. They are strategically set along the roof so water is draining in other spots besides the edge, which means fewer chances of anything pooling. Internal drains assist the slope on a flat roof, especially a larger one.

Scuppers are used for pushing water through a metal edge and into a downspout along the outside of the building that filters the water away from the foundation. There should be several downspouts around the perimeter so water along all the edges has somewhere to go.

Importance of Gutters

A good gutter installation and maintenance can’t be emphasized enough, especially on flat roofing. Just like on a sloped roof or residential structure, gutters catch precipitation and debris that must be sent through downspouts and away from the building. They should be cleaned to avoid clogging—and for areas with a lot of trees, gutter guards are recommended to reduce accumulation. Usually, commercial buildings have K-shaped or box-gutter styles. K-shaped installations add extra style to the building in addition to good drainage since they look like crown molding along the roof.

Box gutters are more common for commercial roofing since they can hold much more volume. Larger facilities do well with this choice, which can also be customized in even larger sizes than a typical 6-inch gutter to accommodate buildings that require higher capacities.

Whichever size or style your building needs, connecting gutters to the right downspouts is critical. For a 6-inch gutter installation, make sure downspouts are 3 x 4 inches. Also, ensure 24-gauge galvanized steel or aluminum is used for optimal durability. These also have coatings to stop rusting and corrosion.

When you need an expert in commercial roofing, trust the team at Marty Robbins Roofing. Located in Dothan, AL, these contractors bring more than 40 years of experience to every project. Their affordable services and quality work give you peace of mind that your roof is protecting your building at all costs. They’re also available for gutter installation to keep your drainage system in top shape. Call (334) 794-8120 for an estimate or visit their website for a look at their work.