Commercial roofing in the San Antonio area takes a punishment from the sun, as well as the 32 inches of rain we get each year on average. Draining nearly three feet of rain a year requires not simply a clean gutter, but a complete, properly built commercial roofing drain system. All the parts must work in harmony to shed water that otherwise ends up inside the roof deck, inside your building and, possibly, inside your inventory.

Edges and Interiors

Commercial low-slope roofing varies, of course, but almost all commercial roofing systems feature drainage at edges and across the roof expanse.

Edge drains include:

  • Scuppers—Actual rectangular holes in the parapet walls to allow water to flow off the roof
  • Secondary scuppers—Emergency drains higher up on the parapet walls in case the primary scuppers clog
  • Gutters—Metal troughs carrying water from the roof to downspouts
  • Scuppers and gutters both drain to downspouts, which empty into catch basins or drain into the municipal system

Interior drains handle water in the middle of large roof expanses. A “flat roof” may actually have four sloping segments leading toward an interior drain capped by a strainer. The interior drain empties into a drain pipe that carries rooftop water through the building to empty into a standpipe.

Smooth Running

Whether your commercial roofing has interior drains, scuppers or both, when strainers and scuppers clog, water backs up and forms a pond. Some ponding becomes so bad, small trees actually take root. This weight and organic matter can compress roof insulation and lead to water infiltration.

To keep your rooftop drainage system running smoothly, enlist the help of your professional commercial roofing contractor for annual or semi-annual inspection and maintenance can prevent clogs and ponding. Just a fraction of an inch of debris damming around a circular strainer can lead to many pounds of water weight on your roof.

Problem areas

The architect who designed your commercial property’s roof and drainage system may not have anticipated add-ons, such as HVAC units, skylights, satellite dishes and other units, that can trap and hold debris. Your roof may benefit from having a new interior drain installed. Other methods can divert rainwater around standing obstacles. A high-quality commercial roofer can help with these problem areas, making suggestions on improvements to your drainage system.

Contact BELDON Roofing Company today to learn how we can maintain or improve your commercial roofing drain system.

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