In order for a commercial roof to be effective, it must integrate an efficient drainage system. This is because there must be a way for water to be quickly moved off the roof surface and into any installed drains or gutters. An inefficient roof drainage system can compromise the integrity of the building in many ways, most notably if water pools and ponds on the roof surface. This situation can result in damaging leaks that can wreak havoc on both the roofing system and the interior of the building.

Here are three essential topics regarding roof drainage to discuss with your roofing contractor.

Condition of gutters and downpipes:Gutters and downpipes on commercial buildings are typically made of metal. While steel is often considered the best choice due to its inherent strength, in practice, aluminum gutters hold up more effectively to water exposure. Gutters and downpipes must resist rust, which is oxidation due to water exposure. If components of the drainage systems are allowed to rust, oxidative damage can travel throughout the entire system and affect pipes all the way through the building, hidden behind walls and causing extensive, expensive damage. Therefore, if installing a new system, choosing a suitable metal for gutters and downpipes is vital.
The relationship between the roof and the ground: The correlation of the roofing system to the environment should be a critical consideration during installation — that is, a roof drainage system must be able to carry the required “water load” without damaging the earth below and adjacent to the building. Regardless of the roof slope, not considering these factors can result in the drainage system becoming backed up and damaging the ground with excess standing or flowing water. A commercial roofing contractor is, therefore, more important to rectify these issues than the maintenance staff when roof inspections are due.
The system’s water volume capacity:Some regions experience excessive amounts of rain, especially during the summer months. The installed roof drainage system should be able to effectively handle the maximum expected levels for each season in the building’s region, with room to spare. If the roof drainage system doesn’t have the ability to transfer the maximum potential amounts of water, rain may pond during and cause leaks. A building owner should select a roofing contractor who understands what to expect in every season.

Does Your Commercial Roof Need More Effective Drainage?

The condition of any metal gutters and the volume of water processed by the drainage system represent vital conversations regarding how the roof drainage system works, but that is only the beginning of the conversation. An experienced roofing contractor should evaluate leaks that are the result of issues caused by roof drainage. While the watermarks on the office ceiling are concerning, they may only be a small indication of the potential for much worse damage behind the building walls.

Unicoat’s management team has over 75 years of practical experience in commercial and industrial roof assessment, maintenance, and repair. We can locate the sources of any leaks, evaluate the state of the roof drainage system and either repair the issue or recommend solutions, often through our roof coating installation process.

Now that we are in a dry season in the southern states, it is an opportune time to schedule a roof inspection and perform any needed maintenance and remediation. Contact Unicoat Industrial Roofing today if you have any specific worries about your roof drainage system – or would simply like to solidify your assurance that your roof is functionally well and protecting your building from the elements.

Unicoat Industrial Roofing is proficient in installing roof coatings that can significantly extend the life of your roof. Before you needlessly replace your roof, call today to learn more.