Rain, rain go away: Commercial roof drain basics

By MuleHide.

Learn about two types of roof drains available and when each can be used.  

Water damage is one of the most common and damaging issues that can occur on the roof. If a roof does not have a proper drainage system, you will find issues varying from short-term leaks to long-term structural failures due to water penetration. This can create a dangerous environment in the building itself and lead to costly repairs. The key to avoiding this issue is to create a strong drainage system. But, when it comes to picking a system, there are multiple options. In this article, the experts at MuleHide break down the differences between “new construction” roof drains versus “retrofit” roof drains to help make the decision process easier.

Both of these roof drains serve the same vital purpose – removing water from the roof surface before it can damage the roofing system and, potentially, the building itself and its contents. The key distinction between the drain types is how they are connected to the building’s plumbing system.  

New construction drains connect to the outside of the pipe, providing maximum water flow capacity. Retrofit drains connect to the inside of the pipe; the old strainer and clamping ring are removed and the new drain is slid into the pipe. Simple, yes, and effective. But it reduces the pipe’s diameter and, thus, its capacity. Water will still leave the roof, but more slowly. The potential for clogs increases. If the roof already has drainage issues, they could become worse.

Installing a new construction roof drain is, therefore, always preferable. But sometimes it is not feasible. That is where retrofit drains come in. For example, if a bolt attaching a drain to the roof has snapped off or a tab on the clamping ring has broken, a retrofit roof drain can fix the problem without the need to open the ceiling below to connect it to the plumbing system. It will bypass the damaged parts of the original drain and send water to the existing drain bowl. No drywall repairs required.

A new construction roof drain should always be the first choice. But when that is not a viable option, a retrofit roof drain is a simpler and less intrusive… and still effective… solution.

MuleHide offers new construction and retrofit roof drains to meet the needs of any project.

Original article and photo source: MuleHide