If you're getting ready to have a flat roof installed on your home, one of the things that you need to prioritize is the drainage system. With a flat roof, insufficient drainage for snow melt, rain, and other moisture can spell disaster. You'll have pooling water, which can cause the roof membrane to deteriorate, leaving your roof at risk of leaks. It can also encourage the formation of ice dams, which can be destructive to your roof.

Interior Drainage

With interior drainage, your roofer will install a pipe and gutter system under the roof with drains placed around the center of the roof itself. The water will flow through the drains and into the pipe system, ultimately flowing away from your home.

You can have the drains covered with a screen or guard to keep debris out of the drain pipes, which will help prevent clogs and other messes. This is important, as backed up water can then overflow those drains and cause water damage in your home.

Many people like interior drains because there are no visible components outside on the roof. It creates a seamless appearance while still giving you the function that you need. They are often a more expensive drainage option, but they are great for enhancing the value of your home.

Gutter Systems

Perhaps the most widely known drainage option, and often the most affordable, is a gutter system. The gutters will be attached to the edge of the roof and are designed to carry the water away from the house, draining it through a downspout that points elsewhere. If your roof is already done or there's no time to incorporate a built-in drainage system, this is usually the quickest and most reasonable option, because they can be attached at any time.

Gutters are not maintenance-free, though. You need to be sure that you keep them clear of debris, snow, and ice. The addition of gutter guards can do a lot of that for you, but you'll still need to plan on having them cleaned and flushed periodically.

Scupper Drains

Scupper drains are designed to project draining water out away from the building. These drain systems consist of outlets that are installed on the edges of the roof, and they keep the water away from your walls and the rest of the structure. This, in turn, protects your foundation from excess water exposure.

If you opt for scuppers, know that you'll need to have your roofer add a bit of slope to the roof. That ensures that the water drains right. If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow, though, you should ask a roofer, such as fromHinckley Roofing, if this is the right choice, because scuppers don't usually do well with snow melt. Although they aren't as expensive as internal drainage, scuppers are usually more expensive than gutters. Make sure you know your budget before you commit to a drainage solution.