A single blocked downspout can leave two inches of standing water on a flat commercial roof after just one summer storm. Two inches of water is not unnotable, however: it can add roughly 10 pounds of weight per square foot to a deck that was never designed to hold it. Professional gutter installation can prevent that scenario by giving water a clear path off the roof instead of a place to collect.
Augustine Roofing helps Clarksburg, MD, property owners protect their builders from water damage through professional gutter installation, repair, and maintenance. Our team also provides commercial and residential roof repair and maintenance services to help keep drainage issues from becoming more costly problems. Call (301) 201-9709 to request your free roofing quote today!
Below, we discuss how to keep a commercial roof drainage system flowing:
What Type of Drainage System Does a Commercial Roof Use?
Commercial roofs typically use one of three common drainage systems. The right option depends on the roof’s design and how water needs to leave the building:
- Internal roof drains: These drains sit at low points on the roof and direct collected water through interior pipes.
- Scuppers: Built into the roof edge or parapet wall, scuppers allow water to drain away from the roof through an opening.
- Perimeter gutters and downspouts: Gutters collect water along the edge of the roof and direct it through downspouts and away from the building.
Each drainage system requires regular maintenance to keep water flowing properly and prevent blockages from causing problems.
How Is a Commercial Roof Drainage System Controlled?
A commercial roof drainage system is controlled through regular maintenance that keeps water moving off the roof. Gutter cleaning helps remove leaves and other debris before they restrict water flow through the system. Property owners should also check around strainers, sump pans, and downspouts for blockages that could cause water to back up.
In addition, following a consistent cleaning schedule helps to prevent standing water and protect the roof from unnecessary damage. Roofing industry guidelines treat scheduled drain clearing as standard maintenance, not a step to skip when budgets get tight. Left unaddressed, a blockage can eventually contribute to an interior leak, and tracing that leak back to its source usually takes far more work than addressing the drainage issue early.
How Can Drain Flow Be Increased on a Commercial Roof?
Increased flow usually comes from making sure the drainage system can handle the amount of water reaching the roof. When a low point repeatedly collects water, adding a secondary drain or scupper can relieve pressure on the primary drain system during heavy storms. Larger downspouts can also move water off the roof more quickly, while raised dome baskets help prevent debris from restricting flow through roof drains.
Augustine Roofing also installs EZ Lock gutter screens on residential and light-commercial gutter runs, which keep leaves out of the trough so water keeps moving even between cleanings. Keeping debris out of the system helps maintain consistent water flow and reduces the chance of backups during heavy rain. This is especially important heading into the colder months, as ice dams can prevent water from draining properly once temperatures drop.
When Should Property Owners Call for Gutter Repair or Replacement?
Property owners should call for gutter repair when they notice a sagging section, damaged trough, or areas where water continues to collect after rainfall. These issues can indicate that the system needs more than routine cleaning. If gutters show signs of corrosion or storm-related damage, gutter replacement may provide a more reliable long-term solution. Because clogged gutters are one of the maintenance issues that can void a roof warranty, addressing a failing system quickly protects both the building and its warranty coverage.
Augustine Roofing Provides Gutter Installation That Clarksburg, MD, Property Owners Trust
Proper gutter installation and repair help prevent drainage problems before they lead to more serious roof damage. Augustine Roofing’s gutter installation and repair services keep Clarksburg, MD, properties draining properly through every season. Our company also provides roofing installation, repair, and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties. Call (301) 201-9709 to request a free estimate and get started!