Roof drains may not be something you think about every day, but they’re crucial for ensuring the protection of your roofing system. The right roof drain helps prevent damage and cuts down on maintenance, saving you time and money.
In 2024, top brands like Zurn, MiFab, and Watts are leading the way with new roof drain designs that promise better efficiency and longer-lasting performance. They’re also focusing on using eco-friendly materials to help protect the environment.
Keep reading to learn about the importance of roof drains, and the top products on the market to better protect your home.
What Are Roof Drains & Their Function?
Roof drains are special fixtures installed on flat roofs to collect rainwater in order to prevent it from ponding on the roof’s surface. They come in different designs and materials to fit various types of roofs, but a typical roof drain includes a drain body, a grate or strainer to catch debris, and a downspout that moves water away from the building.
Their Function
- Water Management: Roof drains prevent water from collecting on your roof. If water pools, it can lead to leaks and damage over time. By guiding water away, roof drains help keep your roof intact.
- Preventing Damage: By managing water flow effectively, roof drains reduce the risk of damage like leaks and mold growth, which can affect both your roof and the inside of your building.
- Maintenance: Roof drains make it easier to manage maintenance. They help direct debris and water to specific areas where it can be handled more easily, keeping everything flowing smoothly and preventing blockages.
Top Roof Drain Manufacturers
Here’s a look at what makes these brands, and a few of their products, stand out:
- Zurn Roof Drains
- Control-Flow Roof Drains: The Zurn Z105 model features a 15-inch diameter and is made for flat roofs. It includes a Dura-Coated cast iron body and a special weir to handle water flow. It also has a membrane flashing clamp and gravel guard for extra durability.
- Custom Options: Zurn offers adjustable extensions and different types of strainers to match your specific needs.
- MiFab Roof Drains
- Heavy-Duty Roof Drains: MiFab’s drains are built tough, using materials that resist corrosion. They’re designed for both commercial and industrial use and can handle large amounts of water.
- Smart Design: MiFab focuses on creating products that fit well with modern roofing systems and last a long time.
- Watts Roof Drains
- Versatile Models: Watts offers roof drains that work for both flat and sloped roofs, and their products use advanced materials for durability and longevity.
- Efficiency Focused: Their designs help reduce water buildup, which is important for keeping your roof in good shape.
- Josam Roof Drains
- Quality Solutions: Josam provides reliable drains suitable for both homes to businesses, using high-quality materials like cast iron for durability.
- Customization: Josam offers options that can be tailored to meet local building codes and specific project needs.
- OMG Roofing Products
- Advanced Systems: OMG’s drains are designed to fit various types of roofs and prevent water pooling on their modern designs.
- Eco-Friendly: OMG uses sustainable materials and practices to reduce their environmental impact while ensuring their products last.
- Kessel Roof Drains
- High-Tech Drains: Kessel uses a special material called Ecoguss that combines metal and polymers. This makes their drains lightweight yet durable.
- Custom Options: They offer drains that can be customized to meet specific needs, including emergency drainage options.
What Is The Rule Of Thumb For Roof Drains?
When it comes to roof drains, there are a few tips you might want to keep in mind in order to have an effective drainage system.
Placement
- Distance From The Edge: Place roof drains no more than 50 feet from the roof’s edge. This helps move water towards the drains and prevents puddles.
- Spacing Between Drains: Keep roof drains no more than 100 feet apart. This spacing makes sure all areas of the roof get proper drainage and prevents water from gathering.
- Minimum Number of Drains: Use at least two drains on the roof. Having more than one drain ensures water is managed well, even if one gets blocked.
Design Tips
- Slope: Make sure the roof has a slight slope to guide water to the drains. Even flat roofs need a bit of pitch so water can drain away within 24 to 48 hours after it rains.
- Drain Size: Choose drains based on how much water they need to handle. For example, a 4-inch drain will work best with a certain amount of water. Make sure the drain size matches the expected rainfall and roof area.
- Local Rules: Check local building codes for specific rules on where to place drains, their size, and if extra overflow drains are needed. Some areas may require these to handle very heavy rain.
Figuring Out Drainage Needs
- Measure Roof Area: Find out the total size of the roof by measuring its length and width.
- Check Drain Capacity: Look at manufacturer charts to see how much area one drain can cover. For example, a 4-inch drain might handle about 9,200 square feet if the rain is 2 inches per hour.
- Calculate The Number of Drains: Divide the area of the roof by the amount of area each drain covers. For example, if your roof is 60,000 square feet and each drain covers 4,000 square feet, you’ll need around 15 drains.
These tips will help ensure your roof drains work well and keep your roof in good shape.
Get Professional Roof Drain Installation In Western New York
Choosing the right roof drain is key for protecting your home and ensuring long-lasting performance. Brands like Zurn, MiFab, and Watts offer great solutions. Consider efficiency, ease of installation, maintenance, and code compliance when choosing a roof drain. For expert installation or replacement in Buffalo and nearby areas in Western New York, contact OConnor Contracting. We provide dependable service to ensure your roof drains fit and are durable.
FAQs
A.Clean your roof drain at least twice a year, specifically before and after the rainy season. This prevents debris buildup that can block the drain and lead to water damage.
A.Yes, many roof drains, like those from Zurn and MiFab, can be customized with different fittings and strainers to meet local building codes and your specific needs.
A.Look for roof drains made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or advanced polymers. These materials handle weather well and last a long time.
A. Yes, many roof drains are designed for both flat and sloped roofs. Brands like Watts and MiFab offer options that work well with different types of roofs to manage water flow effectively.
