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At Tensio, we know that maintaining roof drains is a priority to avoid costly damage to buildings. We sat down with Patrick Martin, preventionist at Les Produits Murphco, a partner company of the Association des Maîtres Couvreurs du Québec, to discuss the importance of roof drain maintenance. Together, we wanted to provide information on how to avoid water infiltration and the complications that can result from inadequate maintenance.
What are roof drains and what are they used for?
A roof drain is an essential device installed on flat or gently sloped roofs to efficiently evacuate water from rain and snowmelt. It is usually fitted with a grid to prevent debris from clogging the drainage system. Connected to a piping network, it directs water to storm sewers or retention systems. Without proper drainage, water accumulation on a roof can lead to infiltration, structural overload and major damage to buildings.
Water-retention roof drains
Water-retention roof drains are installed on buildings with a large roof surface area, providing a controlled flow of water. In this way, demand on the water mains is spread out over time. These drains operate with up to 6 inches of accumulated water, which must be evacuated within 24 hours.
Condition-based maintenance
Roof drains play an essential role in draining water and preventing infiltration. It's recommended to check them regularly, especially if your roof is exposed to accumulations of debris such as leaves or tree thorns. According to Mr. Martin, there's no specific time frame for checking your drains, as too many different factors come into play, such as debris and the amount of rainfall. He therefore recommends checking them during heavier rainfalls, and on an occasional basis, especially in autumn. The random nature of the checks makes roof drains a great choice for a preventive maintenance solution.
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Different risks for different roofs
According to Mr. Martin, certain roof features make them more prone to water infiltration. For example, doors opening onto roof terraces are sometimes lower than the parapets, the vertical extensions of flat roofs. So, when water rises due to a blockage in a roof drain, it can seep through the door and into the building. Extra vigilance is even more important in such cases.
Why drain maintenance is essential
A clogged drain can cause serious water infiltration, threatening the integrity of the building. Stagnant water can lead to the deterioration of materials and the formation of mold, leading to costly repairs. Regular monitoring and maintenance can help preserve your roof of these risks. According to Martin, repairs to clogged or malfunctioning roof drains can often run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
An intelligent solution for roof drain maintenance
An intelligent solution for preventive maintenance
Rather than relying solely on manual inspections requiring someone to climb onto the roof at random times to check the condition of roof drains, Tensio technology offers a preventive maintenance solution. Our intelligent system alerts a manager in real time when roof drains require maintenance.This allows action to be taken before a problem occurs, and provides peace of mind when all is well!
Protect your assets with a proactive approach: contact us to find out more about our intelligent roof management solutions.
Sources and references :
Les Produits Murphco Ltée | Innovator of roofing solutions since 1996. (n.d.).
