How to install drains if the roof is already covered?

Careful planning and precise execution are necessary when installing drains on an existing covered roof to ensure proper water drainage without causing damage to the existing roof structure. Knowing the procedure is essential whether you’re updating an outdated drainage system or retrofitting one.

First, evaluate the current drainage system, if any, and the roof layout. Determine any possible places where water tends to pool or where there is insufficient drainage. This assessment aids in figuring out the best places to add new drains or modify existing ones.

Next, select the right kind of drains according to the features of your roof and the climate where you live. Guttering, downspouts, and scuppers are typical options. Each has a distinct function in effectively diverting water away from the roof.

Make sure all tools and materials are on hand before installing. You might require fasteners, sealants, waterproofing materials, and the proper safety equipment, depending on the drainage system that you have chosen. To guarantee compliance and safety, adherence to local building codes and manufacturer guidelines is crucial.

Planning and execution are crucial when adding drains to a roof that is already covered. This article walks contractors and homeowners through the process of retrofitting drains onto an existing roof step-by-step. This guide offers helpful insights and advice for a successful project, from determining the type of drains to installing them properly without jeopardizing the integrity of the roof." Is there anything you would like to change, or would you like to move forward with this statement?

When the installation of drain is needed only in finishing work?

When airflow is directed through perforated sofits, which are holes in the overhang bearing specifically designed for ventilation of internal insulation, the drain is typically fixed to the frontal board alone. It is thought to be more effective to create an air flow through the opening beneath the crate.

In this instance, the frontal board must be positioned fairly low, and the gutter brackets are only secured to the crate. It’s true that there are drawbacks to this kind of system: the board can easily break under the weight of snow and ice. Determine which approach is best for you based on this.

Additionally, if the drainage system is installed after the house is constructed and the roof is laid, fasteners are only required to the frontal board. For instance, it’s quite common that you purchased an unfinished item. Furthermore, you will only need to fasten the brackets to the frontal board if you avoid touching the road and it is unclear what precise guidelines were followed when laying the roofing material. It won’t be feasible to replace the drainage system in a different way either.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the anti-condensate waterproofing film needs to be taken to a cornice overhang if you used it, and you can only do this if you attached the drain straight to the frontal board rather than the crate:

In order to fix the gutters and drain pipes, you will need special hooks. The construction rules state that there are three main ways to establish them: in a windbreaker of the cornation overhang, in rafter legs, and in a common plank flooring, if we are discussing a soft roof:

Among the most well-known instances is:

Method number 1. Fastening to the rafter system: Raise the coating

Occasionally, home owners anticipate being able to raise one or two roofing sheets and attach the hooks to the crate after the roof construction is complete. However, tearing off the coating sheets won’t really work because you’ll need to remove one or two rows of self-tapping screws or nails in this situation. Furthermore, patches are now required in this location, which lessens the overall aesthetic impact of the "no."

However, there is still a difficult method that essentially involves placing specialty boards beneath the coating to prevent roofing material from being loose and to remove the fastening with pliers.

Slate is frequently used for something similar. There, wooden bars that were ahead of the wave profiles in advance are inserted straight into the slate’s waves. In this instance, the drain mount is installed simultaneously on the bar and the hook through the slate itself.

Method number 2. Fastening to the frontal board: create a reliable support

If the roof is ready, the simplest method is to fasten hooks to the frontal board. Furthermore, decorating the front-line board itself to make it appear like a distinct piece of the roof is not at all difficult:

Short hooks are required for metal roofing coatings, and it’s preferable if they are attached to metal using the same material:

Nonetheless, the weight of the wooden frontal board is easily supported by the plastic drain:

Method number 3. Mount on the "crutches": go to the trick

In the event that the roof is completely without a frontal board, unique wooden or metal “crutches” are set into the wall and the groove is fastened to them directly with studs or bars:

Method No. 4. Brackets in supports

Or, in the case of small house buildings in particular, hooks must be screwed into what already exists:

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Method number 5. Unusual brackets: capture the groove from above

Furthermore, because these brackets support a gutter from above rather than below, they can be seen even after installation.

These brackets must be fastened in steps of 40 and 70 centimeters; otherwise, the weight of the ice or snow may cause the gutter to distort at a greater distance:

Method number 6. Adjustable brackets: for difficult conditions

Moreover, adjustable brackets are available. To adjust and set them up according to the slope’s angle of inclination, all that is needed is to twist the screws. This will eliminate the need for you to measure the bending radius of every hook individually.

Method number 7. We fasten directly to the roofing

In the most challenging situations, you might need to buy more expensive brackets that let you install the drain even on roofs with previously installed polycarbonate:

Naturally, this approach is only appropriate in areas with infrequent and light rainfall.

In summary, the overall dependability of the drainage system hinges on the accuracy of the bracket installation and gutter mounting.

Technical subtleties of installation

Let us now take a quick look at the technology used to secure the drain on the completed roof.

The frontal board’s drainage system should be installed according to these instructions:

  • Step 1. On the board itself, which was installed previously, mark the laser with a horizontal line in the highest place of the gutter.
  • Step 2. Then place the real line, taking into account the inclination, which should be from 3 to 5 millimeters per line meter of the gutter.
  • Step 3. Now you need to numb all hooks, and the marking itself should be made taking into account the slope of the gutter. Next, with the help of a strip bend, bend the edges of the hooks.
  • Step 4. Install two extreme hooks, and between them, along the very bottom of the gutter, you need to pull the rope. Install the rest of the mounts.
  • Step 5. Determine the location of the funnel at the end of the gutter.
  • Step 6. Attach the funnel to the gutter and circle with a pencil along the contour. From the edge of the contour to the center, leave a kantik 45 mm and cut a hole with an ordinary hacksaw or with special metal scissors. Now bend the resulting frames and attach the funnel to the gutter.

The entire assembly is very easy to do, similar to something made by a child.

Gutter and funnels: we have at the right distance

Let us now proceed straight to the gutter installation:

  • Step 1. Check the angle of inclination and the location of the brackets.
  • Step 2. We install the profile of the gutters on them and join them with each other using the connectors of the gutter. Close free ends with a plug.
  • Step 3. We mount a funnel.
  • Step 4. From the funnel we make a tap to the pipe on the wall.
  • Step 5. We mount the brackets for the pipe.
  • Step 6. We mark the path of installation of the pipe and fasten already vertical drainage elements.

These days, metal drains are connected with clamps and seals. There are three primary methods for connecting plastic drains: using rubber seals, cold welding, or latches with a clip. The most important thing to remember about all of this is that linear expansion compensation must be considered.

Consider including a component, like a drainage system grille specifically designed for it. It is required to remove plant debris, such as leaves and branches, that frequently washes off the roof from the draining water.

Step 1: Assess the Roof Check the existing roof covering to locate suitable areas for installing drains.
Step 2: Plan Drain Placement Determine the optimal locations for drains based on roof slope and water flow patterns.
Step 3: Prepare Drain Openings Create openings in the roof covering where the drains will be installed, ensuring proper waterproofing around the edges.
Step 4: Install Drain Assembly Place the drain assembly into the prepared opening, ensuring it is securely attached and sealed to prevent leaks.
Step 5: Test and Adjust Test the drains by pouring water into them and check for proper drainage. Adjust the slope if necessary to improve water flow.

It takes careful planning and execution to install drains on an existing covered roof in a way that ensures proper water drainage without compromising the structural integrity of the roof. Start by evaluating the existing roof configuration and determining the best places to install drains. In order to avoid water pooling and future damage, this step is essential.

Next, think about the kind of drains that work best on your roof, like internal or scupper drains. There are installation specifications for each type that must match the slope and structure of the roof. If you’re not sure which option is best for your specific roof design, speak with a roofing professional.

To stop leaks during installation, give priority to waterproofing the area surrounding the drain openings. Maintaining the waterproof barrier of the roof and guarding against moisture infiltration—which can result in expensive repairs later on—require proper sealing and flashing.

After installation, make sure the drains are kept free of debris and operating correctly by performing routine maintenance and inspections. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for long-term performance and durability because clogged drains can result in water backup and possible roof damage.

Video on the topic

Installation of drainage, 4.

DIY jetpers for the roof of the old house.Distribute gutter from profile for drywall

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Alexandra Fedorova

Journalist, author of articles on construction and repair. I will help you understand the complex issues related to the choice and installation of the roof.

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