If you own a commercial property, you need to understand roof drains: how they work, and why they matter. A properly functioning drainage system will prevent leaks and keep your building safe and dry.

There are several types of drain systems used for flat and sloped roofs. Understanding how they work can help you choose the right one for your needs.

External Drains

Roofs come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, resulting in various drainage needs. Understanding your roof drain system can help you identify potential problems, take preventative measures to keep the water off your roof, gutters, and walls, and ensure a healthy, leak-free building. Inspect your outside drains regularly and remove any debris that is clogging them. This can be done using a flashlight to see the dark underground holes or pipes better and carefully remove any items present without damaging the pipes themselves. Once the drain screen is removed, run a hose down the drainage system to flush it out and remove any dirt and debris clogging it. This is an excellent way to avoid costly repairs and maintenance. It is good to check different websites and companies for roof drainage Stamford, CT, to understand the different roof drain systems.

Gutters

Gutters collect rainwater from the roof and direct it to a downspout that directs it away from home. If the gutter system is clogged, water will overflow and collect next to the home’s foundation. Gutters and downspouts should be inspected regularly to ensure they are working properly. They should also be cleaned to remove clogs and weeds. A properly-sized gutter system catches rainwater as it falls and then redirects it to a downspout that conveys it to a drainage system or extension that relocates it away from the foundation.

Downspouts

Downspouts work with gutters and scupper systems to carry water off the roof and away from your home. They keep rainwater from running over your siding, foundation, and other exterior walls, preventing mold, mildew, and moss growth that can lead to discoloration, wood rot, and leaks. It’s important to remember that your downspouts should be designed and installed in such a way as to direct the majority of the runoff from the roof to the ground. If anyone downspout drains significantly more surface area of the roof than others, it could result in standing water on the ground and accelerate erosion.

Internal Drains

Interior drains are a common drainage system for commercial buildings. They are positioned underneath the roof and in the walls to direct water away from the building effectively. They typically feature a strainer to catch debris and avoid pipe blockages. They can also be customized to the project and are aesthetically pleasing. These systems work with gravity to move water off the roof of a commercial building, especially flat or low-sloped ones. Differently sloped segments all flow to one internal drain, leading to an underground system that carries water to the ground below. While these drains are much easier to maintain than a gutter and downspout combination, they clog occasionally. It’s always a good idea to have these pipes inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent blockages from occurring.

When a severe storm hits, your house can sometimes take the brunt of it, leaving you to deal with the damage and the stress. But you can smooth out the process by following some manageable steps.

Get to Safety

Your first step in case of a storm is to get yourself and your family to safety. Do not stay in a damaged house if there is any danger of injury. Go to a friend’s house or a motel until you can assess the situation.

Document Everything

When it is safe to go back to your home, or if you are in no danger by staying, then document all the damage. Write down what happened and when, and take plenty of pictures. Make sure to record the damage from all sides and angles. You will need the documentation for your insurance claim, so be thorough.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Now it is time to contact your insurance company. An agent will likely meet you at your home for an inspection, and you should present all your documentation and pictures, neatly organized. You will probably have to be quite patient with your insurance company as they are not known for speed, but you should also keep on top of the situation by calling to check on progress.

Start Repairs

When your insurance claim and payment come through, it will be time to start repairs. Depending on the extent of damage, you may want to hire a general contractor to manage the project. Read reviews for several contractors online, and choose some likely candidates to provide quotes in writing. Alternately, you might contact a roofing company Killeen TX or another service according to your needs. Just be sure to remain in constant communication with your contractor or company during repairs.

With some time, effort, good organization and perseverance, you can get your home and your life back to normal after a storm.

Owning a house comes with inevitable maintenance and repair issues. While most of these issues are unavoidable, it is helpful to be aware of some of the more common reasons for home maintenance in order to plan ahead for the cost. Here are three of the most common places in homes that require repairs. 

1. Roofs

The roof is a vital part of a house, protecting residents from weather conditions like wind and rain. As a result, roof repair in Daytona Beach FL is one of the most common repair jobs done to a home. Some of the signs that roof repair or a brand new roof is in order include:

• Water stains on your walls and ceilings
• Missing or damaged shingles 
• A roof that looks droopy or saggy 
• Moss, mold, and fungi growth on the roof

It is better to repair or replace a roof than to incur hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of damage as a result of a bad leak in the roof. 

2. Foundations

Cracked foundations are particularly common in older homes or homes that see both extreme hot and cold weather. Excess water can also cause cracks in the foundation walls. Signs of foundation damage include cracks on the walls and floors of the house, sloping floors, and windows that are stubborn to open and close. Foundation damage can be very pricey to fix. 

3. Pipes

Pipes carry water throughout the home to locations where it is needed, mostly the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. Symptoms of pipe damage can start as small, unnoticeable leaks and wreak devastating havoc by the time the damage is noticed by residents. Some homeowners may be able to fix a leaky pipe on their own, but call a plumber when in doubt. 

Keep an eye on these three locations if you own a home.