Roof Drains vs. Roof Scuppers: The Great Commercial Roofing Showdown
If rainwater could talk, it would tell you it hates being stuck on a roof. That’s where drainage systems step in, making sure your commercial roof doesn’t turn into an unintended rooftop swimming pool. Enter the two contenders in this battle against standing water: roof drains and roof scuppers. Both are effective, but they go about their business in very different ways. Let’s dive in (but not into ponding water, of course)!
Roof Drains: The Underground Masters of Disguise
Roof drains are like the ninjas of commercial roofing—quiet, hidden, and incredibly efficient. If you don’t see water pouring off the edge of a building during a downpour, there’s a good chance roof drains are at work.
How Roof Drains Operate
Where they are: Located in the center or low points of a flat roof.
Where the water goes: Water enters the drain, travels through a system of pipes inside the building, and exits at ground level.
Why they’re awesome:
Invisible from the outside—keeps your building looking sleek.
Great for managing large amounts of water in a controlled manner.
Potential pitfalls:
Clogs are the enemy—leaves, debris, and rogue tennis balls can create backup issues.
Repairs can be trickier since pipes are hidden inside walls.
Pro tip: If your building uses roof drains, regular maintenance is key unless you enjoy surprise rooftop lakes!
Roof Scuppers: The Flashy, No-Nonsense Water Warriors
If roof drains are the stealthy type, scuppers are the loud and proud extroverts of roof drainage. They don’t hide—quite the opposite! They boldly let water rush out of the roof’s edges like a mini waterfall.
How Roof Scuppers Work
Where they are: Openings in the parapet wall or roof edge.
Where the water goes: Rainwater escapes through the scuppers, often into downspouts or splash blocks.
Why they’re awesome:
Easy to spot and inspect—no mystery leaks inside the walls.
No internal piping means fewer hidden maintenance issues.
Potential pitfalls:
Scuppers rely on gravity and roof slope—poor design can lead to standing water.
Wind-driven rain can sometimes sneak back in if scuppers aren’t properly designed.
Pro tip: If your roof has scuppers, make sure they’re big enough to handle heavy rain—otherwise, your walls might get an unexpected shower.
So, Which One Wins?
That depends! Neither system is better—it all comes down to what your building needs. If you want an out-of-sight, structured drainage system, roof drains are your go-to. If you prefer a simple, external water exit strategy, roof scuppers are the way to go. Some buildings even use both for extra drainage backup!
Final Thoughts
A well-drained roof is a happy roof. Whether you’re team Hidden Drain or team Scupper Power, what really matters is keeping water off your roof and away from your building. If you’re not sure what your commercial roof needs, Monument Roofing Systems can help. We don’t just know roofs—we know how to keep them dry!