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The proper direction for rainwater to drain from a flat roof into a gutter or downspout is perpendicular to the eaves.
As far as flat roofs are concerned, proper water draining is absolutely vital.
Poor draining presents a host of problems, including:
Leaking of roofs:
Water caught in stagnation on the roof may drip through cracks or weak points to cause interior damages.
Structural damage:
More than usual moisture may weaken the structural integrity of the roof and result in sagging, cracking, or even collapse.
Mold and mildew formation:
The damp condition around the house highly helps mold and mildew to grow inside a house, which is dangerous for healthy living. Foundation problems: Accumulation of water near the foundation causes erosion and settlement, resulting in cracks in walls and floors. The Perpendicular Path: A Proven Solution
Water from a flat roof drains most effectively if the flow is oriented perpendicular to the eaves. In other words, rainwater must fall directly into either the gutter or downspout without any lateral movement along the edge of the roof.
Why Perpendicular Is Best
Direct Flow: A perpendicular path provides rapid and effective progress of rainwater into the gutter or downspout with minimum possibility of pooling or overflows.
Less Stress on the Roof: In catching water on the eave edges of a roof, you decrease the pressure that it puts on it, subsequently resulting in preventing water from leaking through joints and cracks.
Ice Dams: This also can avoid at least lessen the occurrence of ice dams in colder climates, one common cause of significant roofs and gutters damage.Additional Considerations
Gutter Care: Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance are of utmost importance to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters are likely to overflow, causing damages.
Downspout Extension: If your downspouts let out water around the foundation, you need to think about installing extensions to move the flow away from the building.
Roof Inspection: Routine roof inspection may just reveal drainage issues that might be fixed before serious damage occurs.By following these tips and focusing on proper drainage, your flat roof will avoid the frequent repair costs in the future.
