Drains for roofs must be practical but seamless in terms of their design so that they blend in inconspicously in any commercial or residential building. ArchiPro features only the best roof drains in Australia from brands and suppliers you can trust. They are an important part of a wider range of rainwater management products that you can find on ArchiPro.

Roof drains are composed of elements designed for the installation on flat or low-sloped surfaces. While they mostly lead the water through the internal piping system, the scupper drain runs it down the external wall. At ArchiPro, we offer a selection of draining systems and roof scuppers in different designs such as siphonic drains, inner drains to help you maximise your rooftop’s protection capacity.

Types of roof drains

There are a few types of roof drains available in Australia, each with its own characteristics and qualities.

Gutters

Conventional gutters are the most common type found in Australia and are easy to install and clean. The are often available in a few different materials and finishes.

Scuppers

This type of flat roof drainage or balcony drainage uses small holes cut in the side of the walls to drain water. It also requires little maintenance.

Inner drain

This drainage system uses interior pipes to lead water away from the roof. A protective cover ensures no debris enters the water pipes.

Siphonic Drain

Syphons suck in any water as part of a sloped or flat roof drainage system. This drain is sophisticated and inconspicuous.

The advantages of high-quality roof drains

Using high-quality roof drain systems available in Australia is the best way to confidently protect your home or building from water damage. While your roof flashings also play a significant role in sealing your roof, they need to be supported by excellent drainage systems. Roofing and balcony drainage provides a reliable method for draining water from your roof. As the drain is exposed to the elements in Australia, it needs to be robust and easily maintained to ensure you have a functional yet well-designed drainage system. A high-quality solution that’s been tried and tested in many other homes across Australia is a great way to ensure the same for your own home.

How to choose a roof drain that’s right for you

The first thing to consider is the types of roofing you have, and which drain system will work best. Flat roof drainage has different options to sloped drainage systems so it's important to pick the right system for the right situation. Also, consider the type of building you’re working on, be it home, business or industrial. The drain system needs to fit with the building’s style and must work in a proportional way with respect to its size. Some solutions don’t scale up or down as well as others. The severity of the weather they are likely to face in your local area of Australia shouldn’t be discounted either, again because some systems will have a greater tolerance to larger volumes of rain than others.

Material selection should also align with the roof structure, substrate and surrounding finishes. A cast iron roof drain can suit specifications where durability and load requirements call for it. Where specified, a concrete roof drain should be coordinated with the substrate and roof falls. A copper roof drain should be checked for compatibility with adjacent metals.

For optimal roof water drainage, there are many options including downpipes which direct rainwater away from the roof, preventing potential leaks and structural damage, rainwater heads which filter out debris and enhance water flow, maintaining a clean and functional drainage system, spouting and gutters which channel rainwater efficiently to downpipes, preventing soil erosion, foundation damage, and basement flooding.

Where do roof drains discharge?

In Australia, it depends on the system you use, but drain pipes or gutters discharge at the side of the building near the ground or in an underwater storm drain. It can also drain into a detention pond, depending on the plumbing of the building.

Do roof drains need traps?

Gully traps prevent sewer gases from rising in the pipes, but drain systems don’t require these specifically. Although, each household must have at least one gully trap for their wastewater. However, installing traps like silt ones is an excellent idea to prevent debris from entering your pipes.

How often should roof drains be cleaned?

It depends on the type of building and the drain installed. Gutters must be regularly cleaned, from every two weeks to a month, depending on the season. Scuppers, inner and siphonic drain types need less maintenance and cleaning, from once a month to every three months.

Roof Drains