05/06/2026
As we head into the warmer months you can be sure that sporadic heavy downpours will test your roof’s drainage systems.
There are many types of drainage and the right one for your roof makes a big difference. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types:
🔵 Gutters & downpipes: The classic and most common for homes in the UK. Gutters sit along the edge of your roof and channel rainwater down into downpipes, directing it safely away from your foundations. Great for pitched roofs but remember to make sure they are cleared of blockages regularly.
🔵 Internal drains: Common on flat roofs, these sit in the middle of the roof and funnel water through pipes inside the building. They’re hidden away but problematic should they develop a leak.
🔵 Scuppers: These are openings in the parapet wall (the low wall around a flat roof) that let water escape through it into a hopper head. Simple, effective, and low-maintenance.
🔵 Siphonic drainage: A modern system that uses negative pressure to suck water off the roof quickly.
🔵 Green roof drainage layers: If you have a green roof, a special drainage mat sits beneath the plants to move excess water away while retaining just the right amount for your plants to thrive.
If water sits for too long on your roof it can cause problems - unless it’s a single-ply roof. The best way to understand if your roof and drainage are up to standard is to book a roof inspection with Robseal Roofing.
📞 Get in touch on 0118 978 8942.