Roof drains collect and direct water from roof and balcony surfaces in New Zealand buildings. They form part of wider rainwater management systems used to manage runoff and reduce pooling around the building envelope.

Water damage is one of the most common causes of damage to your home or building, often requiring an expensive solution, so it’s better to prevent it. Roof drains are a great way to ensure you don’t need to worry about water pooling on your sloped or flat roof. ArchiPro features only the best roof drains in New Zealand from suppliers you can trust.

Types of roof drains

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

Gutters

Conventional gutters are the most common type found in New Zealand 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 New Zealand 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 New Zealand, 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 New Zealand 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 New Zealand shouldn’t be discounted either, again because some systems will have a greater tolerance to larger volumes of rain than others.

Where do roof drains discharge?

In New Zealand, 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