I’ve actually tried a couple different types of strainers on my flat roof drains, and honestly, they’re a mixed bag. The basic wire basket ones do catch a lot of leaves, but if you’ve got a ton of debris (like I do in the fall), they can clog up just as fast as an open drain—just with everything piled on top instead of inside. It’s kind of like trading one problem for another.
I switched to those dome-shaped plastic guards last year, thinking they’d be better. They’re easier to clean off since stuff doesn’t get wedged in as tight, but I still have to get up there after every big storm or wind event. If I skip it for even a week, water starts pooling around the drain area... not ideal.
Honestly, nothing beats just making it part of the routine—grab a broom and clear things off before and after heavy rain. The guards help a little, but they’re not magic. If you’re forgetful (like me sometimes), maybe set a reminder on your phone? That’s saved me from more than one potential indoor waterfall...
I get the routine thing, but honestly, relying on memory or reminders isn’t a real fix if you’re dealing with heavy storms or a ton of trees nearby. I’ve seen too many folks end up with water damage because they missed just one cleaning. Have you looked into secondary overflow drains? They’re not cheap to add, but they can save you from a disaster if the main gets blocked. Sometimes it’s worth biting the bullet for peace of mind, especially if you’re in a spot that gets hammered by rain.
Have you looked into secondary overflow drains? They’re not cheap to add, but they can save you from a disaster if the main gets blocked.
That’s a solid point. I used to think regular cleaning was enough, but after a big storm last fall, I realized how fast those drains can clog up—especially with all the maple seeds and junk from nearby trees. I bit the bullet and put in an overflow drain last winter. Not cheap, but honestly, it’s a lot less stressful now when the rain’s coming down sideways. If you’re on the fence, I’d say it’s worth considering, especially if you’ve already had close calls.
Overflow drains are like the seatbelt you hope you never need, but man, when you do... I’ve seen too many flat roofs turn into rooftop swimming pools because a single drain got jammed with leaves or a rogue tennis ball. Not cheap, but neither is replacing half your ceiling. If you’ve got trees nearby, it’s almost a no-brainer.
Overflow drains are important, but honestly, I see a lot of issues come down to just plain maintenance. Even the best overflow setup won’t help if you’re not checking those drains every season, especially with trees around. I’ve seen folks install extra drains and still end up with water pooling because nobody bothered to clear out the debris. Sometimes it’s less about adding more hardware and more about keeping up with the basics.
