I’m always curious whether it’s better to go for something cheap and replaceable or invest in pricier options that still might not last.
Honestly, I’ve been wrestling with this exact question since moving in last year. My flat roof is only a few years old, but the first “weatherproof” drain covers I tried warped after one winter. I switched to the hardware cloth and zip ties trick, and it’s actually held up better than I expected. It does let some smaller stuff through—like pine needles—but it’s way easier to pop off and clean than the fancier covers were. I just check it every couple weeks, especially after storms.
I get the appeal of pricier options, but after seeing how fast things break down with all the freeze-thaw cycles (I’m in the Midwest), I’m leaning toward cheap and easy to swap out. If I have to replace a $5 DIY cover every year, it still beats shelling out $40 for something that cracks anyway. Not sure if that’s the “right” answer, but it’s working for me so far.
That actually makes a lot of sense, especially with Midwest weather just beating up anything you put out there. I’ve tried a couple “premium” covers too and they didn’t last much longer than the cheap ones. Sometimes simple and easy to swap out is just less stressful. I do wonder if there’s a sweet spot between DIY and pricier stuff, but honestly, if it’s working and you’re not dealing with clogs or leaks, that’s a win in my book.
if it’s working and you’re not dealing with clogs or leaks, that’s a win in my book.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” works with flat roofs. Midwest storms are brutal—one bad rain and suddenly you’ve got water pooling somewhere you can’t see. I tried going the cheap route last year and ended up with a nasty ceiling stain after a surprise downpour. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront (or at least checking things more often) saves way more hassle later.
- Totally agree—flat roofs are a different beast, especially with Midwest weather.
- I check my drains and scuppers every couple months, just in case.
- Learned the hard way: one missed gutter cleaning and water started seeping in around a vent.
- Not saying you need to replace everything, but regular checks seem worth it... peace of mind goes a long way.
- Also, ponding water can mess up insulation fast—caught that on mine before it got ugly.
Not saying you need to replace everything, but regular checks seem worth it... peace of mind goes a long way.
I get the whole regular check thing, but honestly, I started wondering if there’s a better way than just fighting the same battle every season. I switched part of my flat roof to a green roof setup (just a small section, nothing fancy), and it’s actually helped with ponding and insulation issues. Maintenance is different, but I don’t have to stress as much about standing water or clogged drains. Anyone else tried something like that? It’s not perfect, but it changed the game for me.
