Had a similar wake-up call with mine last fall. Thought I was being proactive by putting in an extra drain, but turns out if you don’t clear out the leaves and random junk, it’s just as useless as having none. Ended up with water pooling so bad I could see the reflection of my neighbor’s Christmas lights in it. Not sure I’d call it a disaster waiting to happen, but it’s definitely more work than I bargained for. Pitched roofs might be a pain for other reasons, but at least gravity’s on your side.
if you don’t clear out the leaves and random junk, it’s just as useless as having none
Yeah, I learned that the hard way too. First big rain after we moved in, I thought the roof was leaking—turned out it was just water pooling because the drain was clogged with maple seeds. Never realized how much stuff ends up up there until I had to scoop it all out by hand. Definitely more upkeep than I expected when we bought the place.
That’s exactly what happened to me last fall—thought I had a leak, but it was just the water backing up because the scupper was jammed with pine needles and those little helicopter seeds. I swear, you don’t realize how much junk lands on a flat roof until you’re up there with a bucket and gloves. It’s not just leaves either... I found a tennis ball and half a bird’s nest once.
I’ve started checking mine every couple weeks during the rainy season, but it still feels like a losing battle sometimes. Anyone tried installing those leaf guards or mesh screens over their drains? I keep wondering if they actually help or just make it harder to clean when stuff does get through.
Anyone tried installing those leaf guards or mesh screens over their drains? I keep wondering if they actually help or just make it harder to clean when stuff does get through.
I put mesh screens on my scuppers about two years ago. They definitely cut down on the big stuff—no more tennis balls or bird nests—but honestly, the fine debris still gets through and clogs up underneath. Cleaning is a little trickier since you have to pop the screen off and dig around, but at least you’re not pulling out handfuls of gunk every time. Have you looked into the dome-shaped ones? I heard they’re easier to clear, but haven’t tried them myself.
- Tried the mesh screens, too. They’re like bouncers for my drains—keep out the big troublemakers, but the little stuff sneaks in anyway.
- Cleaning is definitely more fiddly now. I end up with wet sleeves and a grumpy attitude every time.
- Haven’t tried those dome ones, but they look less likely to get jammed up with leaves.
- Anyone ever just skip the guards and do regular cleanouts? Wondering if I’m making it harder on myself trying to outsmart nature...