Mesh covers are kind of a mixed bag from what I’ve seen. They do keep out the bigger stuff—leaves, twigs, that sort of thing—but after a couple months, especially if you’re in a spot with lots of trees or pollen, you still end up with that fine gunk building up on top. Then it’s like, yeah, the debris isn’t in your drain, but now it’s just sitting on the mesh and blocking water anyway. I guess it’s easier to brush off than digging into a clogged pipe, but it’s still another thing to check.
Heavy rain just makes everything worse. I’ve watched water sheet right over the mesh when it can’t get through fast enough, which kinda defeats the point. Honestly, I think regular checks are just part of the deal with flat roofs. I’d love to find a magic fix too, but so far it seems like every “solution” just changes what you have to clean instead of getting rid of the chore altogether. If anyone’s found something that actually works long-term, I’d be all ears…
You’re not wrong about mesh covers being a bit of a trade-off. They can help with the big stuff, but fine debris and pollen will always find a way to build up. I’ve seen situations where the mesh actually made things worse during a downpour—water just couldn’t get through fast enough, and you end up with overflow. Flat roofs are just high-maintenance by nature, especially under trees. Regular checks are about the only thing that really keeps things in check. Haven’t seen a true “set it and forget it” solution yet, but I do think brushing off the mesh beats snaking out a blocked drain any day.
I’ve seen mesh covers turn into little swimming pools themselves during a heavy rain, especially if you get those spring seed pods clogging things up. Once had to wade ankle-deep on a flat roof just to clear the drains—definitely not my favorite afternoon. Regular checks really are the name of the game, but yeah, I’d still rather deal with a clogged mesh than dig out a whole drainpipe full of gunk.
That’s the thing with flat roofs—one good downpour and you find out real quick if your drainage is up to snuff. I’ve had my fair share of “ponds” up there too, especially after a windy spring when all the maple helicopters decide to settle in for a swim. Mesh covers are a double-edged sword: they keep out the big stuff, but once they’re clogged, water just sits there. I’ve seen folks try to poke holes in the mesh with a stick just to get things moving, but that’s really just a band-aid.
One trick I picked up was angling the mesh slightly so debris slides off easier, but it’s not foolproof. And honestly, I’d rather clear a messy mesh than snake out a drainpipe packed solid with last year’s leaves and who knows what else. Still, it’s wild how fast things can go sideways if you skip even one check after a storm. Flat roofs aren’t always a disaster waiting to happen, but they sure keep you on your toes.
Still, it’s wild how fast things can go sideways if you skip even one check after a storm.
Ain’t that the truth. I’ve seen folks get lulled into thinking their flat roof’s fine just because it made it through a couple storms, then bam—next big rain and they’re dealing with ceiling stains or worse. You’re right about mesh covers being a mixed bag. I’ve tried those angled setups too, and while they help, nothing beats just getting up there and clearing things out by hand now and then. It’s a pain, but way better than dealing with water damage inside. Flat roofs aren’t doomed, but they do demand respect.
