I'm stuck deciding between scuppers and internal drains for my flat roof. Desert climate, so rain's rare but when it hits, man, it's intense. Anyone got experience with either? Curious which holds up better long-term...
"Desert climate, so rain's rare but when it hits, man, it's intense."
Given your situation, I'd lean heavily toward scuppers. Internal drains can be effective, sure, but they're more prone to clogging, especially when storms are infrequent but heavy. Debris accumulates over dry periods, and when that rare downpour hits...you don't wanna find out your internal drain's blocked the hard way.
Scuppers are simpler—fewer moving parts means fewer headaches long-term. Plus, they're visible from the outside, making inspections and maintenance a breeze. Had a client once who went internal drains on a desert flat roof; worked great for a couple years until one nasty storm flooded his living room because he hadn't realized debris had built up inside.
Keep it simple and visible. Scuppers might not look fancy, but they'll save you trouble down the line.
