Effective rainwater drainage systems are critical for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of flat or low-gradient roofs. Poorly drained roofs are vulnerable to overflows, leaks and even structural collapse if rainwater is allowed to accumulate.
With our comprehensive design service and range of high-quality outlets, pipes, fittings and accessories, you can rely on an industry-leading siphonic roof drainage solution tailored to your needs.
Prepare your flat roof for heavy rainfall with an efficient drainage system tailored to your needs. Discover the benefits of our siphonic solution and find the perfect setup for your building.
1. WHAT IS SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE?
Siphonic roof drainage is a fast and effective rainwater drainage system for flat and low-gradient roofs. By keeping air out of the piping system and utilizing negative pressure, siphonic setups can evacuate rainwater at more than twice the flow rate of traditional gravity systems.
2. WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF DRAINAGE FOR FLAT ROOFS?
Flat and low-gradient roofs are vulnerable to excessive rainwater accumulation and require fast and efficient drainage to avoid compromising their structural integrity. Consequently, siphonic roof drainage is one of the most suitable options for flat roofs as it evacuates rainwater at more than twice the flow rate of traditional gravity systems.
3. WHY ARE SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS BETTER THAN GRAVITY SYSTEMS?
Siphonic systems evacuate rainwater from flat roofs at more than double the flow rate of gravity systems. Where gravity setups allow a combination of water and air to enter drainage pipes, siphonic systems only permit water to avoid the formation of a vortex. Rainwater occupies the full internal profile of the pipe for a more efficient evacuation at a higher flow velocity. This reduces the number and diameter of pipes required, while also eliminating the need for slopes — saving space, reducing materials and facilitating greater design freedom.
4. WHERE CAN I INSTALL SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS?
Pipelife siphonic roof drainage systems can be installed on any flat or low-gradient roof with an incline of up to 3%. They are compatible with a variety of roof types, including cold, insulated, inverted and green roofs, and are a perfect fit for factories, warehouses, shopping malls, airport terminals, convention centers, apartment blocks, office buildings and hotels.
5. WHY DO I NEED A SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM?
Siphonic roof drainage systems secure your roof’s structural integrity by draining rainwater at a high flow rate. If heavy rainfall is not drained efficiently, your roof could be vulnerable to overflows, sagging and leaks, while also being exposed to bacterial and fungal growth. We also offer parallel drainage systems for additional safety, designed to handle infrequent but high-intensity rainstorms.
6. HOW DO SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS WORK?
Pipelife siphonic roof drainage systems utilize negative pressure to evacuate rainwater at more than twice the flow rate of a traditional gravity system. Where gravity systems allow a combination of water and air to enter the downpipe, siphonic systems only permit water. The siphonic mechanism produces a closed water column during drainage, which ensures a much higher flow velocity through smaller pipe diameters. During periods of high precipitation, the siphonic apparatus drains rainwater at a flow rate of up to 20 l/s*.
*DN75 outlet, 55 mm head of water
7. WHAT TYPES OF ROOFS ARE SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS COMPATIBLE WITH?
Siphonic systems are compatible with a diverse range of roof types, including cold, insulated, inverted and green roofs.
8. HOW LONG DO SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS LAST?
Pipelife siphonic roof drainage systems are manufactured from high-quality raw materials to last at least 50 years with minimal maintenance. Automotive-industry-standard ASA thermoplastic provides superior UV, abrasion and impact resistance for exposed air baffles, while butt-welded and electrofusion pipe connections provide high tensile resistance and reliably leak-free fittings.
9. HOW MUCH DOES A SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM COST?
Pipelife siphonic roof drainage systems are competitively priced in each local market. They are all-encompassing solutions fitted to the custom requirements of your building, and the price varies accordingly. Please get in touch with your local Pipelife partner for a detailed offer.
10. WHERE CAN I BUY A SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM?
Our siphonic roof drainage systems can be bought directly from your local Pipelife partner. We are present in over 20 European countries, all of whom will be happy to field any of your purchasing inquiries. For more details, see the list of our operating countries at the bottom of the page.
11. ARE SIPHONIC ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS SUITED TO ALL PROJECT TYPES?
Pipelife siphonic systems can be used on any flat roof with a gradient of 3% or less, including cold, insulated, inverted and green roofs. However, as the optimal setup varies from project to project, we recommend taking advantage of our comprehensive design service. We create a complete layout design of your setup, tailoring how and where each element should be to ensure optimal efficiency and functionality.