Scuppers are found on most homes with flat roofs, to provide a way for water to drain off the roof and reduce the chance of a roof leak. Scuppers are installed at the base of the roof and may either be:
- Wide openings at the edge of the roof, enabling water to flow off the roof quickly.
- Decorative spouts (shown at right) that extend out past the facade of the house so the water doesn't drip down the side of the house.
Scuppers may also direct water into gutters and/or downspouts which help control where the water falls when reaching the ground. The type of scuppers you install, and their installation, will depend on the type of roof you have. Copper.org provides more detailed information for different roof styles.
Finding the Right Scuppers for Your Home
There are many different scupper designs and material choices. You need to research them carefully, focusing first on the best drainage for your house. When picking the materials, you don't want something that requires maintenance as they're not easy to access. So yes, scuppers come in epoxy coated iron, nickel, bronze, copper, plastic and they might be coated with stucco. The decision is yours so make or plastic your choice wisely.
Note: Scuppers are also found on ships, to quickly drain the water off the deck.
