Roof Runoff
Roof runoff structures are constructed in order to improve water quality, reduce erosion, provide for better infiltration, and can also be used to collect and store water for later use.
The goal is to collect clean rainwater from rooftops and discharge it to a stable outlet location. This will help to prevent soil erosion as well as the discharge of nutrients from animal waste into nearby waterways. Runoff can also be collected in barrels or tanks and used to fill troughs, water plants, or wet down riding arenas.
Runoff structures usually consist of K-style gutters, larger ½ round gutters, and box gutters. Downspouts can discharge to the surface if there is no threat of erosion and must have an elbow and a splash block to direct the water away from the buildings foundation. Downspouts can also empty into underground outlets or subsurface drains.
Outlets from underground pipes must discharge to stabilized areas to prevent erosion. The outlets must also be durable enough to prevent damage from surface loads and should have guards at the pipe opening to prevent animals from entering and blocking the pipe.
