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Zurn Drains
In building systems, reliable drainage is nonnegotiable—and Zurn stands at the forefront with engineered solutions that span roof and floor drainage needs. On rooftops, Zurn roof drains excel at channeling stormwater away from critical structural areas using a full spectrum of options: primary, overflow, siphonic, dual-outlet, and control flow models, all rigorously tested to meet flow-rate standards and performance codes.Inside structures, Zurn floor drains maintain safety and function by removing excess liquid from floors—whether in commercial, industrial, or residential settings. Their cast iron, stainless, and adjustable systems, including innovative tilt-adjustable models, deliver durability, installation ease, and compliance with load-rating and flow requirements.Together, these offerings showcase Zurn’s commitment to integrating high-performance drainage solutions across the full building envelope—roof to floor.
Zurn Drains: A Practical Guide to Roof Drains & Floor Drains
From the roof membrane to the lobby floor, Zurn drainage systems help move water off the building and away from occupants. Below is a clear, field-ready overview of roof drains and floor drains—what they do, where they fit, and how to specify them with confidence.
Technical overview: Roof drains collect water at the membrane and convey it to the storm system; floor drains collect water at the finish floor. Plain English: roof drains keep the roof dry and safe; floor drains keep interiors clean and slip-resistant. Zurn provides families of heads, bodies, clamping rings, strainers, and accessories so you can match flow, load class, finish, and maintenance needs across a project.
Roof Drains: What Matters
- Membrane interface — clamping rings and weep channels manage water at the membrane plane.
- Flow performance — bowl size + outlet diameter govern hydraulic capacity (check rainfall data).
- Strainer style — domes resist clogging from leaves and debris; secured fasteners deter tampering.
- Insulated/deck plates — reduce condensation, support deck transitions, and protect the assembly.
- Overflow provisions — secondary (emergency) drains or standpipes prevent dangerous ponding.
Plain English: choose a drain that ties neatly into your roof build-up, moves water fast, and stays clear when storms hit.
Special Roof Conditions: Vegetated & Plaza Decks
For green roofs and plaza decks, specify risers, gravel guards, and inspection covers to keep soil and pavers out of the bowl. Maintain filter fabric layers and ensure overflow strategies meet code so rainfall events don’t overload the system.
Accessories: domes, gravel stops, sumps, deck plates
Outlets: no-hub, inside caulk, threaded (per riser detail)
Floor Drains: Where & Why
- Finish-floor drains — low-profile, adjustable tops for restrooms, showers, locker rooms.
- Area drains — medium to extra heavy-duty for kitchens, maintenance bays, warehouses.
- Integral-trap options — simplify odor control and reduce parts vs. separate P-traps.
- Flushing-rim models — pressurized rinsing for food service and animal care.
- Trench/parking deck — linear capture for thresholds, concourse edges, and decks.
Plain English: pick the head that fits the finish, the body that meets the load, and the options that match your cleaning routine.
Spec Checklist (Quick Reference)
Floor finish: tile, terrazzo, resinous, concrete
Load class: pedestrian → light-vehicular → heavy
Hydraulics: expected flow + debris profile
Sanitation: integral trap, trap primer, flushing rim
Waterproofing: clamp ring, weep paths, deck plate
Security: hinged/secured tops, vandal-resistant screws
Specifications at a Glance
Roof Drains
- Bodies: cast iron; deck plates, sumps, and insulation options
- Strainers: domed, secured; gravel guards for vegetated/plaza roofs
- Outlets: no-hub, threaded, inside caulk; sizes per drainage calc
- Overflow: secondary drains/standpipes to meet code
Floor Drains
- Tops: round/square; perforated, slotted, tractor, heel-proof
- Bodies: medium to extra heavy-duty; integral-trap options
- Accessories: trap primers, debris buckets, anchor lugs
- Waterproofing: clamp rings & weep paths; deck plates for membranes
Installation Highlights (Pro Tips)
1) Set & Secure
Tie bodies to reinforcement, align outlets, and maintain bowl elevation relative to membranes or finish floors.
2) Protect Interfaces
For roofs, clamp and seal membranes; for floors, keep grate ledges clean during pours to ensure proper seating.
3) Commission & Document
Water test primary/overflow (roof) and weep function (floor). Record model/options for O&M.
Case Study: Mixed-Use Envelope Refresh
A five-story mixed-use building upgraded to domed primary + overflow roof drains and standardized floor drains with trap primers in back-of-house spaces. Result: fewer ponding incidents during heavy rain and faster nightly cleanups thanks to secured, easy-service strainers.

