What canales do
Canales are the spouts that carry water through the parapet and off the roof. Scuppers are similar openings, sometimes with a box and downspout. Together they're how rain and snowmelt leave a flat roof. If one is blocked or leaking, the roof becomes a basin.
Common problems
| Problem | Result |
|---|---|
| Packed with juniper needles, leaves or pack-rat debris | Water backs up and ponds |
| Cracked where it passes through the wall | Water leaks into the parapet |
| Too short or tilted back | Water runs down the stucco |
| Ice dams in winter | Meltwater refreezes and backs up |
| Rotted wood canales | Leaks and staining |
What we do
- Clear debris and check the flow path to each canale
- Reseal the canale where it meets the roof and wall
- Replace rusted or rotted canales with metal ones
- Extend canales so water lands away from the wall
- Build up foam so the roof drains toward the canale
Water harvesting
Many Placitas homeowners collect roof water. Canales can be set up to feed a barrel or cistern. See rainwater harvesting from coated roofs.
Call (505) 588-5928 if you see water sitting near a canale after a storm.
Common questions
How often should canales be cleaned?
Every spring and fall, and after big wind events if there are trees nearby.
Can you add a new canale?
Often yes, if the roof slope and parapet allow it.
Do you install gutters?
On flat roofs we work with canales and scuppers. Gutters on pitched roofs are a separate job.