What is a scupper and where is it found?

What is a scupper and where is it found?

• A. A type of protective cap used on nails.
• B. An opening in a parapet or edge to drain water from a flat roof into a downspout or gutter.
• C. A vent pipe extending above the roof surface.
• D. A decorative feature on the roof edge.

Answer: (B)

Water drainage from a flat roof is handled by openings called scuppers. They are openings cut into the parapet or roof edge that allow rainwater to drain from the roof into a downspout or gutter. You’ll typically find them along the perimeter of a flat roof where the parapet rises, so water can exit instead of pooling on the surface. Some designs include a scupper grate to keep debris out. This drains rainwater effectively and helps prevent leaks and structural damage from ponding. They’re not protective caps on nails, not vent pipes, and not decorative features. The location and function—an opening in the parapet edge that lets water flow into a downspout or gutter—define what a scupper is.

Water drainage from a flat roof is handled by openings called scuppers. They are openings cut into the parapet or roof edge that allow rainwater to drain from the roof into a downspout or gutter. You’ll typically find them along the perimeter of a flat roof where the parapet rises, so water can exit instead of pooling on the surface. Some designs include a scupper grate to keep debris out. This drains rainwater effectively and helps prevent leaks and structural damage from ponding. They’re not protective caps on nails, not vent pipes, and not decorative features. The location and function—an opening in the parapet edge that lets water flow into a downspout or gutter—define what a scupper is.