A scupper carries water through a parapet wall. Leaks can occur at the roof flange, through the wall opening, or where water backs up from the collector and downspout outside.

What to check first

  • Inspect the roof-to-scupper transition.
  • Check the exterior collector for blockage.
  • Keep the opening and overflow path unobstructed.

Separate a leak from a drainage problem

  1. Trace the water route

    Follow water from the roof surface through the inlet and toward the discharge point. Inspect normal drainage and any separate overflow provision.

  2. Check the waterproof connection

    A sound pipe does not prove the membrane-to-drain connection is sound. Look for loose components, separation, damaged flashing, or patch buildup around the inlet.

  3. Preserve the opening

    A compatible local repair must not reduce the effective outlet or cover its strainer. Persistent ponding, backup, or changes to drain location and size need building-specific professional assessment.

Watch the field examples

These archive demonstrations show individual projects. Use the current guidance above and Bergstrom’s published instructions if an older video shows a different product or method. Torch work shown in installation videos is professional work.

From the project archive

Flat Roof Repair - Scuppers in Westport Building - We installed a rubber roof over tar and gravel and eliminated the drain
Historical project photo · Flat Roof Doctor
Flat roof repair - Scuppers on flat roofs - Someone installed a pump to drain the water from roof. After installing a roof we added scuppers
Historical project photo · Flat Roof Doctor
Flat roof repair - The location of a scupper on a roof is important.
Historical project photo · Flat Roof Doctor

Product reference: Bergstrom Industries’ published knowledge catalog. Follow the latest product label and safety information. Historical project examples are educational and are not a specification for every roof.