Why canales matter so much
On a flat roof surrounded by parapets, the canales are the only way out for rainwater. A single clogged canale during a monsoon storm can put inches of water against the parapet in minutes. If the seal around the canale has cracked, that water goes straight into the wall.
Common canale problems
- Clogs from cottonwood and elm leaves, seed pods, nests and roofing debris
- Rust-through on old galvanized canales
- Cracked seals where the canale passes through the parapet
- Back-slope: the canale or the roof around it sits higher than the roof, so water ponds before it drains
- Too small or too few for the roof area, so they overflow in heavy rain
- Stucco stains and erosion below the canale from water running down the wall
What we do
- Clear the canale and the area around it, and check how water flows to it.
- Check the seal at the parapet and the condition of the roof around the opening.
- Reseal, or remove and reset the canale with the roof built up around it so water flows in, not around.
- Replace rusted canales with new galvanized, painted steel or copper.
- Add a canale or a scupper where the roof needs more drainage.
- Coat the area so the repair is protected.
Stop the wall damage too
Longer canales, splash blocks or a rock bed below keep water off the stucco and away from the foundation. If the stucco below a canale is already eroded, it should be patched so water can't get into the wall.
Cost
Resealing a canale is usually a small job. Replacing one commonly runs about $200 to $600 each, depending on the canale, the parapet and the roof repair around it. See canale maintenance.
Call us for a free look at your roof. You get photos of what we find and written pricing before any work starts.
Common questions
How often should canales be cleaned?
At least once a year, ideally before monsoon season in late June, and again after the cottonwoods drop their leaves if you're in the valley.
Can I add a canale?
Often, yes. A new opening is cut in the parapet, the roof is built up to drain to it, and everything is sealed and coated.
Why is my wall stained under the canale?
Water is running down the stucco, often because the canale is short or leaking at the wall. Persistent stains can mean water is getting into the wall.