KNOWLEDGE // ARTICLES

Rainfall Intensity Changes Over Time: Have the Codes Kept Pace?

 

More intense rains seem to be occurring and with greater frequency in many parts of the United States. So, have the codes kept up with the changes in the frequency and intensity of rainfalls?

In this article, roofing expert Jeffrey Levine reviews rainfall intensity data and various plumbing codes from 1935 to present as they relate to calculating the rainwater capacity of roof drains, scuppers, gutters, downspouts, and secondary drainage systems (overflow devices).

This article was originally published in the October 2021 issue of IIBEC Interface, the official publication of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC).