News: 

Controlled drainage on all levels

New system for cascade drainage from Richard Brink

Schloss Holte-Stukenbrock, 19.05.2026:
Multilevel roof surfaces place high demands on dewatering: rainwater should not be directed onto lower levels in an uncontrolled manner, but rather channelled in closed systems. Failure to do this could result in susceptible areas, such as balconies, roof terraces and canopies, becoming flooded.

Richard Brink GmbH & Co. KG developed its cascade drainage solution with exactly these requirements in mind. It enables precipitation water to be continuously channelled away in compliance with the applicable regulations, from the uppermost roof level to the sewer system. The new solution was designed to collect water via adapters and direct it in a controlled manner across several levels, without it being able to fall freely onto lower levels.

Systematic direction instead of free-fall drainage

Water enters the system via compatible adapters, which are attached directly to the rainwater pipe. From here, connectors direct the water into a modular shallow-channel system, which is made up of elements that can be flexibly combined and cut to size. Changes in direction are created using straight or angled connectors as well as corner connectors, allowing even complicated drainage lines to be laid on the roof surface. The shallow channels always run on top of the actual waterproofing layer and do not penetrate it in any way. Due to their low height, the channels can also be easily and invisibly integrated into a variety of installation locations – from the gravel fill that sits under slab flooring to substructures for Bangkirai terrace flooring.

Various connections options can be used at the end of a drainage line: it can either be connected to a siphon on the roof surface or continued via the parapet into a connected drainpipe. The shallow channel’s rectangular cross-section has been consciously designed to be larger than that of a conventional downpipe, preventing the drainage volume from being curbed and ensuring a high level of efficiency. At the same time, the channel’s structural form enables it to be laid above the insulation and waterproofing levels, without having to cut into them.

Flexibly connected, reliably sealed

A key feature of our cascade drainage solution is its well-designed connection technology. The individual elements are joined together using screwable connectors with socket head screws and dummy rivets. As the shallow channels do not feature fixed brackets, they can be individually cut to length on site without wasting any material – every component can still be utilised.

Corners are also formed using multifunctional connectors, in this case with a 45° angle, and are used in place of conventional corner elements. This reduces the amount of components required and the number of connection points, making for a quicker installation. The connectors are designed to be long enough to compensate for tolerance values when cutting the channels to size.

To ensure the system is well sealed, both ends of the connector are fitted with an EPDM strip that wraps around the entire circumference and is pressed between the components when the elements are screwed in place. This creates a permanently watertight connection along the entire drainage line.

Modular design, adaptable on site

Made from 1.5-mm-thick stainless steel, the system provides a durable and corrosion-resistant solution for demanding applications. With a cross-section of 250 x 40 mm, the shallow channels are available in various lengths and are supplemented by special variants, for instance with integrated outlet nozzles including connections for DN-100 pipes, with downpipe mounts or sections that feed through parapets and balustrades.

The straight and angled connectors with integrated sealing strips complete the modular system; they allow the system to be adapted for the best possible fit at the respective installation location. Specialist tradesmen benefit here from a high level of flexibility during planning and implementation, and from smooth handling and assembly on site.

With its cascade drainage, Richard Brink offers an uninterrupted system solution for the dewatering of multilevel roof surfaces which complies with the applicable regulations. The combination of flexible connection technology, secure sealing and a continuous flow of water makes for a reliable basis for demanding building projects.

Comprehensive drainage from start to finish

The cascade drainage solution provided by Richard Brink can of course be combined with additional dewatering solutions offered by the metal products manufacturer. Ultimately, even on roof terraces, accumulating water first has to be collected before being directed away. Façade drainage for stacked building storeys as well as branch channels and gullies all direct rainwater towards the cascade solution, through which it is then drained away. Also at ground level, our drainage and dewatering systems make sure precipitation collected across all roof levels is directed away. No matter what customers require for the professional drainage of roof and balcony surfaces, Richard Brink will bring their ideas to life with a variety of solutions from its broad range of goods.

(approx. 5,260 characters)

back to the press overview