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Hercules-Plus RetroDrains from OMG Roofing Products is a line of retrofit roof drains that features integrated vortex breaker technology. Vortex breaker technology helps improve drain performance by improving water removal off the roof.

Hercules-Plus RetroDrains are designed to replace existing new construction drains in re-roofing applications. Installed from the roof surface, they are engineered to be installed without removing the existing drain fixture. The retrofit roof drains have a mechanical seal for direct connection to existing PVC or cast iron plumbing that meets the ANSI/SPRI RD-1 standard.

The one-piece seamless body provides strength and durability without separation of the extra large 17½” flange from the stem while the sump area facilitates drainage. A 12″ long drain stem accommodates most existing field conditions with longer lengths available.

Hercules-Plus RetroDrains incorporate U-Flow® Seal technology for a mechanical watertight connection to PVC or cast iron pipes to prevent water from backup damage. In addition, integrated vortex breaker technology greatly reduces the chugging effect that occurs when a vortex collapses, which can overload the plumbing system.

Independent performance testing shows that Hercules-Plus RetroDrains provide up to 2.5 times greater flow capacity than original Hercules Drains without vortex breaker technology. Faster water flow off the roof also means that the drains get excessive weight off the roof faster.

“Ponding water weighs approximately five pounds per inch per square foot. That means 1″ of water covering 20-square feet on the roof weighs 2,000 pounds,” said Dan Genovese, product manager with OMG Roofing. “That’s an additional ton of live load added to the building’s roof, and not entirely uncommon given the number of extreme weather events we’ve seen in the past few years. The new Hercules-Plus RetroDrains can get that water—and excessive weight—off the roof faster.”

Hercules-Plus RetroDrains are available in four sizes—3″, 4″, 5″, and 6″—and with an optional TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated flange for direct membrane attachment. Strainer domes are made of heavy-duty cast aluminum which will not rust for long life on the roof. The safety yellow powder-coat makes the Hercules-Plus strainer domes highly visible to help minimize rooftop trip hazards.

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