How Capcon Engineering is Preparing for Storms Ahead
Launched in partnership with the National Meteorological Services of the UK (Met Office) and the Netherlands (KNMI), Met Éireann’s recent release of storm names for 2025/26 is a reminder of the risks posed by severe weather. If any of the 21 named storms approach the scale of Storm Éowyn—a severe weather event that hit Ireland particularly hard—the consequences for infrastructure could be significant. This highlights the critical need for protective measures, both in Ireland and globally, to ensure infrastructure is resilient enough to withstand increasingly intense rainfall events.
Keeping Buildings Protected with Capcon Engineering’s Siphonic Drainage During Storms
One critically important protective measure is to install and maintain drainage systems that can cope with repeated extreme rainfall. By using specially designed outlets that prevent air from entering, our siphonic drainage systems create a vacuum-like effect that pulls water through the pipes at high velocities. This boosts capacity within the drainage system during short, intense downpours and helps roofs clear water far more quickly than traditional systems, whose reliance on gravity and sloping pipework makes them far more susceptible to overflows during extreme weather events.
The fact that siphonic systems use fewer, smaller downpipes—and allow them to be placed exactly where they are needed—also means water can be routed far more effectively across the roof. This not only further lowers the risk of leaks or blockages that can cause water to back up but also results in fewer potential weak spots, adding an extra layer of security against the risk of flooding in challenging conditions.
The high-speed flow inside siphonic pipes also helps to wash away leaves and other debris, keeping the system clear between storms. This self-cleaning effect means the pipework keeps more of its designed capacity when the next burst of rain arrives, supporting long-term reliability and reducing the risk of critical damage.
At Capcon, we complement this self-cleansing performance with robust and thorough maintenance, inspection, and cleaning services to ensure every system continues to operate at peak efficiency. Our team inspects and cleans gutters, rainwater pipes, outlets, and gratings once a year—or more frequently for sites located near trees or industrial sites, which may be especially vulnerable to extreme weather.
Ultimately, this balance of effective water removal and proactive upkeep gives building owners a drainage system that stands up to the demands of heavier and more frequent storms, protecting assets for the long term.
Case Study 1: K2 Dublin Data Centre
The scale of the roof and the need to drain to a single termination point immediately ruled out a gravity-based solution at this 32 MW facility in Dublin. Capcon Engineering designed a siphonic system with just 435 metres of pipework and four downpipes, funnelling water to localised points that connect to the site’s rainwater harvesting system and deliver LEED Gold-certified protection.
Other Ways Our Siphonic Drainage Systems Protect Against Storms
Alongside their ability to rapidly remove water during intense downpours, siphonic drainage systems incorporate several other features that directly enhance storm resilience.
- Design flexibility in critical environments: The need for fewer, smaller downpipes that can run horizontally allows siphonic drainage systems to remove stormwater effectively without clashing with critical services. This avoids the need for excessive pipework in hospitals, data centres, and other complex, space-constrained facilities, ensuring reliable protection as heavy precipitation events become more frequent.
- Centralised discharge for stormwater control: By funnelling water to defined points, siphonic systems make it easier to connect roofs to harvesting tanks or attenuation systems. This gives buildings a way to capture and slow stormwater surges, easing pressure on sewers and lowering the risk of localised flooding during extreme rainfall.
- Precision-built reliability: Off-site prefabrication means the pipework arrives accurately to specification, maintaining the hydraulic balance needed for full-bore flow during extreme weather. This reduces the risk of installation flaws that could otherwise limit system performance when storms hit.
These advantages mean siphonic drainage systems are far better equipped to cope with the kind of short, high-intensity rainfall now being recorded more often. Their ability to keep pace with sudden changes in rainfall intensity helps roofs remain clear even when storms arrive back-to-back. By maintaining full capacity under these conditions, siphonic systems reduce the risk of unexpected system failure, giving building owners confidence that their infrastructure can withstand the shifting storm patterns of the coming seasons.
Case Study 2: Oriel Hospital
Through digital planning and prefabricated installation, Capcon was able to deliver a siphonic drainage design that integrated seamlessly with other trades at this central London hospital. This approach kept the project on schedule despite the logistical pressures that came with working in a very dense city setting.
Click here for more information about Capcon Engineering’s work on the Oriel Hospital.
Designing Today for Future Weather
As Ireland and the rest of the world prepare for storms ahead, the role of advanced rainwater management should be seen as central to resilient design. By treating storm readiness as part of long-term infrastructure planning, Capcon Engineering helps organisations move beyond short-term fixes and adopt solutions that anticipate the demands of future climates, not only keeping buildings dry today but also helping shape the standards of storm resilience for the years ahead.
Partner With Capcon Engineering for Reliable Rainfall Protection
For more information on how Capcon Engineering can help protect your buildings against severe weather events, contact us at info@capconeng.com. To discuss a project or submit a tender enquiry, email projects@capconeng.com or use our tender enquiries form. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak with one of us directly, please call our Ireland office at +3531 651 0302, our UK office at +441 494 411 076, or our Malaysia office at +60 3 2935 9108.
