Choosing the Right Grease Containment System

Omni Containment Systems cannot overstate the importance of having a rooftop grease containment system. It protects your business from a variety of expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous rooftop hazards. When you have an adequate grease containment system installed, it will protect your business more efficiently than if you used the standard grease catch. Once you understand the extreme importance of preventing grease from building up on your rooftop, you might question how to decide which system is right for your commercial cooking facility.

Rooftop grease containment systems come in a variety of styles to suit different needs. The level of grease containment you need depends on factors like the type of cooking fuel used and the volume of cooking your kitchen does. Because no rooftop is the same, we have five grease containment systems that can be fitted to a facility’s unique rooftop situation. Professionals have the option to equip fans with our “Off the Rooftop” solutions that are NFPA 96 compliant.

Here is how you choose the best grease containment system for your application:

Level of Cooking Fuel and the Volume of Cooking

The amount of cooking that is done in the kitchen and the level of grease that is produced will dictate the type of grease containment system that you need. Also, the amount of grease that is dispersed from the kitchen exhaust fan will need to be considered. This could require only needing one side or all four sides of the fan covered. For one-sided configurations, the Grease Gutter Sidekick, Grease Box Jr., and Exhaust Fan Interceptor can be utilized. All of our grease containment products can be found here.

Type of Kitchen Exhaust Fan

Not all rooftops are the same and neither are the kitchen exhaust fans that are situated on top of them. The most common types are the Upblast Kitchen Exhaust Fan and an Industrial Set Type Fan. Both perform essential functions for the entire kitchen exhaust system. If these fans shut down, the kitchen exhaust system will not function. It pays to care for your rooftop kitchen exhaust fan units. All of Omni Containment Systems’ patented grease containment systems can be used on the Upblast Kitchen Exhaust Fan. Industrial Exhaust Fans are much larger, and the versatility of the Roof Guardian is recommended due to their low clearance.

Clearance

The next consideration that must be factored in is how the kitchen exhaust fan is placed on the rooftop. Pipes and ducts can make clearance an issue for installing a grease containment system. The High-Capacity Grease Gutter was specifically engineered for tight installation situations. If the kitchen exhaust fan has a low clearance or is situated close to the edge of the roof or other equipment, it is only four inches wide and uses a single, easy-to-replace filter. If you do not have at least 6 inches of clearance, then a single-sided grease containment system would need to be considered.

Location

Ideally, the kitchen exhaust fan will be placed on a flat rooftop that is situated right in the middle. Unfortunately, the reality is that kitchen exhaust fans can be found on slanted rooftops or even side-mounted on the building. Omni Containment Systems has several patented grease containment systems that can adapt to each of these scenarios. The Roof Guardian is the most versatile grease containment system. It can be customized for most rooftop situations including a side-mount installation. The High-Capacity Grease Gutter can also be customized for most rooftop situations.

As you can see, Omni Containment Systems has a rooftop grease containment system to suit different needs. Of course, if you are not sure what type of grease containment system you need, contact us! We are more than happy to assess your unique situation and offer recommendations on the right solution for you. When you purchase from Omni, you can trust that one of our five grease containment systems has been selected for your facility’s unique rooftop situation.

Choosing the Right Grease Containment System

Omni Containment Systems

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When people think about environmental responsibility in commercial kitchens, they usually focus on what goes down the drain. But one of the most overlooked sources of pollution isn’t inside your facility, it’s on your roof. Rooftop grease runoff from kitchen exhaust systems can have a direct and damaging impact on local water systems, storm drains, and surrounding ecosystems. Without proper containment , that grease doesn’t just disappear, it travels. From Rooftop to Waterway: How Grease Becomes Pollution Commercial kitchen exhaust systems are designed to remove heat, smoke, and airborne grease particles. While hood filters capture some of that grease, a significant amount still passes through the system and accumulates in ductwork and exhaust fans. Over time, this buildup begins to drip onto the roof, spread across roofing materials, and get carried away by rainwater. Once rain hits your roof, it acts as a transport system, moving grease into gutters, downspouts, and ultimately into storm drains. Unlike sanitary sewer systems, stormwater runoff is often discharged directly into local waterways without treatment. As a result, grease from your rooftop can end up in rivers, lakes, municipal stormwater systems, and surrounding soil. Why It Matters: Environmental and Operational Risks The impact of rooftop grease runoff extends beyond a messy roof; it creates real environmental and operational concerns. Grease contains fats, oils, and contaminants that can degrade water quality. When introduced into natural water systems, it can harm aquatic life, disrupt oxygen levels, and contribute to long-term ecosystem damage. At the same time, regulatory compliance is at risk. Local and federal requirements , often tied to EPA stormwater guidelines, mandate that facilities prevent pollutants from entering storm drains. Uncontrolled grease runoff can lead to fines, failed inspections, and increased scrutiny. There are also direct impacts on your facility. Grease buildup can deteriorate roofing materials, void warranties, and create slip hazards for maintenance personnel. What begins as a rooftop issue can quickly escalate into a costly problem. The Role of Grease Containment Systems A properly designed grease containment system serves as a critical barrier between your exhaust system and the environment. Instead of allowing grease to spread across the roof, these systems capture it at the source, right at the exhaust fan's discharge. Filtration media absorbs and holds the grease, preventing runoff during rain events and reducing the risk of environmental contamination. More advanced systems incorporate multi-stage filtration, improving efficiency while reducing maintenance frequency. The result is a cleaner, safer, and more controlled rooftop environment. Sustainability Starts at the Source Environmental responsibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about prevention . By addressing grease at the rooftop level, facilities can reduce their environmental footprint, support local water quality initiatives, and align with broader sustainability. For multi-site operators and property managers, this becomes even more important. A single poorly managed rooftop can impact not just one building, but an entire property, or even the surrounding community. Best Practices for Preventing Rooftop Grease Runoff Preventing grease runoff doesn’t require a complete overhaul, but it does require consistency and the right approach . Start by installing a high-quality grease containment system designed for durability and ease of maintenance. From there, regular maintenance is key. Filtration media should be inspected and replaced as needed to ensure the system continues performing effectively. Routine rooftop inspections can help identify buildup early, before it becomes a larger issue. Finally, working with experienced professionals ensures proper system selection and installation, setting up the foundation for long-term performance. A Small Change with a Big Impact Grease containment may seem like a small part of your operation, but its impact extends far beyond your rooftop. By taking proactive steps to manage grease runoff, you’re not only protecting your building, but you’re also helping protect your local environment and water systems. Looking to improve your rooftop grease management? Omni Containment Systems provides innovative solutions designed to keep grease where it belongs, off your roof and out of waterways.