How Clogged Gutters Can Spell Disaster For Your Commercial Roof

Make no mistake about it: your commercial building’s gutters are not some feature that you can leave behind to fend for itself. Gutters play a significant role in your facility’s structural integrity and safety. Fail to stay on top of your building’s gutter maintenance, and you may find yourself writing a big check for repairs and/or installation.

Gutters, when maintained, are an efficient and quick way to properly manage rainfall. When it comes to commercial buildings, these gutters are tasked with directing a large amount of water through the downspout. Allowing them to get clogged can open up a Pandora’s Box of inconveniences for your facility:

• Clogged gutters can contribute to the erosion of the exterior appearance of the building. From washing away paint and creating visible stains, clear gutters keep a façade looking its best.
• Clogged gutters aren’t able to direct rain away from your building; instead, it will leak into the foundation and your building’s sidewalks. Water should not leak to these areas, or your risk thousands in repair costs. Even worse, if you allow water to wreak havoc for extended periods of time, you’re looking at structural damage that will be no easy fix.
• Clogged gutters may push water to your roof and the walls, causing them to become damp. Damp areas on a building soon become moldy areas. Moldy areas are hazardous and unsafe for working environments.
• Clogged gutters will start to overflow, which can end up destroying your whole gutter system. Commercial buildings take up a lot of space and catch a lot of water. If you allow water to gather, the gutters may end up giving out and falling right off your building.

By hiring a roofing professional to inspect your commercial roof and gutters, you can save yourself all the worry and expenses that come with clogged gutter-related mishap. Roofing experts can inspect your entire roof in addition to your gutters. They’ll be able to spot any leaks or future leaks, as well as highlight any potential hazards before they graduate to expensive repairs.

If you want to put your gutter worries to rest, give our team a call today! We’re proud to offer premium roofing service to the entire Mid-Atlantic region.

The Importance of Gutter and Downspout Maintenance

Unless you spend a lot of time on the roof of your building, you probably aren't too sure about the condition of your gutters! While gutter and downspout maintenance may not be at the top of your priority list, properly maintaining the gutters and downspouts on your commercial building can make all the difference in protecting it from damage over time. A complete gutter and downspout cleaning only takes about an hour, so there's no reason to wait until serious repairs are required!

Here are a few reasons why gutter and downspout maintenance are so important to the safety of your commercial building.

Water Damage: Gutters and downspouts work together to guide rain that collects on the roof of your building down to the ground. When gutters and downspouts aren't properly maintained, they aren't able to do their job as efficiently as they normally would. When water begins to accumulate, it can begin to leak into your building, causing serious water damage to walls and flooring.

Pest Problems: Clogged gutters make for the perfect environment for many different types of pests, such as ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. Once pests have made your gutters their home, it's only a matter of time before they work their way into your building. Regular gutter and downspout maintenance will ensure that these kinds of pests aren’t able to get too comfortable on your roof!

Fire Hazard: It's no secret that as leaves begin to fall off of trees a few are bound to land in your gutters! Not only can leaves clog your gutters, but they can also be a serious fire hazard. Wind can carry sparks or embers from nearby buildings or vehicles. The fire can then spread to the roof and siding of your building.

A Preventative Measure: Regularly scheduling gutter and downspout maintenance can help to prolong the life and effectiveness of your gutters and downspouts. Having a professional come take a look at your roof and gutters once a year can help to detect small repair problems before they become major issues down the road, saving you time and money in the long run.

It's easy to understand the importance of gutter and downspout maintenance for your building. Is it time to schedule commercial roofing maintenance for your business in central New Jersey? If so, contact Matrix Roofing today!