Regardless of what type of roof your commercial building has, it’s important to properly maintain that roofing system to protect your investment. A big part of commercial roof maintenance is gutter cleaning, as well as regular inspections to ensure everything is in ship shape. During the fall season, especially, high winds, heavy rains, and falling leaves and debris can clog gutters, pile up on roofing surfaces, block downspouts, and inhibit proper drainage.
Ponding water, particularly on flat roofs, can also occur and lead to severe building damage if left unattended. Moisture and debris left on roofing surfaces can also lead to the development of mold and fungus, draw insects and other pests, and can eventually lead to the deterioration of roofing materials, compromising the integrity of the roof itself and, in extreme cases, even the building at large.
Blocked gutters can also cause issues with other parts of the building, with the overflow of water making its way to sidewalks, damaging landscaping, or even becoming a slip hazard for employees and customers traveling to and from the structure. This is why it’s important to invest in regular maintenance for your commercial roof and gutter system.
Tips for Keeping Your Commercial Gutters in Good Shape
Maintenance– We can’t stress enough the importance of regular roof maintenance and gutter maintenance to catch and address issues early. You should have your commercial roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor at least once per year. Your gutters and downspouts should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure proper drainage.
Trim Trees– It’s also important to keep nearby trees trimmed, cutting them away from the roofing system by at least 3 feet. This also helps to limit the amount of leaves and debris that reach the roof and gutters, clogging them and causing issues.
Visually Inspect– Visually inspecting the exterior of your commercial building to check for signs of problems is also extremely important. Check the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are properly secured to the building, looking for signs of corrosion, rust, separation at seams, and any other signs of a problem.
Keep Gutters Clean– This one may sound strange, but another part of proper gutter maintenance is to keep your gutters free from any mold or mildew that may grow. Mold and mildew can eat away at the gutter materials over time, eventually causing problems. Clean the gutters’ surfaces with a combination of 3 parts water, and one part bleach when necessary.
Work with Professionals– Build a relationship with a team of roofing professionals who can help with proper maintenance and inspection as needed. It’s important to rely on the experts when it comes to any kind of repair or heavy-duty maintenance that may be required for your commercial roof, and our team at Tennessee Roofing & Construction is here to assist!
Contact our team today with any questions about maintaining your commercial roof, to schedule an inspection, or for any other roofing or construction needs. We’d love to work with you.
