Gutters aren’t always a top priority for most building owners and property managers. However failing to maintain your commercial roof can oftentimes cause serious problems for both your roof system and your building as a whole. Keeping your commercial roof gutters and drains clean is one of the most important ways to avoid any serious issues. Regular cleaning prevents damage that can be caused by excess weight and water issues caused by clogged gutters and downspouts.
At Maxwell Roofing, we typically recommend regular quarterly cleaning. At a minimum, your commercial roof gutters should be cleaned once in late fall and once in late spring. Our service and maintenance team can quickly, safely, and efficiently clean gutters on any commercial property. Regular cleanings also offer an opportunity to look for potential issues that might go unnoticed.
1. Know the types of gutters and drainage system on your roof.
Understanding how your drainage system works is the first step in cleaning debris from your commercial roof’s gutters and drains. Clogged gutters can cause water to backflow into the building and flood interior walls. On flat membrane-style roofs and parapet walls, clogged roof drains can cause water to accumulate on the roof. It can also cause water ponding around drains, which can prematurely deteriorate roofing membranes.
2. Flush small debris with water or a vacuum.
Once you’ve removed the larger debris, flush the gutters with a hose to remove any remaining dirt and small debris. You can use a pressure sprayer or hose to make sure the downspouts are clear and the water is flowing properly. If there’s no access to water to flush gutters on a tall commercial roof, there are special vacuum systems that can suction debris out of the gutters and into a collection tank.
3. Inspect your gutters and drains for leaks.
Cleaning your gutters and drains is also a good time to check for any leaks or signs of damage. This includes checking for loose bolts and screws on gutters and examining flashings, sealants, and seams for problems. If you find any issues, it’s essential to repair or replace the damaged parts as soon as possible.
4. Consider ways to avoid build-up in the future.
If you notice significant build-up in the fall or spring, there are ways to improve the long-term protection and performance of your gutters and drains. Consider having a trusted roofing company install commercial-grade gutter guards to prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters and drains. This step can save you time and effort cleaning them in the future. If you have trees around your commercial building, make sure you trim them regularly to prevent leaves and branches from falling onto your roof and clogging your gutters.
Cleaning and maintaining commercial roof gutters can be a bit more challenging than clearing debris from residential gutters, as commercial gutters tend to be larger and higher up. If you are not comfortable doing the maintenance yourself, or if you have a large commercial building, consider hiring professionals to clean and maintain your gutters and drains. As one of the most trusted commercial roofing companies in Nashville and Huntsville, our team at Maxwell has decades of experience cleaning and maintaining commercial roofs across Tennessee and Alabama. Contact us today to learn more about all of the ways our team can help serve you.