How much can a single inch of water cost your business? Surprisingly, FEMA estimates damages can reach up to $25,000.
Commercial gutters are essential for any business to protect its property from water damage. Water can cause serious problems for your building, such as mold, rot, corrosion, and structural issues.
That’s why you must invest in the right commercial gutters for your business. But how do you choose the best commercial gutters for your needs? Keep reading to discover five factors to consider during your search.
1. Gutter Material
One of the most important factors to consider is the material of your commercial gutters. Different types of materials are available, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. The most common options include aluminum, steel, copper, and vinyl.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most popular choice for commercial gutters because it’s lightweight, durable, rust-resistant, and easy to install. It also comes in various colors and finishes to match your building’s style. However, aluminum can dent easily and may fade over time.
Steel
Steel is popular for commercial gutters because it’s strong, sturdy, and long-lasting. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy loads of water and debris.
On the downside, steel is heavier than aluminum and requires more support. It also needs to be painted or galvanized to prevent rusting.
Copper
Copper gutters are preferred for their elegance, durability, and corrosion resistance. They add a touch of class and sophistication to your building’s appearance. However, copper changes color due to oxidation, requires professional installation, and is expensive.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a cheap, easy option that’s lightweight, flexible, and simple to install. It doesn’t rust or corrode and comes in various colors and styles. However, vinyl is not very durable and can crack or warp under extreme temperatures or UV exposure.
2. Professional Gutter Installation
Installing commercial gutters is far from a DIY job, even though it seems easy to save money. Without proper experience, you likely don’t have the skills to measure, attach, and slope the gutters correctly. This results in poorly installed gutters, often requiring expensive repairs over time.
On the other hand, a certified roofing professional can properly assess the drainage requirements of your property. They will customize gutter and downspout placement and securely attach them. You can also expect gutters that are seamlessly integrated into the roofline.
This means you don’t have to worry about any issues with the functionality or beauty of the building.
Ultimately, paying a modest fee to install commercial gutters right the first time offers more than a DIY job. You’ll save more money, time, and headaches down the road. Their quality workmanship also comes backed by industry warranties and guarantees.
3. Size and Flow Rate
One of the most critical factors in selecting commercial gutters is ensuring adequate size and flow rate capacity. The gutters must be able to quickly collect and divert immense volumes of water during heavy storms. This goes a long way toward preventing interior leakages and foundation damage.
At a minimum, the gutter system should drain 2 inches of rainfall per hour. However, designing for at least 3-4 inches per hour is recommended.
To determine the correct gutter size, calculate the square footage of the roof drainage area per linear foot of gutter. This is something a professional can help with. Otherwise, you risk installing undersized gutters that overwhelm the system.
This leads to spillover, extensive roof damage, saturated soil at the foundation, and, more. On the other hand, oversized systems cost considerably more for materials. They also pose installation challenges requiring heavy reinforcement and accumulating debris more rapidly.
4. Gutter Style
Another factor to consider is the style of your commercial gutters. The style of your gutters affects how they look on your building and how they function. There are two main styles of commercial gutters: K-style and half-round.
K-style gutters are the most popular, and have a flat bottom and a curved front resembling the letter K. They lend a modern and sleek appearance that blends well with most buildings. These gutters also have a large capacity and are easy to install and maintain.
Considered the traditional style of gutter systems, half-round gutters feature a semicircular shape resembling a half-pipe. They have a classic and elegant appearance that suits older or historical buildings. They also have a smooth surface that reduces the risk of clogging and corrosion.
5. Durability and Longevity
With expensive replacement costs, gutters should last 10-30 years, depending on climate and care. This makes durability and lifespan key factors to consider when choosing gutters for your business.
Metal gutters like copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel corrode slowly. However, plastic and vinyl degrade faster from UV exposure. Copper and aluminum last longer than galvanized steel by resisting rust and oxidation over decades of weathering.
On the other hand, plastic and vinyl degrade faster from UV exposure. These materials also become brittle and crack within 1-2 decades.
Keep in mind regional climate also affects the lifespan of gutter systems. This is particularly true if the system is subjected to freeze-thaw cycles, intense heat, coastal moisture, or frequent storms. Moreover, proper maintenance that entails frequent cleaning and minor repairs helps maximize lifespan regardless of material.
That said, compare material lifespan to price to find the best durability and value. The goal is to choose affordable gutters that can endure years of local weather with reasonable upkeep costs for your business.
Assess Your Commercial Gutters for Storm Preparation
Properly installed, commercial gutters play a crucial role in preventing storm damage. They swiftly divert immense volumes of water away from your building’s roofline and foundation. Yet many businesses neglect this first line of defense.
With decades of roofing experience, we know firsthand how neglected gutters can make storm damage to buildings worse. We urge you not to wait until disaster strikes to assess your gutter system. The experts at Smith Roofing & Remodeling are happy to examine your existing setup and advise on the way forward.
Schedule an appointment today to learn about our commercial gutter and roofing services.
Jesse Smith is the visionary behind Smith Roofing, where his expertise and commitment to excellence have positioned the company as a premier provider of roofing services. Jesse’s approach emphasizes the importance of durability, aesthetic appeal, and customer satisfaction in every roofing project. Under his guidance, Smith Roofing is dedicated to setting new standards in roofing excellence, offering advice on material selection, maintenance, and the latest trends in roofing design and technology.