The exterior of your commercial building is comprised of many interlinked systems designed to protect it from severe weather and ensure the interior stays dry. Gutter drainage systems are among these systems, and are essential for your building’s structural strength. For this reason, it’s vital to ensure proper gutter installation in your Peachtree Corners property.
Why Drainage Matters
Gutter drainage systems are affixed to roofs and consist of gutters, scuppers, downspouts, and drains. It can be easy to overlook these structures, but damage to them, such as following a storm, can lead to costly repairs if ignored. Here are some problems that can arise if your building’s gutter drainage system isn’t kept in shape:
- Roof leaks can eventually seep into the foundations of a building and cause serious structural issues. If the water spreads towards the interior, then delicate and hazardous systems like electrical units can be affected.
- Water accumulating in or around gutters and suppers installed along the walls of your building can lead to material degradation. Construction materials are resilient, but their lifespan can be shortened from prolonged contact with water.
- Standing water in gutters increases the risk of pest infestations, leading to pests entering the drainage system’s interior. Ponding can also lead to mold growth.
- Roofs typically come with a warranty and/orlifespan guarantee. However, prolonged drainage issues can render the warranty void and significantly decrease your commercial roof’s lifespan.
How to Spot Drainage Issues
To prevent gutter drainage problems early, it’s always best to perform regular inspections. Some signs that indicate your roof’s drainage system is in trouble include::
- Overflow Water Marks: The sides of the walls can be stained withwatermarks if gutters, scuppers or downspouts are overflowing.
- Slow Drainage:If water is draining slower than usual following a rain event, it may indicate a blockage. Such issues could also be due to undersized pipes, so you should consider replacing them to ensure sufficient drainage.
- VegetationBuildup: If you notice a pile of leaves, vegetation or debris on the entrance of drains, it may indicate a blockage. In this situation, you should remove the buildup as it may cause the issue to worsen.
- Sagging Gutters:Gutters sections that appear to be sagging or detached entirely are indicative of serious issues and should be addressed with the help of a professional immediately.
- Standing Water:If water has accumulated around drains or parapets, it may indicate that the pipes around the roof are not working properly and require professional inspection.
Commercial roofs are typically flat or shallow sloped. As a result, they rely on internal drainage rather than slopes to get rid of water. However, as mentioned earlier, these internal drainage systems can develop issues, so it’s best to perform regular commercial roof maintenance in Peachtree Corners to avoid compromising your building’s structural integrity.
Don’t Ignore Drainage—Let Us Handle It
Improper gutter drainage system maintenance can lead to pesky issues that are easily avoidable. The good thing is that you don’t have to worry or perform such inspections yourself. At WaterTite Exteriors, we’re here to take care of this task for you.
Our professionals understand the ins and outs of your commercial roof and its exterior and the interior drainage systems. If you’re noticing recurring water leaks or just need a precautionary roof inspection after a storm, don’t hesitate and contact us now.
