A strong gutter system is a necessity for both commercial and residential property owners. Roofs are a prime target for a variety of weather conditions, including heavy rain, hailstorms, ice accumulation, etc.
Gutter systems can help reduce the potential risk of damage to your home or business by collecting falling precipitation and directing it away from vulnerable areas.
The best gutter system is one that works efficiently but doesn’t look obtrusive on your building’s exterior. This creates the need for diverse material options in addition to utility features like insulation, seamless transition points, proper pitch protection, and more. With so many factors to consider, it’s crucial that you research installation fees as well as materials costs before making any final decisions about gutters. The following guide aims to provide a basic outline of pros and cons associated with some of the most popular gutter materials.
Commercial Gutter systems
Asphalt gutter systems
This is a common material used to create gutters on commercial buildings. It typically comes pre-painted or primed, though you can also have it custom tinted for a more personalized appearance. The best part about asphalt is that it’s fairly low maintenance. In fact, regular cleaning will usually suffice as long as there aren’t any major leaks in your system. However, these gutters may rust over time, so they aren’t ideal for high moisture environments – especially coastal areas where saltwater exposure can corrode metals more rapidly.
Aluminum gutter systems
A more expensive alternative, aluminum makes a great choice for exterior gutters because it’s rust-resistant, lightweight, and easy to maintain. Like asphalt, this material comes in a variety of color options so you can get an exact match for your home or business’s unique style. However, aluminum gutters may not last as long as other options since they’re flexible and will buckle under heavy ice accumulation. In areas where snow and ice are common throughout the winter months, you might want to consider a sturdier material like stainless steel instead.
Vinyl gutter systems
The most popular material for gutter installation, vinyl can be found in a number of shades and is even available with custom paint finishes. Though it’s lightweight like aluminum, this material is more durable than gutter systems made from other types of metal so it’s ideal for high moisture environments, including coastal areas (Talking about you Houston!).
Stainless Steel gutter systems
For the most durable option available on the market today, look no further than stainless steel gutters . This material is practically indestructible – though it does come with a higher initial price tag than many other choices. It doesn’t rust even when exposed to saltwater or coastal environments, and it won’t swell if water gets trapped inside your system. Stainless steel is also the strongest material on the market so it’s ideal for homes and businesses in areas prone to heavy snowfall. It also resists fading, making it a smart choice for both commercial and residential applications.
Top Gutter Brands In The US
There are currently more than 100 premier window washing companies in the U.S., but there are just a hand full of gutter companies that can stand behind their products 100%. With years of workmanship and dedication, these few brands have established themselves as front runners in this industry. We took our time to research other window washing company’s top-rated gutters so we could determine which brands should receive recognition for their exceptional service and craftsmanship.
We know how difficult it is to find honest information about home improvement products, so we felt obligated to share our findings with everyone who needs reliable advice before making gutter purchase decisions. Our list of top-rated gutters includes brands like James Hardie Siding Gutters, M-D Building Products Gutters, CertainTeed Gutter Protection Systems, and Gutter Helmet.
Commercial Gutter Maintenance
- Worn Down Seams – This occurs when changes in temperature cause metal parts (usually nails) to separate or rust at certain points on your system.
- Cracks – If you notice small hairline cracks or larger gaps along your gutters, this probably means the system has been weakened over time and it’s about to give up on you.
- Clogs – When water can’t flow freely through your gutters, it backs up at higher points in the system. This excess pressure will eventually cause significant damage that might even require a full replacement of the entire gutter system.
- Leaf Deposits – If you have ever found piles of dead leaves near your home during the fall months, then you know exactly what a clog looks like.
- Dirty Marks – Gutters should never look dirty – if they do, it probably means debris is building up inside them and needs to be cleaned out immediately for safety reasons.
Conclusion
Keeping your gutters clean and functioning properly is extremely important to the overall appearance of your commercial building. If you notice some of the above warning signs, don’t hesitate to schedule a gutter inspection right away. While there might not be significant damage, it’s better to take action and get an expert out to your business ASAP!