It’s easy to take rain gutters for granted. After all, they’re out of sight and out of mind, quietly doing their job day in and day out. But they can cause serious problems for your business when they get clogged. Here are four signs that you may have stopped or blocked gutters:
1. Water Spilling Over the Gutters
This is the most obvious sign that your gutters are clogged. When water can’t drain properly, it will spill over the sides of the drainage gutters, often causing damage to such structures as foundation cracks, staining, and landscaping. Overflowing gutters or blocked gutters are best observed during heavy rains, but you may try to imitate the water flow to spot spillage. This is challenging to do in commercial buildings, but it’s necessary to ensure that the problem doesn’t cause huge enough damage that it can affect your business hours.
2. Gutters Pulling Away From the Building
Another sign that your gutters are clogged is if they’re pulling away from your building. This happens when the weight of the water in the gutters becomes too much for them to bear and they start to detach from the structure. Gutters overflowing have enough pressure and power to cause bending in supporting metal clips and beams if substandard materials are used. This can cause severe damage to the building’s exterior and should be fixed as soon as possible.
3. Insects and Animals Living in the Gutters
When your gutters are clogged, they become a perfect breeding ground for insects and animals looking for a safe place to nest. These pests are a nuisance and can also spread disease and cause structural damage to your business, not to mention that they can negatively impact your business’ image. It’s not uncommon to find pests and vermins proactively keeping the gutter blocked so they can use it longer.
4. Staining on the Exterior of Your Property
If you notice staining on your property’s exterior, it’s a good indication that your gutters are clogged and need to be cleaned out. These stains are caused by water spilling over the sides of the gutters and can be very difficult to remove without professional help.
You might be wondering, why do you even need to be on the lookout for these signs? A clogged gutter can’t be that bad, right? Wrong. Several problems come with clogged gutters, and we discuss them below.
Issues Caused By Gutter Blockage
Leaking Roofs
One of the most common problems caused by clogged gutters is leaks in the roof. When rainwater backs up in the gutters, it can seep under the shingles and into your commercial property. This can cause serious damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors. In extreme cases, it can even lead to your roof collapse, which can mean disaster for your business, especially if someone gets hurt. To avoid this, it’s important to keep your gutters clean and free of debris.
Damage to the Foundation
Another problem that clogged gutters can cause is damage to the foundation. When rainwater cannot drain properly, it can pool around and seep into cracks and pores. Over time, this can lead to serious damage, including cracking, bulging, and even collapsing. To avoid this, it’s important to clean the gutters regularly and ensure they are free of debris.
Mould Growth
Another danger of clogged gutters is mould growth. When rainwater backs up in the gutters, it provides the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow. This can lead to a musty smell in your commercial space and even cause respiratory problems for you, your clients, customers, and more. To avoid this, it’s important to keep your gutters clean and free of debris so mould has nowhere to grow.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional gutter cleaning service to clean out your gutters and prevent further damage to your property. Don’t wait until it’s too late—clogged gutters can cause serious problems for your business! While waiting for roof gutter cleaning experts to arrive, you can try doing the following hacks
Simple Blocked Gutter Hacks You Can Do While Waiting for Help
Gutter Hack #1: Use A Wet/Dry Vacuum cleaner
If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner lying around, put it to good use by sucking out the leaves and debris that are clogging your gutters. Just be sure to use the vacuum on the lowest setting so you don’t damage your gutters or injure yourself in the process. You might be tempted to get a commercial-grade vacuum cleaner, but know that using these types of equipment requires skill and experience.
Gutter Hack #2: Use A Garden Hose
Another popular method for unclogging gutters is to use a garden hose. Simply direct the hose nozzle into the gutter and turn on the water. The force of the water will dislodge the debris, sending it cascading down the gutter drain. Again, be careful not to use too much pressure, as this could damage your gutters or cause them to come loose from their supports. Note, though, that if your commercial space has several levels, it’s a lot safer to just call a professional to take care of the clogged gutters.
Gutter Hack #3: Use A Plunger
If your drain pipes are still clogged after using a garden hose, try using a plunger. Splash some water into the drainpipe to lubricate it, and then place the plunger over the top of the pipe. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously until the clog is dislodged and flows freely down the drainpipe. Remember that depending on the structure of your commercial space, these hacks may not apply (especially with concealed gutters), and such cases would merit talking to experts who have the tools and skills to handle the job.
Talk to Our Roof Gutter Experts
Gutters are important to your business’s exterior and shouldn’t be neglected! Unclogging your gutters while you wait for professional help is easy. Still, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call in a professional, especially if your gutter is showing some serious signs of clogging or total blockage. For professional commercial gutter maintenance, get in touch with O’Brien Maintenance Group today.