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Whatever time of year it is, making sure your gutters are working efficiently is vital to keep your roof and outside areas well-maintained. Leaves, along with twigs and other debris are the main problems for clogged gutters and also general problems to your roof.

If left untreated, rotting leaves can become the perfect place for mould to thrive which can cause health issues. Here at Roofclad, we never want this to be an issue for your business, so we’ve put together some tips to help you keep on top of your gutters and prevent gutter clogging.

Why Is It Important To Stop Your Gutter From Clogging?

The main reasons why it’s important to stop your gutters from clogging are:

Preservation Of Structural Integrity

If gutter clogging occurs and is left untreated, it weakens the guttering causing it to eventually break. If this problem is left for a long period of time, the structural integrity of the building could be compromised requiring remedial work in the walls, windows, and foundations.

Prevention Of Water Damage

The purpose of guttering is to allow rain and melted snow to drain away safely, protecting your home from water damage. Without an effective guttering system, rain will collect on your roof and can cause damage such as rot and mould as well as condensation to windows and ultimately foundation damage. Therefore it is important to make sure your guttering remains debris-free so that can work effectively and protect your home from water damage.

Avoidance Of Workplace Disruptions

If damage occurs to the structure of your building as a result of a clogged gutter, repair work will have to be carried out. Depending on the severity of the damage, this could disrupt your business if parts of your building are unusable, or if stock is ruined as a result of a leak of damp walls.

Gutter Maintenance FAQs

How Often Should By Gutter Be Checked? At least once a year but more regular checks over the autumn and winter will help to prevent clogged gutters.
Can I Check My Gutter? We do not recommend that you check your guttering yourself and get a roofing expert to do it. They are experienced in checking gutters safely and will spot any potential problems or the severity of any existing issues.
Why Does My Gutter Need Checking Regularly? Regular checking is important to make sure the gutters are free from any debris so that you have a fully functioning guttering system. Dealing with a clogged gutter before it causes damage to your guttering system and the structure of your building is so important.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings If your building is surrounded by tall trees the gutters are likely to get clogged with leaves and twigs. More regular checking and maintenance is therefore likely to be required.

5 Ways To Stop Your Gutter From Clogging Up

Regular Professional Inspections

A gutter guard is designed to help prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters, preventing them from working properly. They work like filters inside or over gutters that still allow water to pass through, but collect the debris. However, gutter guards also require maintenance and cleaning so that they continue to work effectively.

Implement Routine Cleaning Protocols

Having a maintenance routine for your building that includes the roof and everything on it will help to avoid blocked gutters becoming a problem. Our gutter maintenance services will help to keep on top of repairs and include having the gutters cleaned and debris removed so that they do their job and work efficiently for many years to come.

Proper Downspout Placement

One way to avoid getting clogged gutters is to ensure your downspouts are fitted correctly. Too few for the size of your roof could lead to rainwater, leaves, and debris collecting in certain areas leading to your gutters becoming clogged.

Invest In High-Quality Gutter Systems

The key to guttering doing its job is to make sure it is fit for purpose in the first place. Cutting corners and buying a cheap product is unlikely to be the cost-saving exercise that you’d hoped it would be as they are unlikely to last and may be prone to breaking under the weight of a heavy downpour or snowfall.

Investing in a good quality guttering system will be more cost-effective in the long term as providing it is well maintained, it should last for years.

Our Services

Here at Roofclad, we provide several different types of guttering services which include:

  • General Guttering. Our team of experts can advise you on the right type of guttering for your building. From composite to metal-coated twin-skin built-up gutters with a solid flat insulation board between them so that cables can be concealed or single-skin gutters made from UPVC half round, 0.7mm plastisol coated steel trimline and galvanised steel box gutters.
  • Gutter lining. Many gutters can be refurbished to repair leaking joints. A gutter liner made from PVC membrane-lined metal can be installed without the need to remove existing gutters. This is a simple, cost-efficient way of overlaying the existing gutter and alleviating all gutter leaks in one simple solution. Coating of an existing gutter is another method of prolonging the lifespan and removing water ingress into the building.

Contact Us

Roofclad Systems have been providing roofing and gutter services to the North East including Newcastle and Yorkshire for over 45 years. Get in touch with our expert team to find out how we can ensure your gutters work hard for your building.

A leaking roof is a headache for anyone and can lead to a number of issues (and often expensive ones!) if it isn’t addressed quickly.  A leaky roof can not only cause damage to the property but can also pose a safety risk if not handled correctly with professional roof repair.

Signs of a leaking commercial roof

Firstly, how do you know your roof is leaking? Here are some common signs to look out for:

  • Strong odour or signs of mould – mould will thrive in damp environments and water coming through the roof is a common reason for damp walls.
  • Water dripping – any drips or moisture internally should be checked out.
  • Stains on walls or ceilings – these will often be a light brown colour
  • Roof damage – A leak can often cause damage to both the roof and any objects underneath.

Once you have determined that there is definitely a leak in your roof, it’s important to take quick action, so here are some steps to take if your roof is leaking.

1. Identify the source of the leak

This may have of course been established when looking for the signs of the leak, but identifying the source of the leak is a good first step to managing the problem. If it is an obvious source, then this is useful information when speaking with a commercial roofer

2. Call a commercial roofer

Commercial roofs are often more complex than residential roofs as they have additional layers, insulation and ventilation systems. It’s therefore necessary that an experienced commercial roofer handles the leak. Attempting to fix the problem yourself could risk the safety of your employees and customers. Call a commercial roof repairs expert as soon as possible to come and repair the leak.

3. Evacuate if necessary

Depending on the severity of the leak, it may be necessary to evacuate the premises until a roofer arrives. Besides the leaking water being an obvious slipping hazard, there may be internal damage done to the roof’s structure that is not immediately obvious.

4. Protect your equipment

Even if an evacuation isn’t necessary, be sure to protect any inventory and equipment that may be exposed to the leak. This includes unplugging any electronic equipment or machinery and moving it away from the water.

5. Conduct regular inspections

Prevention is key when it comes to commercial roof leaks. Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of your roof is not just your best chance to extend the roof’s lifespan but will also limit the risk of leaks. For example, you may notice missing shingles, roof tiles or other roofing material, this can often be the start of a roof leak. Extreme weather conditions will also have a potentially damaging impact on your roof and increase the chance of a leak. However, if you are maintaining your roof sufficiently and a leak does occur due to uncontrollable weather, you will be in a much better position in terms of the level of damage and handling of the leak.

Do you have an ageing roof?

An important point to consider in relation to the maintenance of your commercial roof is the age of the roof. You may have maintained the roof well over its lifespan but if it is starting to require continuous patches and repairs, it may make more economical sense to replace the roof itself. Check out our guide on spotting the signs of a roof in need of repair.

Emergency call-out for roof leak repair

It’s important that if you building has leaky roofs that you have a roofing contractor that can fix the issue. If you find a leak in your commercial roof, whether from weather damage or an internal issue, call us and we will attend the site to rectify the issue as soon as we possibly can.

Gutters are vital aspects for all buildings, they provide protection from water and the damage it can cause. When it comes to choosing what the best type of guttering is for your project, there are three main things to consider, location, type of building, and the look you want to achieve with the guttering. These factors will help you narrow down your options, helping you to choose the most suitable type of gutter system for your project, and ensuring that it is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

House Guttering

Which type of gutter material is best for your project?

There are a wide range of materials that can be used for guttering systems, and all come with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing is that it does it’s job, successful

ly moving rainwater away from your home quickly and efficiently. The rest comes down to personal preference and how much money you’re wanting to spend. Here are a few of the most popular options for gutter systems: 

Vinyl guttering

Vinyl gutters have become an increasingly popular option. They come with many benefits including being easy to install, made up of lightweight pieces that are easy to snap together. They also won’t rust, and are one of the more inexpensive options. However if you live in colder climates, there’s a likelihood that the vinyl may crack. By going for the option of thicker vinyl gutters it may

Aluminium guttering

Aluminium gutters are high strength and low weight, making them an attractive option for guttering. They’re also highly durable and weatherproof, and unlike vinyl it can withstand colder climates without cracking. Unlike vinyl it can withstand cold climates, and with aluminium gutters you can also paint them to match the outside of your house! However, one downfall of aluminium is that it can be easily bent or dented,  can be easily dented or bent, e.g. from being hit by a ladder. However this can be avoided by choosing high quality aluminium for your gutters. 

Stainless steel guttering

Easy to install, low maintenance, and eco-friendly, stainless steel gutters prove to be another popular option. Stainless steel gutters won’t rust and are the sturdiest out of the bunch, and has a life expectancy of up to 100 years! 

However they do come with a heftier price tag, but if you have the money it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

Plastic guttering

Reliable, and available at a low cost, plastic guttering is another great option. It can withstand extreme weather conditions and temperatures without becoming worn or damaged. If your industrial or commercial project is located somewhere with high rainfall plastic guttering could be the best choice, as it can deal with high volumes of water. Highly versatile, with it being available in a wide range of colours and profiles, plastic guttering is appropriate for a wide range of buildings.

The main issue with plastic gutters are that they can be impacted by the sun. Over time, exposure to the sun can cause the plastic to become brittle and break.

Cast Iron guttering

Used since the Victorian ages, cast iron guttering has earned itself a reputation of being a style of guttering that withstands wear and tear and can last 50 years or even up to 100 years if maintained properly. The reason why cast iron guttering is such a popular choice of guttering is because of the longevity and reliability on offer, something that is not always guaranteed with other gutter materials. They are generally cost effective as they will often last the lifetime of a building and not contribute to environmental damage seeing as it is not plastic material.

The main disadvantage with cast iron guttering is that due to the weight of it, it can be quite challenging to transport and install.

Copper guttering

Copper guttering is certainly one of the most popular gutter materials as they tend to have a very long lifespan with resistance to corrosion and weather damage due to the strong material on offer. Very little maintenance is required with copper guttering due to the solidity and strength of the materials, meaning that this style of gutter is certainly designed to last a long time!

In terms of pricing, copper guttering is certainly at the top end of the gutter materials which is probably its only flaw. This is not for no reason however, as the way in which copper guttering is manufactured means that they are certainly a long term investment designed to last for years to come.

What are the different gutter styles?

Metal Gutter

Half Round Gutters

Half round guttering is perfect for both existing properties and new builds. Its’ universal design makes it the perfect repair and replacement product. This smoothness of this design also reduces the chances of corrosion, allowing it to last longer than more square shaped guttering.

Ogee Gutters

Maintenance free and long lasting, with both functional value and aesthetic appeal, ogee guttering is a great contender! Ogee style guttering brings with it great kerb appeal and proves to be extremely durable, it also has high capacity and great flow rates. However ogee guttering isn’t a good match for old terrace house cast iron guttering.

Deep Flow Gutters

Deep flow gutters offer an immense practical service as they are designed to carry twice the water volume in comparison to standard half round gutters. Whilst half round gutters do a standard job and are very useful, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall then deep flow gutters will certainly prove a better purchase as water will move faster and be less likely to build up and therefore overflow and cause flooding.

Square Box Gutters

Square box gutters, or box gutters, are very popular for both modern and older buildings as they provide a higher capacity of water than standard guttering. What makes square box gutters so special is due to the shape and positioning of them (often close proximity to a building), they can accumulate transport large volumes of water to a drainage system both safely and securely.

How long do gutters last?

Due to the advanced formulations during the manufacturing process, most guttering that has been installed within the last decade can last up to 30 years. However the lifespan of your gutter is heavily dependent on it being correctly installed and maintained. 

How often you need to replace your gutter is heavily dependent on weather conditions. If you live somewhere that is prone to storm, you’ll most likely need to replace your gutter more regularly. 

How much maintenance is involved?

In order to help extend the lifespan of your gutter it’s important to carry out the correct maintenance. Although different types of guttering materials require different levels of maintenance, all gutters should be inspected at least once a year, and after any storm or heavy downpour. 

Fallen branches and leaves have a tendency of falling into gutters and if left there they can clog up. Regular inspections will remove this debris, avoiding buildup and helping to prolong the lifespan of your gutter, and improve the functionality of your drainage system. Here at Roofclad Systems, we offer maintenance programmes to ensure your guttering system is getting the right care after installation, annually.  If your guttering system has been installed properly you should have no trouble or issues and you will be left with roof drainage for years to come. However, it is highly recommended to still get your gutter checked even if you think there may be no problems with it currently.

How can we help?

Here at Roofclad we have been maintaining gutters for over 30 years, with experience on a number of industrial and commercial properties. We offer maintenance systems to ensure that your guttering system is receiving the correct care annually following on from installation.

Want to learn more about our guttering service? Contact us today!

 

Gutter Lifespan

Gutters have a huge role to play when it comes to the structural integrity of a house and dealing with large quantities of rainwater. In order to prolong the lifespan of your gutter and ensure it’s as functional as possible, you’ll need to carry out regular gutter maintenance which can range from, ensuring your gutter is properly cleaned to gutter replacement whenever is necessary. Without proper maintenance gutters can become blocked by falling leaves, moss and other debris. This applies for copper gutters, aluminium gutters, galvanised steel gutters and essentially any material gutter you could possibly have.

Here at Roofclad Systems, we offer gutter maintenance programmes to ensure your gutter system is getting the right care after installation, annually.  If your guttering system has been installed properly you should have no trouble or issues and you will be left with roof drainage for years to come. However, it is highly recommended to still get your gutter checked even if you think there may be no problems with it currently. Inspecting gutters for rust, leaks, holes, and corroded joints will help to identify issues early on before they become more detrimental and costly.

Why Your Gutter’s Lifespan Is Important

Your gutters are responsible for water management and providing your living space with a drainage system that can deal with overflowing water. Without a gutter system your roof wouldn’t be able to channel water away from the roof and down to ground which could look to moisture damage and potential leaks to your property. By maintaining the lifespan of your gutter, it helps to keep your property safe and dry and avoid expensive damage costs.

Malfunctioning gutters can easily become clogged with leaves and other debris, and without maintenance this can cause the water to stagnate and overflow, which can cause a leaky roof or water damage to the interior and exterior of your home. Carrying out regular gutter maintenance will help to avoid this, along with the potential of your home becoming open to rodents and mould, which can be expensive issues to fix. Gutter maintenance is vitally important to maintain an effective gutter system in order to cope with potential heavy downpours, large amounts of debris and to help with diverting water from a property’s rooftop to a drainage system. Gutter maintenance can include ensuring that the gutter system is cleaned regularly.

The two main factors that can influence which gutter material to opt for, are the cost and practicality.

Cost

Choosing the right guttering will depend on your budget. Different types of gutters come with varying costs. The type of material will affect the cost – but with many things, you get what you pay for! Plastic is the most common option for guttering, due to its low cost, however it also has the shortest lifespan. Cast iron, a long lasting gutter material, falls on the more expensive end of the scale, due to the longevity it’s gutter lifespan.

Practicality/Convenience

Practicality also has a part to play in dictating which gutter material suits best. Some gutter types are more low maintenance than others, requiring little to no maintenance, making them more suitable for certain buildings. The properties surroundings, weather factors and the age of the building can all dictate which gutter type is best. Properties surrounded by overhanging trees, especially pine trees, or with moss growth, should be checked frequently, especially after bad weather, to ensure gutters are free from fallen debris.

The Different Types Of Gutter Materials

 

House Guttering

Different types of gutter materials are best suited to different properties and climates

There are numerous gutter materials, and which is best for your roof depends on various factors.

Vinyl Guttering

Low in price and lightweight, vinyl guttering proves to be a popular choice amongst a range of domestic and commercial properties. When it comes to gutter maintenance they’re pretty low maintenance and don’t require much care and attention. However being lightweight means that they don’t hold up well in climates that see a lot of rain, snow or strong winds.

Aluminium Guttering

Practical, lightweight and available in a range of different colours and styles aluminium guttering is a great option for industrial and commercial properties. Combining the benefits of vinyl and steel, aluminium has an average lifespan of 20 years. Aluminium guttering can also provide great visual appeal.

Stainless Steel Guttering

Low maintenance and eco-friendly stainless steel is a strong and durable option when it comes to guttering. It’s longevity and ability to withstand drastic changes in weather conditions.

Plastic Guttering

Durable, long lasting and nearly maintenance free, plastic guttering is a reliable but low cost option. Plastic guttering is a great choice for properties that are located in an area of high rainfall, as the material is great at handling high volumes of water.

Cast Iron Guttering

Cast iron guttering is perfect for those looking for a more long lasting gutter. If installed correctly cast iron guttering can last for up to 100 years! Although more on the expensive side, cast iron guttering is a low maintenance and long-life option, and is also 100% recyclable.

Our Guttering Services

Gutter maintenance needs to be carried out all year round, not just during the colder and wetter months.

Roofclad Systems are highly experienced when it comes to commercial and industrial gutter maintenance. Our industrial and commercial gutter maintenance services can help to prolong your gutter lifespan, ensuring your property stays safe and secure.

If you’re unsure which type of gutter is best for your property our team is always on hand to advise. If you’re interested in any of our gutter services don’t hesitate to contact us and give the team a call on 0191 410 7535.