Keeping Gutters & Drains Clean in the Fall

At PRQ Exteriors, we talk extensively with our clients about the importance of routine maintenance and inspections for their commercial roofs. As commercial roofing professionals, we have seen every type and cause of roofing trouble imaginable over the years and besides problems caused by age and extreme weather, almost every major repair we deal with could have been prevented through routine maintenance.

One of the most important, but often overlooked aspects of routine maintenance is the inspection and cleaning of your commercial property’s gutters and drains. Your gutters and drains are your building’s first line of defense against pooling water, but they are also very susceptible to clogs caused by fallen leaves and other debris. If you are not regularly cleaning your gutters and drains, you open your building up to many potential risks.

Today, the PRQ Exteriors team is going to discuss the importance of gutter and drain maintenance and explore the consequences associated with failing to do so. Keep reading below to learn more.

What Happens When You Fail to Remove Debris?

One of the best things about autumn is the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. But one of the worst things about autumn is what comes next, all leaves that change color must also fall. Once the leaves begin to fall onto your commercial property, your maintenance crew likely knows to rake and dispose of leaves that fall around your property, but do they know to check your gutters and drains as well?

Leaves and debris that are not promptly removed from your gutters and drains will block the flow of water leading to mold and mildew. It can also lead to backed up water, increasing the weight on your roof deck. This increased load on your roof can reduce the lifespan of your roofing system and if the trapped water freezes, it can even lead to roof collapse.

Mitigate Risk Through Preventative Maintenance

To prevent the damage that we have outlined above, make sure to add the inspection and cleaning of your drains and gutters to your property’s maintenance checklist. During the fall it is especially important that your maintenance crew is regularly checking for and removing leaves and other debris.

Work With A Professional You Trust

While it is important to train your maintenance crew on the proper way to check for and remove debris, we also advise working with a professional contractor to ensure both your roof and building as a whole are prepped for winter. Schedule a professional roofing inspection for early fall to allow you and your contractor plenty of time to make necessary repairs before winter storms begin rolling in.

If you can’t remember the last time you inspected and cleaned your gutters and drains, the PRQ Exteriors team is here to help. Protect your property by giving us a call today at 303-214-0703 to schedule a free property inspection with one of our commercial building experts.