For a building owner- residential or commercial- this question has at one point crossed your mind. Although the problem may not seem like a major one, gutter leaks are a nuisance. If neglected, they can amount to serious consequences including the growth of mold, damage to the building’s interior among others.
If you happen to walk around your building after it rains and you notice water dripping from your roof despite the presence of a gutter, then it’s a clear indication you might be dealing with clogged or leaking gutters.
Let’s take a look at some causes of gutter leaks on commercial roofing and potential remedies;
- Poor drainage
In many instances’ clogs are the causes of poor drainage hence gutter leaks. Unless cleaned regularly gutters can easily be filled with leaves and debris which can lead to clogged gutters.
Lucky enough this problem is easily noticed, therefore you should have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year, and also you can invest in deflected gutters to help lead away water and debris away from your building’s foundation.
This issue is even more easily manageable in places that experience less rainfall like Tucson. Simply ensure you inspect and clean your gutters on a regular basis.
- Aging material leading to holes and cracks
Commercial roofing should take at least 2 decades without any defects, but even the toughest materials can eventually develop cracks or holes before their expiry date. That is why you need to be on the lookout when your gutter starts to leak in tiny spots.
These small cracks and holes can be fixed by applying a waterproof sealant. But, sometimes it is necessary to replace the entire section of the damaged gutter to be on the safer side.
- Incorrect slope
Gutters ought to be installed with a slight downward slope that allows water to flow easily into the downspouts. But over time gutters would start to sag due to the weight of water.
When this happens, contact your local contractor because unlike other problems improper slope is not a DIY job.
- Separated joints
Another area frequented with leaks is the joints of your downspouts. These areas are prone to hold debris and water which causes corrosion hence leaking. In some cases, you may repair the joints with caulk but sometimes you may be faced with the option of replacing the entire joint.