Gutters are often something that are out of sight and out of mind for Facilities Managers. Many things take priority over gutter cleaning and it’s only when a problem occurs that the true cost of neglecting to clean the gutters is realized. Water finding its way into the building and causing damage can be a costly repair.

In Gloucestershire, we have more than our fair share of rain coming down the Severn and in the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean areas, there is a lot of leaf fall and moss on roofs throughout the year. So a gutter that is fine in dry weather can be brought to its knees in a very short space of time during a very wet October weekend. So clearing the gutters is not just about keeping them clean and tidy, it is also about making sure that water is being removed from the building in the way that it was designed to.

What actually goes wrong when gutters block

The problems caused by a blocked gutter rarely become apparent in a subtle and gradual manner. Water that cannot drain from the gutters will simply find an alternative route for travel. This is usually downwards, and into parts of the building that you would prefer not to get wet.

This usually manifests itself as dampness. Dampness in gutters can leak out of the downpipes and soak into the fascias, soffits and walls above. Once the moisture has penetrated into the building’s structure it will spread and can cause problems such as stained ceilings and walls, peeling paint and that musty smell that often is the first sign of a problem.

As water accumulates against brickwork it can freeze in very cold weather, thereby expanding and causing damage to the mortar between the bricks. In addition to this, water that has penetrated the exterior of a building and become trapped in the ground around the foundations can cause slow but irreparable damage over time.

Blocked gutters can become a pest control problem as they provide a damp area of leaf litter that attracts birds to nest in them. Insects such as beetles, ants, and flies can also be found to breed in the litter of leaves. In time moss and weeds can also grow in blocked gutters. The task of clearing a blocked gutter that has been taken over by pests is a much harder job than normal clearing of gutters.

How often should a commercial building have its gutters cleaned?

So, as a general rule, most commercial premises in Gloucestershire would benefit from having their gutters cleaned twice a year. A good time to have the gutters cleaned in the autumn is after all of the leaves have fallen from the trees, which is usually around late October / early November. Then in the spring, all of the muck and debris that has built up over the wetter months of the year would be cleared out to leave your gutters ready for the forthcoming summer months.

The frequency of which a commercial property requires their gutters cleaned however depends greatly upon the building in question. For example; if a property has many mature trees surrounding it then it may require more frequent visits from a gutter cleaning company in order to remove fallen debris before it has chance to cause any problems. Other factors that need to be taken into account would be the size of the property, the type of roof it has, and previous blockages or other problems that may have occurred with the gutters in the past. Some properties such as retail units that are based upon business parks with plenty of open space and few plants etc may only require their gutters cleaning on an annual basis, whereas other properties such as offices or other commercial buildings with flat roofs for example may require their gutters cleaning on a more frequent basis. The best way to find out the correct frequency for your property is to have an inspection carried out by a reputable gutter cleaning company, who will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Why gutter cleaning shouldn’t be left for someone who happens to have a spare moment!

For a domestic property such as a bungalow with a small garden then gutter cleaning is generally something that can be done as part of the day to day running of a property and is not generally something that would need to be outsourced. A commercial property on the other hand is a completely different matter.

Firstly there is the issue of safety. Working at height is a very hazardous task and can result in serious injury. If you have staff cleaning gutters then you will be held accountable for any accidents which occur, as you would be if you were doing the task yourself. Using a professional company means that they have the required training, have access to the correct equipment, and have the necessary insurance to complete the task.

Also, whereas, with a domestic bungalow, clearing the guttering is often a matter of clearing the obvious bit that is visible, with commercial properties this is not the case. The majority of the guttering will not be visible and so clearing it all would require climbing up and down the roof on numerous occasions. Using gutter vacuum cleaning equipment allows the gutters and downpipes to be cleaned from the ground, therefore being much safer. Also, a contractor will be able to check all of the joints, gullies, etc. for signs of deterioration and so any potential problems can be sorted before they become major issues.

The quiet economics of it

The cost of gutter cleaning is easily overlooked as it does not have an immediate pay off, however the consequences of failing to regularly clean your gutters can be far more expensive than the cost of two annual cleans. So, have a scheduled clean of your gutters and downpipes this autumn and then again the following spring and for the rest of the year you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your gutters are doing their job properly, and that any potential problems have been identified and dealt with before they have a chance to cause any damage.

If you are a facilities manager of a commercial property in Gloucestershire and you can’t remember when the gutters were last cleaned then hopefully this article has given you a timely reminder to get them inspected before the next spell of wet weather and to cost them out before it becomes a far bigger expense trying to put right the damage caused by neglect.