Are you constructing a new commercial building or renovating an existing property? As you assess the exterior, you may wonder whether you need commercial gutters or if residential gutters will suffice. In general, all commercial buildings should use commercial gutters. Learn more about how commercial gutters and downspouts can benefit your business.

Reasons to Invest in Commercial Gutter Installation

Flat-roofed commercial buildings need gutters to direct water away from the façade and foundation. But it’s important to use properly sized commercial K-style or box gutters, not residential gutters. There are two primary reasons for this.

First, installing residential gutters on a commercial building might be illegal. In many municipalities, commercial buildings are required to meet codes and regulations regarding drainage and runoff control. This may necessitate commercial gutter installation purely from a legal standpoint. Be prepared to meet specific requirements regarding gutter size, material, design, and drainage method.

Second, commercial roofs are different than residential roofs. The design and installation methods for box gutters are meant to suit the needs of commercial buildings. Attempting to use residential gutters instead could result in leaks and overflowing during heavy rain. This could cause ugly streaks and peeling paint on the building’s exterior. Water could even enter your business or threaten the structural integrity of the building as the soil near the foundation becomes oversaturated.

Types of Commercial Gutters

The two most common commercial gutters are K-style and box gutters.

K-style commercial gutters have a decorative look similar to residential gutters. While they can handle a higher water volume than residential U-style gutters, they are not as heavy-duty as box gutters. As a result, K-style gutters are most popular for multifamily housing and light commercial buildings.

As the name implies, box gutters have a square shape. They are often built into the roof line or hangover, with downspouts in the same boxy shape that channel runoff to a designated location. With proper maintenance, box gutters can last for decades.

Why Hire a Professional Gutter Installer?

Gutter installation is not a DIY job. The task requires training in proper techniques and safety protocols. In the case of replacement projects, the old gutters must also be disposed of according to local regulations.

There’s no better way to ensure a job well done than to hire a commercial rain gutter installer. A professional crew will use the appropriate gutter size, materials, and installation methods to meet local building codes and drainage requirements. Your installer can also provide commercial gutter cleaning over the years to promote the best performance and longest lifespan from your investment.

If you’re ready to benefit from commercial gutter installation, turn to High Point Gutter, serving businesses in Snohomish and King Counties since 2016. We love what we do, and we’re proud of our work! To ensure your satisfaction, every member of our gutter installation team receives hands-on training before performing fieldwork. Call us today at (425) 449-6622 or contact us online to request commercial guttering services. We look forward to making you our next happy customer!