Gutters are one of the most crucial sections of any building. They protect the foundation from water damage while keeping the structure looking nice by preventing dirt buildup. Simply put, low-quality gutters are bad for business. You’re wasting precious money just to get a potential repair sooner or later! That’s why companies need to invest in good-quality gutter systems. No skimping or cutting corners of some sort, okay? Knowing this, here are some of the best gutters to install on your commercial property.
What Makes a Good Gutter System?
Before deciding which gutter system will work best for your establishment, you should consider what qualities you should look for in one. The following are some characteristics shared by Spout Gutter Pros, a professional gutter contractor that makes up an effective and high-quality drainage system:
- Durable – The gutter must withstand typical environmental elements and protect your establishment from weather-related damages.
- Long-Lasting – On top of being durable, a gutter system should not need to be replaced too often, or it will cost you a lot.
- Functional – Most importantly, it should be able to do its job of redirecting rainwater away and keeping the building intact from water damage.
- Safe – The gutter should pose a hazardous risk to the people walking in and out of your establishment.
- Long-standing Warranty – Helps ensure quality materials were used in construction, and you can seek aid if something goes wrong.
- Easy Installation Process – This isn’t really compulsory, but it would be nice if contractors could install it without much hassle since they won’t be charging a lot.
K-Style Gutters
The most popular gutter profile in the West, the K-Style is the best option for commercial buildings. It’s a versatile system that can be used with various clamps, hangers, and support systems due to its shape.
K-Style gutters come in different sizes to accommodate any building, from small offices to large warehouses or shopping malls. They typically have flat backs and leveled bottoms, while the side often looks stylish and curvy.
It works great as it’s able to handle vast amounts of rainwater at one time without overflowing. These gutters have been engineered to always drain properly even during heavy storms, preventing water damage which could lead to mold growth inside walls and ceilings/floors where it’s harder to remove than outside on your roofline.
More importantly, K-style gutters come with a seamless finish that means it looks more presentable to your prospects while still effectively protecting the building from leaks.
Half-round Gutters
If K-style doesn’t tickle your fancy, you might want to consider the old-school half-round gutter system. Although this style was popular decades ago for historic homes, it doesn’t mean you can’t rock this design for modern architecture.
As K-style consists of multiple flat surfaces, half-rounds are exactly the opposite. They’re just as the name implies, half-round tubes that fit together and attach to the roofline. These gutters have been praised for their flawless performance, especially when it comes to handling reasonable levels of rainfall without the risk of overflowing and causing water damage to your property/facilities.
However, keep in mind that while half-rounds work fine, they’re not as effective as K-style in handling storms. Why? Because they can only hold water half as many as the amount K-style can. On the bright side, this drawback also makes them more affordable. So if you’re running tight on budget, consider getting this type without sacrificing much functionality.
Box Gutters
Box gutters are commonly used in establishments like restaurants and retail stores because their appearance easily fits a modern theme. But it’s not just about the aesthetics and presentability. They’re also known for strength, durability, and resistance against heavy loads of water. This even makes them suitable for large establishments such as shopping malls, warehouses, or basically any property with wider rooflines that require more than just a flat back connection.
It features a higher capacity than the traditional ones due to its unique box-like structure, which allows rainwater to flow inside freely without overflowing even during intense downpours – making them perfect for businesses located in areas with high amounts of rainfall per year. They are also very resistant against debris buildups, including leaves and twigs from trees surrounding your building, because they have a simple design with no internal parts or braces for stuff to get lodged on.
The only downside is the installation process that can be much more complicated than installing traditional gutter systems. Box gutters are heavier and bulkier – so it’s best to hire professional services from a company with experienced technicians who can handle such projects efficiently.
Conclusion
Every gutter type has its own pros and cons. It all boils down to your budget and how much you’re willing to compromise. In addition, it’s okay to DIY gutter installation for a home. But a commercial building? That’s a large-scale project. Please don’t think twice about seeking professional help to ensure your gutter investment won’t go to waste. Good luck!