We can all agree that the summer is well and truly over now. With the nights starting to draw in, shops already starting to display their Christmas stock, and businesses looking to finalise the details of their winter marketing strategies, autumn is upon us. Along with the business opportunities and chances for increased trading this season offers, it can also present a number of different challenges, from the wet and windy weather to falling leaves. This combination means that your building’s gutters are likely to get clogged with leaves, which can have serious consequences. At Ryemead Cleaning, we know the problems that improper gutter maintenance can bring, so have created this short guide on why professional gutter cleaning is a must during the autumn months.
1. Protection from water back up
If your gutters get clogged by leaves and other falling debris, then water can back up in your guttering then water can back up in your guttering. This can cause it to flow down your walls, seep in through cracks and also affect your building’s foundations. Even more problems will occur if your building is located in an area where the rain is slightly acidic, as it can seriously cause problems by dissolving your stone and brickwork. If the water freezes, this will create additional structural damage, so you need to prevent blockages in your gutters.
2. Pest control
If you have blocked water in your guttering, this can be warmed by the sun creating pockets of warmer water. These are ideal places for pests to breed, laying eggs and causing pest control problems which can become difficult to deal with. In addition, many of these have the potential to carry diseases, which will put your employees’ health at risk, as well as that of your customers and visitors.
3. Prevention of mould growth
As well as insects and bugs, these pockets of water also offer mould all the conditions they need to thrive. As well as being harmful to humans, many types of this mould can have a detrimental effect on any exposed wood around your roofing and guttering areas, reducing its structural integrity and longevity. If your business uses wood as part of the production process, or stocks a lot of wood products, then preventing mould growth is even more essential, in order to ensure that it doesn’t damage your stock.
Professional gutter cleaning – where to find out more
To find out more about our commercial gutter cleaning services, please visit the gutter cleaning services web page.
If you’d like to get an instant estimate for cleaning your commercial building gutters, use our instant estimate tool. Or get in touch via our contact form.