The Complete Industrial Roof Guttering Guide

The first line of defence against water ingress and property damage, your gutters prevent leaks and corrosion, and their upkeep is vital. Because of this, industrial roof guttering plays a huge role in the protection of commercial buildings. 

But it isn’t as simple as domestic guttering at home, as it involves much larger volumes of water, larger roof areas, and more complex drainage systems. Because of this, industrial roof guttering is a specialist service that we proudly provide at ACS Coatings.

This guide is designed to inform commercial property owners and facilities managers about how industrial roof guttering works and when maintenance or replacements may be required. 

We’ll also run through how to avoid costly, common issues business owners face, and how to choose the right service. 

How is Guttering Repaired on Industrial Roofs?

Site Inspection 

Industrial roofs present many complications due to their height and width. That’s why safety is of paramount importance, which is something that should be assessed in any industrial roof guttering repair or installation. 

Not only can an inspection help you assess the extent of the damage and determine what’s required, but it also helps clarify access and what equipment is required. 

Clearing Blockages

Blockages come in many forms when it comes to industrial roof guttering, from leaves to moss and other built-up debris. 

At ACS Coatings, our team of experts can not only identify obstructions in your roof guttering system, but potential blockages that could cause problems down the line. We can also identify other potential weak spots like cracks and standing water, among other issues that may not be visible from the ground level.

Joint Seals and Leak Fixing

Joints and seams are prone to leaking on industrial roof systems, but our experts have worked on countless different buildings over the years and know what to expect and look out for. 

As a result, we can identify and reseal seals with high-performance sealants and install expansion joints where movement or stress has caused damage or splitting. 

Repair or Replace Sections

You don’t always need an entire gutter system replaced, and you can often just replace or repair corroded/sagging sections instead. This saves you money and can be incredibly effective. 

We can carry this kind of work out using matching materials from galvanised steel to aluminium, or industrial-grade plastics. We also guarantee secure fixing and correct pitching for waterflow and try to repair roofs instead of recommending full replacements, where possible.

Reinforce or Reline the Roof System

In rarer cases, internal roof guttering surfaces can be relined using liquid waterproof coatings. This helps restore functionality to damaged or corroded roof sections without replacing the full system or carrying out more extensive repairs. 

It can add years to the performance of industrial roof guttering, giving you peace of mind for the long-term. 

The Most Common Types of Gutters

When it comes to industrial roofs, the most common types are box gutters, valley gutters, and external eaves gutters. 

Here are the core differences between the three of them:

What are Box Gutters?

Box gutters are gutters found on top of a roof between two slopes. They’re known to block if they aren’t well-maintained, and they can be vulnerable to leaks that allow water into your building and cause damp and water damage.

What are Valley Gutters?

Valley gutters are similar to box gutters and run between two sloped, dramatically pitched roofs. The key difference is that they’re usually deeper with more precise falls. 

Because of their depth, valley gutters are more likely to pond water and experience corrosion, especially if you don’t regularly inspect them.

What are Eaves Gutters?

Eaves gutters are fixed to the outside of an industrial building, similar to a domestic property. This positioning makes them easier to access than the other two, but they are much more exposed to wind damage and leaf buildup from trees.

Understanding which kind of guttering your building has installed helps with maintenance and the right repairs can prevent future issues for your commercial or industrial property.

When is it Time for a Roof Gutter Repair?

Proactive industrial roof guttering repair is essential, and delayed action can lead to expensive structural damage. 

Here’s what to look out for:

• Water overflow during heavy rain
• Visible sagging or detachment
• Staining on outside walls
• Internal damp patches or leaks
• Rust, flaking or corrosion
• Birds nesting in gutters
• Constant dripping after rainfall.

Any of these issues, no matter how subtle, can indicate something much more serious at play, putting your building at risk. 

Early repairs and regular maintenance can help reduce problems and tackle them before they become too problematic. They can also save you money in the long run and protect the integrity of your roof for the future.