What Is Commercial Gutter Maintenance, and Why Does It Matter In Winter?
Commercial gutter maintenance prevents winter roof damage by ensuring water drains properly. Without it, ice buildup can cause structural stress and costly leaks on flat commercial roofs.
While the storm season gets all the attention here in Omaha, winter is another period that can spell disaster for poorly maintained commercial roofs. Accumulation of water and cycles of freezing and refreezing can lead to costly damage for commercial buildings.
For commercial property owners, the best way to prevent ice dams and ensure the health of their commercial roof is with smart winter gutter maintenance. Here’s what the Omaha roofers at Anchor Roofing recommend.
Why Ice Buildup Is Dangerous for Commercial Roofs
When commercial gutter maintenance is neglected, it can lead to serious consequences for commercial roofs. Poor drainage can cause:
- Ponding water
- Interior leaks
- Other issues on flat and low-slope roofs that often lead to premature roof replacements
In winter, these risks are amplified. Accumulating water becomes something worse: ice.
When gutters don’t remove water quickly, it:
- Becomes clogged with ice
- Causes backups and overflow
- Increases weight pressing down on your roof
- Accelerates deterioration
- Poses hazards for people below
Omaha Winters and the Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Anchor Roofing has seen firsthand how harsh Midwest winters affect flat and low-slope commercial roofs in the Omaha area.
Here’s how the damage adds up:
- Ice expands—cracking gutters and freezing in large sheets that damage the roof surface
- Backed-up ice can push away gutters or tear portions of the system completely off
- Fluctuating temps create a freeze-thaw cycle, repeating damage daily
- Ice dams form on sloped roofs, trapping water and putting people and property at risk
This repetitive cycle of freezing and thawing wears down your roofing system—fast.
Commercial Gutter Maintenance Checklist
To prevent hazardous situations and roof damage, commercial gutter maintenance is essential. Here’s a quick checklist for commercial property owners to follow as winter approaches:
- Clear all debris from your roof before the first freeze
- Clean out gutters as well
- Ensure downspouts are draining away from the building
- Consider adding gutter guards to keep debris out
- Complete a commercial roof inspection; this will cover both your gutters and the roof
When to Call in the Pros
As winter approaches, commercial property owners should look for warning signs to be addressed before the first freezes arrive. Consider calling in a professional if you notice issues like:
- Ponding water on your roof
- Interior leaks
- Large collections of debris on your roof or in drainage systems
- Rainwater is not draining properly, or to areas where it isn’t supposed to go
- Sagging, cracked, or damaged gutters
These types of problems all suggest that your gutter system will not survive a harsh winter. If it fails, your commercial roof could be in jeopardy.
Complete Your Commercial Gutter Maintenance with Anchor Roofing
Winter hits fast in Omaha—don’t let it catch your commercial roof off guard. Our team includes gutter maintenance as part of our commercial roof maintenance package, protecting your roof from all angles.
Contact Anchor Roofing today to book your inspection.