Why Is It So Important to Clean the Gutters on Your Commercial Roof?
If you’re managing or owning a commercial property, chances are you’re juggling a lot—from tenants and maintenance to long-term investment protection. And somewhere in that pile is a task that seems small but can cause major problems if ignored: cleaning the gutters on your commercial roof.
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve been helping commercial property owners avoid expensive roofing disasters for over 40 years. One of the most common—and preventable—issues we see is water damage caused by clogged or neglected roof gutters.
Let’s break down why cleaning your commercial gutters is more important than you might think.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Commercial Roof Gutters?
You might be wondering, “What’s the worst that could happen if I skip cleaning my gutters?”
Here’s the honest answer: a lot. And it usually starts with something small—like a pile of leaves sitting in a corner of your gutter—and ends with a large repair bill. Clogged commercial gutters can create serious issues that affect not just your roof but your building’s structure and even your tenants’ safety.
Water Overflow Damages Your Building
When gutters are clogged with debris like leaves, sticks, and dirt, rainwater can’t flow through the system properly. Instead, it overflows over the sides of your gutters and runs down the exterior walls of your building. Over time, that water can:
- Erode the foundation
- Cause leaks inside your building
- Lead to staining, mold, and deterioration of exterior finishes
Water is supposed to be directed away from your building. When your commercial gutters can’t do that, the damage adds up fast.
Mold, Mildew, and Structural Stress from Debris
When debris sits in your gutters for too long, it traps moisture and creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew. But that’s not all. Wet debris also adds weight to your gutter system. Commercial roof gutters aren’t designed to hold that extra load for long.
Over time, the weight of waterlogged debris can pull your gutters away from the building—or worse, cause sections of them to collapse. This can damage your roofing membrane, adding even more to your repair bill.
Blockages Lead to Ponding Water on the Roof
One of the biggest risks with commercial flat roofs is ponding water—that’s when water can’t drain properly and starts to pool on the roof surface.
When your gutters or internal drainage systems are blocked, that water has nowhere to go. Left unchecked, ponding water can:
- Accelerate wear on your roof membrane
- Cause leaks into your building
- Reduce the overall lifespan of your roof
Over time, ponding water can lead to structural damage that compromises your entire roofing system. And in colder climates, standing water can freeze and cause even more damage.
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How Often Should Commercial Roof Gutters Be Cleaned?
If you’re unsure how often you should clean your gutters, a good rule of thumb is at least twice a year—once in the fall and once in late spring or early summer.
Why Fall Is the Most Important Time
After the leaves have fallen, they tend to accumulate in roof gutters, especially if there are trees nearby. Waiting until all the leaves have dropped ensures you clean out the bulk of the debris before winter sets in. If you skip this step, frozen leaves and water can block drainage and create ice dams or roof leaks.
Spring Cleaning Matters Too
Even if your gutters were cleared in the fall, spring can bring seeds, pollen, and other debris. A spring or early summer cleaning preps your commercial roof gutters for the heavy rains and storms that often come during that time of year. It’s also a great time to inspect your roofing system and address any small issues before they become big ones.
Can I Clean Commercial Gutters Myself or Should I Hire a Pro?
For smaller commercial buildings or properties with easy access to the roof, you can clean the gutters yourself—as long as safety protocols are followed. However, for larger properties or buildings with complex drainage systems, it’s best to call in a professional.
A trained roofing professional can:
- Safely access and clean your gutters
- Inspect the roof for damage or drainage issues
- Identify signs of roof damage that may not be obvious from the ground
Plus, when you hire a pro, you can bundle gutter cleaning with other roof maintenance services like a roof inspection or preventative repair—saving time and money in the long run.
Learn more about Weather Shield’s Max Life Roof Care Program.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Clean Commercial Gutters?
Keeping your gutters clean might not seem like a big deal, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your roof investment. Here’s what regular gutter cleaning helps you avoid:
- Costly water damage to your building’s interior and exterior
- Premature roof wear and tear
- Structural issues from trapped moisture
- Mold and mildew growth that affects air quality
- Roof leaks that interrupt your business operations
More importantly, it helps extend the lifespan of your commercial roofing system, especially when paired with regular inspections and maintenance programs like Max Life Roof Care.
Whether you own one commercial building or manage a portfolio of properties, small, seasonal tasks like gutter cleaning can make a huge difference in long-term cost savings and risk reduction.
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’re committed to helping you protect your roofing investment with proactive, practical solutions—like timely gutter cleanouts that keep water flowing where it should.
Need help with your commercial roof maintenance plan? Talk to us here and we’ll help you figure out the right next steps.
Andrew Schmidt
Account Executive
Andrew Schmidt brings 25 years of leadership experience in education—including as Deputy Superintendent for Flushing Schools—to his role at Weather Shield Roofing Systems. With a strong background in facilities management, he understands the importance of reliable, well-maintained roofs. Now, he helps building owners find practical, cost-effective roofing solutions, focusing on extending roof life and supporting Weather Shield’s mission: We Stop Roof Leaks!
