Commercial gutter systems serve the same purpose as the gutters on your home, but choosing the best ones to install is a little bit different for a larger building. You will have a few options when it comes to the gutters you select. 

1. Gutter Style

Commercial gutters come in a range of shapes and styles, but generally, box gutters are the best option for a larger commercial building. This style looks just as it sounds — it's box-shaped and fits just beneath the eaves. Its larger holding capacity due to the shape can be easily increased by choosing a larger dimension of gutter trough, so it's easy to find one that meets the heavy run-off needs of a commercial roof.

2. Material Type

Vinyl gutters may be fine for a residential house, but a more durable material is necessary on commercial roofs. This is in part because the size of the average commercial building means the gutters will handle a greater flow of water compared to the house. It's also because commercial gutters can be prone to easy damage from maintenance workers frequently accessing the roof. For this reason, choose a durable metal like aluminum or galvanized steel.

3. Downspout Placement

Careful placement is necessary with commercial gutter systems, as water cannot be allowed to collect near the building or cause safety issues for visitors and staff. Generally, this means placing downspouts so they won't empty into the parking lot, send water coursing over sidewalks, or empty in a puddle up against the foundation. It's not uncommon for downspouts to be placed mainly along the rear and sides of a commercial building as opposed to on the front facade.

4. Stormwater Routing

Stormwater regulations typically affect commercial gutter installation. This means that the runoff from the gutter system must be properly drained into the local stormwater system. Many gutter services achieve this by routing downspouts into underground drainage pipes. These pipes take the runoff into the main municipal storm system or into an authorized retention pond nearby.

5. Debris Prevention

Things like tree leaves, bird nesting materials, and other debris can collect in commercial gutters just as easily as in residential systems. The main issue is that the larger size of a commercial gutter system can lead to more debris buildup and the need for heavier cleaning. You can reduce the frequency of gutter maintenance by having gutter covers installed. These keep out debris while allowing water to still flow into the gutter trough.

Contact a commercial rain gutter installation service for more information.