How to choose the best gutters for your business
What a commercial establishment looks like on the outside can say a lot about the business on the inside. That’s why business owners in West Palm Beach are constantly remodeling and improving their properties.
Restaurant, store, office, hotel – no matter what kind of business you run, it’s important that the exterior looks attractive and safe for visiting customers. The installation of rain gutters in West Palm Beach is essential since gutters redirect the flow of rainwater away from the foundations of a building. They are systems designed to protect buildings from water stains, mold, flooding, and many other dangerous consequences that water can cause on a property.
Rain gutters do more than just extend the longevity of a property; they can also enhance the aesthetics of a building. For example, a copper U-shaped gutter elevates the look of a structure with an elegant touch.
But how do you know which type of gutter is ideal for your property?
If you aren’t familiar with the options for rain gutters for businesses in West Palm Beach, here are some recommendations that will help you determine which material, shape and style to choose.
Wood, plastic or metal?
Metal rain gutters are the most common and popular on the market today, and can be found in aluminum, copper or galvanized steel.
Most homes and commercial buildings install aluminum gutters because they do not rust, are durable and can be assembled in one piece formed to the building’s dimensions with a machine.
Copper gutters are more durable and very elegant, but considerably more expensive than aluminum gutters.
Galvanized steel gutters are one of the most cost-effective options. However, it should be noted that they are more likely to rust and leak compared to other types of metal.
Plastic gutters have recently entered the market. They are inexpensive, require little maintenance, and do not corrode.
This type of gutter is designed and marketed so that homeowners can purchase them in stores and install them on their own at home.
Because they are sold in pieces, they cannot be molded to the dimensions of a property like aluminum gutters.
Finally, wood gutters are a very elegant alternative that are more expensive and require a lot of maintenance. But with proper care, they can last fifteen to twenty years. If you decide to use this type of material for your business, be sure to choose quality wood (cedar, redwood or pine) and keep in mind that you will need to pay extra attention to cleaning and maintenance.
K-style or U-shaped?
U-shaped gutters drain water better than other flat-bottomed options like K-style gutters. Proper drainage is essential if you want to prevent leaks or a breeding ground for mosquitoes which can be caused by clogged water in your drainage system.In either case, these inconveniences could be easily avoided with constant cleaning and maintenance.
In terms of aesthetics, U-shaped gutters work best on buildings with older architectural styles found in West Palm Beach, while K-style or square gutters look better on contemporary properties, according to Taunton’s guide for roofing.
Choose the style you prefer based on your building’s architecture and how often you plan to spruce up your water collection system.
Seamless gutters vs. regular gutters
Seamless rain gutters consist of a single piece rather than many pieces connected together. In most circumstances they will work better than regular, or sectional gutters, since the latter tend to leak water at the joints where they connect. This is especially common in gutter models whose pieces cannot be welded together, like plastic.
You can get seamless gutters by hiring professional rain gutter installation companies, as they are the only ones with the machinery and expertise to customize the gutters to the dimensions of your property.
Rain chains or traditional downspouts?
Downspouts are the vertical pipes attached to the gutters that direct water collected from the roof away from your property.
Even if they form an essential part of the system, downspouts do not add visual appeal to the exterior of a building.
Rain chains, on the other hand, are a great alternative.
Rain chains are installed where the downspout would usually be. They divert the water away from the structure while creating a therapeutic sound similar to falling water in a waterfall.
Deciding between traditional downspouts or rain chains will depend on what your business needs.
Downspouts drain much more water than a rain chain, so if you want more protection and chains just don’t fit your business profile, choose traditional downspouts.
On the other hand, if you want to add an interesting touch to the front of your business, go for rain chains.
Finally, before installation, don’t forget to review the local West Palm Beach area code on how far rainwater must drain away from a commercial building.
Choosing the most effective and attractive rain gutter for your business should no longer be a difficult task if you follow this practical guide.
Even so, it is always important to have the advice of professionals to make sure that your system is installed properly.
At The Gutters Factory we have a team of experts that will help you choose, install and maintain the gutters for your restaurant, building, store or any other type of business in West Palm Beach.