If water is left to pool on or around a building, it can cause severe structural damage to the roof, walls, and foundation over time. Especially in a tropical climate with heavy rainfall, gutters are an essential component of every building’s roofing. Here, the gutter contractors at A-Plus Seamless Raingutters of Wahiawa, HI, share several reasons why properly sized and installed gutters are essential to the integrity of your building.

Most residential buildings have sloped roofs that naturally facilitate drainage. If your home doesn’t have gutters, water will collect around the foundation, shifting soil and potentially leading the foundation to shift or crack. You can protect your home by installing gutters and downspouts that carry the water away from your home.

On flat-roofed commercial buildings, drainage is especially important—as pooling water can cause significant roof damage over time. Standing water will eventually penetrate the top roofing layers and, over time, lead to leaks and mold growth. Several inches of standing water are also surprisingly heavy, creating unnecessary strain on your structure.

Most flat roofs are surrounding by a low wall, or parapet. To prevent the wall from turning the roof into a reservoir, most parapets feature drainage holes every few feet, where water can escape along the perimeter. These are called parapet scuppers. For every 10,000 square feet of roof, there should be a minimum of two scuppers to allow for proper drainage.

Gutters and downspouts are usually attached to the scuppers and carry the water away from the building to protect its foundation. For both residential and commercial buildings, an appropriately sized drainage system is paramount. If the system is too small, it can quickly become clogged with leaves and other debris, which renders it useless. A gutter contractor will determine exactly what size scuppers and gutter system your home or commercial building needs.

If you need to install new gutters or replace old or small ones, A-Plus Seamless Raingutters has the expertise you need. These gutter contractors provide on-site fabrication for downspouts and elbows, so they can tailor the perfect system to your commercial or residential building. Contact them today at (808) 623-0394, or like them on Facebook to learn more.