Keep Rainwater Out of Your Building

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Keeping your gutters clear of debris is just one way to stop rainwater from entering your commercial property and causing a water or mold disaster.

Whether it’s a small seepage that you may not notice until you have a stubborn mold problem, or a gusher that runs down your walls and across your floors, you want to prevent a flooded commercial property.

Preventing a rainwater disaster starts at the top: your roof. Its drainage system is designed to route water off your roof and direct it safely to the ground and away from your structure. Stay dry by knowing the condition of your roof and drainage system, and making any necessary repairs without delay.

Care for Your Roof Drainage System

Inspect and clean the roof and its drainage system, including gutters, interior drains and scuppers, at least twice a year, ideally during the spring and fall, and after any severe weather.

• Remove loose objects and debris that could end up in the drainage system. Check under and around roof-mounted equipment, satellite dishes, antennas and solar panels.
• Check slope of roof cover system. Standing water can indicate that your roof is not sloped properly.
• Clear the gutters of roofing granules and gravel. If these materials accumulate, they can alter the slope of the gutter and obstruct the flow of water.
• Check gutters for standing water and clear any blockages. If you find standing water but no blockage, make sure that the gutter is properly sloped to the downspout.
• Check downspouts to be sure they funnel water away from the building.
• Inspect for cracks around roof drains and repair if necessary.
• After severe weather, check the roof and drainage systems for leaks and damage, and repair if necessary.

When you repair or replace the roof and/or gutters:

• When re-roofing, be sure that all drains, scuppers and gutters are returned to their original operating conditions.
• When replacing gutters, consider installing larger gutters to carry more water from your roof.

Check Air Conditioners and Drains

If you have a roof-mounted air conditioning system:

• Check the drain lines to make sure they direct rainwater off the roof and away from the building.

If you have wall or window air conditioners:

• Make sure the internal drain pipe is big enough and water flows freely.
• Be sure the unit sleeve is tilted slightly toward the exterior wall.
• Check caulking and weather stripping for gaps, cracks and other damage, and repair if necessary.

Keep Trees Trimmed

• Trim back trees near your building to keep leaves out of the drainage system.

If your business suffers a water disaster, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield. We’ll handle everything: water removal, mold eradication, pack-out and restoration of your furniture and items, and structure repair and reconstruction.

If your business suffers a water disaster from a rainstorm, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration services, biohazard cleanup and natural disaster prevention and cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860.633.8791) any time.

SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield
1408 Neipsic Road, Glastonbury, CT 06033
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.633.8791 
24-hour emergency service

If your business suffers a water disaster from a rainstorm, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791