A sound gutter system is essential to all properties. While protection for the building exterior is paramount, each type of property comes with a unique set of needs. What’s good for a single detached family home may not apply to what’s good for a strata complex and so forth. There are numerous variables to consider for each. No where is this more true than for corporate establishments, with commercial buildings being especially vulnerable to a wide variety of scenarios. Today we provide you, a commercial business owner or property manger, with insight into the absolute necessity of a premium gutter system.

5 Reasons Why Your Commercial Property Needs a High-Grade Gutter System

1. Protection of Commercial Property Assets

The building where which you conduct business, whether you sell a consumer product or provide a commercial service, is an all-encompassing asset. The physical building is a given and of course installing a premium gutter system will protect its exterior from heavy rainfall. But inside you have products, display fixtures, furniture, electronics, materials used in the day to day course of doing business, and important documents. All of this together holds extreme value. Using a standard gutter system may do the job in the short term, but when it comes to long term protection of your assets, from outside to indoors, only a high-grade gutter system can offer the level of protection you need.

2. Commercial Liability

Both commercial property management firms and business owners need to take note. Business liability is one of the biggest concerns on the docket. Your insurance policy intends to protect you from all that can lead to claims against your business, yet when it comes to weather damage we all know that loopholes can lead to downfall. If water damage/intrusion can be linked to any impediment (e.g. slip-and-falls, employee health, damage to neighboring businesses, etc.) any lack in preparedness and/or slight in property installations can not only negate your policy, it can lead to millions of dollars of claims. On the concept of commercial liability alone you will want nothing less but the best when it comes to your gutters.

3. Protection of Employees and Consumers

Legal implications aside, you have an inherent responsibility to your staff and your customers. Keeping them safe from water intrusion during heavy storms is certainly something you will want to take ownership of. While direct customer impact is unlikely, longterm employee concerns are more common. This is especially true for commercial businesses within older complexes and heritage-styled buildings such as found in Greater Vancouver’s historic Gastown. The building may have underlying mold or mildew growth, both of which can be a burden on employee health. Any additional water seepage will compound the problem. You will want to request that a comprehensive inspection be made to check for both mold/mildew and to the health of the gutter system itself.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

As a public-facing commercial enterprise you want to put your best foot forward when it comes to aesthetics. In the retail world image is certainly everything and can make a big difference as to whether or not a customer chooses to walk through your doors. A gutter system should not be looked at just as a functional piece of your building exterior, it should be envisioned as an accent that can make or break the look and feel of your physical establishment. An installation of euro-styled 3 or 4” Zambezi round pipes and funnel outlets, manufactured from the highest-grade copper, zinc, aluminum or steel will accomplish this for your commercial brand.

5. Brand Reputation Management

All of the above ties a bow together around one key marketing element – brand reputation. By taking care of your assets and liabilities (and thus remaining free from negative press) and enhancing both employee and customer satisfaction you control brand exposure and protect your reputation. OK, so you’re not likely to receive a great Yelp review for having great gutters, but you may very well be recognized for maintaining a commercial business free of all of the concerns that can come from not being 110% prepared for your climate. And that’s saying a lot.

Whether you are building a new commercial development or considering an inspection of your current property’s gutter system, contact AM Gutter Services for a free estimate.