Gutter Cleaning
Many business owners are unaware of their legal responsibilities when it comes to gutter cleaning and the costs they could incur as a result. While we all understand how stressful it is when roof and gutter issues lead to internal damage within a property, you can limit the risks.
Why clean your gutters?
Gutter cleanliness should be of high importance to any commercial property owner. If you don’t maintain your gutters, it can cause major issues further down the line.
Guttering consists of horizontal gutters along a roofline, as well as vertical downpipes leading to drainage areas around the property. The system transports rainwater away from a building, so it must be kept clear of debris, such as leaves, dirt, grit, animal droppings and more.
If gutters become blocked, it affects the passage of water, increasing the risks of damage. For example, if water freezes and expands in falling temperatures, it could result in cracks appearing or weakened fixtures due to the increased weight. If gutters overflow, the water often has nowhere to go but towards the roof and building itself, causing water ingress, damp and leaks within the property.
Not only does this create a stressful situation to sort out, but a potentially costly one too, especially when it comes to business disruptions that lead to losses.
Don’t invalidate your insurance claim
Companies must provide a safe environment for anyone who attends their premises, including staff, visitors and clients.
If blocked gutters are left unattended, you could be landing yourself in legal hot water for failing to uphold the health and safety regulations you must comply with as an employer. This could be the case if pooled water resulted in issues such as mould forming or even structural damage to the building.
Unfortunately, if a business fails to invest in gutter cleaning, and this leads to water damage in their building, they may not be covered by their insurance. Leading UK providers make it clear that claims could be invalidated if it’s proven the problems occurred due to insufficient property maintenance. This would leave a business incurring the costs of any remedial work to rectify structural issues, repair interiors and replace damaged items.
Easy gutter cleaning solutions for businesses
To make sure you’re covered, regular gutter cleaning and maintenance is key. Few businesses have the time or know-how to do this themselves, let alone the appropriate tools and safety equipment, which are crucial for reaching areas at height. By hiring professional gutter cleaners, the results are thorough, and you won’t void your insurance policy.
At Vertical Vac, we have a high level cleaning solution that reaches gutters up to four storeys (40 feet) high. Replacing traditional methods, the powerful SkyVac provides safe, effective and fast results to clear gutters. An in-built camera allows for pinpoint accuracy, extracting every piece of debris present.
While cleaning gutters should prevent significant problems occurring, make sure you keep any invoices and receipts as proof of the services you invested in, helping you to stay covered.
