RV rooftops are susceptible to the elements because of their flat design. Rain, snow, and…
If you have a metal building or are considering acquiring one, one primary consideration is managing water runoff. Poorly solved water drainage issues cause major damage over time. The foundation can be ruined, walls can be broken apart, and soil erosion and plant damage are all severe consequences when water isn’t directed off the building.
Gutters assist in solving these problems long-term. So, the answer to the question that is the topic of this article is “Yes” gutters can be added to your metal building. Metal Carports can add gutters to all types of metal buildings. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of gutters on a metal building and the factors to consider before installing gutters as well as our gutter installation process for metal buildings.
Water Runoff
Just as with your residential property, directing the flow of water away from a metal building is extremely important in preventing water damage to the building. Managing water excess from precipitation is the sole purpose of a gutter system.
Without a gutter system, rainwater will collect on the roof, causing rot, deterioration, and mold. This weakens both the exterior and the interior of your building. When there are no gutters, the water stays on or close to the building. Water runoff must be directed away from a building to maintain the integrity of the building and the land it is on.
The Purpose of Gutters
Gutters divert water away from a building to prevent erosion and protect it. Essentially, gutters are responsible for managing the flow of water from the roof by effectively channeling the water that is on your roof, through the downspouts, and directing it to appropriate areas outside and away from the metal building.
When there is no management of the water flow, the roof can collect rainwater, causing rot, deterioration, or mold. Even when a metal building has a solid foundation, rain can pool at the foundation and damage its structural integrity. Water can also penetrate underneath the building’s foundation and cause it to crack or sink.
Benefits of Gutters on a Metal Building
Regardless of the type of metal building you have – a metal carport, garage, barn, or RV cover – gutters are beneficial.
Gutters Prevent Foundation Damage
Without gutters, rainwater cascades down the sides of the structure and potentially damages the foundation or surrounding ground.
Gutters Reduce Water Hazards Around the Property
Flooding can be a major problem without gutters. When water collects in puddles, not only can there be foundation damage but also hazards for people to slip and fall.
Gutters Protect the Structure’s Integrity
Without gutters, the metal building’s integrity is compromised. Anything inside the building can be ruined when water leaks into it. Additionally, if water gets under the seals and then freezes, it can cause your building to begin to break apart at the seams. Freezing water can destroy even the strongest buildings.
Gutters Extend the Metal Building’s Lifespan
Ultimately, gutters can help your metal building last a long time, therefore protecting your investment. You will save money and time when you don’t have to continually repair the damage undirected water creates. Gutters can save you thousands of dollars over time.
Gutters Safeguard Landscaping
Channeling water away from the metal structure protects your landscaping. The force of water that falls from the roof can wash away the soil holding your plants, as well as mulch and gravel.
Gutters Protect the Beauty of a Metal Building
A hard rainfall can splash mud all over the walls of your metal structure, creating a lot of work to keep the building clean. This is not only a short-lived superficial issue, but pigments in certain soils can also cause long-term, permanent discoloration.
Considerations for Gutter Installation on Metal Buildings
Consider these factors when installing gutters on your metal building:
Gutter Size
Select the appropriate gutter size to handle the volume of rainwater from your roof. You may need larger gutters for heavy rainfall or large roof areas.
Materials
Choose a suitable material for the gutters, such as aluminum to resist rust, instead of other materials.
Slope Calculation
Accurately calculate the roof slope to ensure water flows properly towards downspouts.
Secure Fastening
Properly fasten all gutter components, including hangers, to the metal building structure.
Gutter Guards
Consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup from leaves and other materials.
Downspout Placement
Carefully plan the location of downspouts to direct water away from the building’s foundation.
Sealant Application
Use sealant at all gutter joints to prevent leaks.
Metal Carports Installs Gutters on Metal Buildings
Serving a three-hour radius around Mount Airy, NC, Metal Carports has experience with a variety of metal buildings. We use a detailed three-step process:
- Assessing your specific situation and needs
- Customizing the gutter solution
- Installing
Assessing Your Needs
During our assessment, we perform these steps:
- Accurately measure the roof edge
- Ascertain the slope of the roof - The minimum slope typically ranges from ¼:12 to ½:12, meaning that, for every 12 inches of horizontal distance, the roof rises ¼ to ½ inch vertically, with the most common minimum being 3:12 (3 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run)
- Consider climate, roof design, and metal panel type - The ideal slope can be impacted by these factors
Customizing the Solution
Using the data we collect during our assessment, we customize the gutters to your specific situation. For example, if your metal building has a complex roof design with multiple valleys or hips, the building may require a steeper slope for proper water flow. Or, if your building has corrugated or snap-lock panels, you may have slightly different minimum slope requirements.
Installation
The final step in our process is installing the gutters. Based on the information we have gathered at your site and the customized solution we have created for your gutters, we perform the installation so that you have the exact water runoff you need.
Customer Service
Most importantly, we value our relationship with you. Providing you with the best solution is our main concern. Throughout our process of working with you on the ideal gutter solution for your metal building, customer service is at the forefront.
In this effort, we have a thorough consultation before providing you with a quote and then stay in constant communication during the process of the final installation. We have found that our process ensures that you are satisfied with our service and the quality of our work.
Contact Us for Metal Buildings and Custom Gutters in Mt. Airy, NC
Metal Carports has a professional team that is ready to help you with adding gutters to a metal building. We are experts at constructing all kinds of metal buildings. Get in touch with us for a personalized consultation or a price quote for your gutter installation needs.
