commercial/Industrial gutter Installation
Commercial gutter systems differ from a residential gutter system in many ways. While the materials used in commercial gutter systems may be similar, they differ from residential gutter systems often in size, style and durability requirements given their industrial application. Commercial buildings also often require different building code requirements depending on where you are located in the city or state of Oklahoma but have no fear, Rain Away Seamless Gutter Installation Company OKC is here for you!
commercial/Industrial gutter size
Gutters can come in many sizes but the most common size gutters installed in a residential setting are either a 5” or 6” gutter system. Given the larger surface area to be handled by the gutter in a commercial/industrial setting, most gutter systems start at 6” and can be as large as 8” depending on the volume of water the gutters are intended to handle. This larger size gutter not only handles the water better, it also provides the additional durability that is needed in a commercial application. Downspouts on a commercial building are also larger going up to 4”x6” in some situations.
commercial/Industrial gutter styles
Gutters come in several different styles, often referred to as “gutter profiles'“. K-style (resembles a K and looks similar to crown molding) and Half Round (often called U-style is popular in residential settings for copper gutters) gutter profiles are often used in residential settings while Box Style gutters are becoming more popular as well. K-style gutters are sometimes used in commercial settings but most often the Box Style gutters are used more frequently in commercial installations. The box shape of the gutter allows for higher water volume than the K-style gutter so it is more applicable on larger buildings where there will be more rain water run off. The down side to Box Style guttering is that given its box form, it is more prone to collect debris, with the K-Style there is a bit of a slope so the debris washes away better. Fortunately, most industrial buildings in the Oklahoma City Metro area don’t have many trees nearby to cause these issues and like with any other gutter profile, if trees are an issue than gutter guards can be added to reduce build up and maintenance issues.
commercial/Industrial gutter material
Copper can be used in industrial settings but given the incredible amount of material needed, the higher cost associated with using this material often keeps business owners in the OKC Metro area from using this material. The most common material used in commercial settings is either aluminum or steel with the highest durability coming in 24 gauge thickness in either galvanized steel or aluminum. Both options normally come with a powder coated paint attached to the material and at least a 20 year paint warranty as to slow the rusting down that may occur.
Building code requirements
Building code requirements do vary by location, in the OKC Metro area there are many buildings in unincorporated locations where it’s up to the owner to decide if they even want gutters. In most locations codes do exist however on new builds which pertain to the size and material that is allowed as well as the correct placement of downspouts and water runoff. Due to the high volume of water that these buildings can produce in runoff, code enforcement on this issue is very important in areas that are more densely populated like Midwest City or Downtown OKC because excessive rain water runoff in certain areas may lead to flooding or backing up the local sewage system. Take the guess work out of what’s required and call the professionals at Rain Away Seamless Gutter Installation Company OKC today at (405)-767-4100 or request a Free Estimate online and we will have someone your way quickly!