Blocked gutters are one of the most common and most preventable causes of water damage in commercial buildings. While they might seem like a minor issue from ground level, the consequences of ignoring them can be serious: damp ingress, damaged fascia, cracked brickwork, and internal leaks that are costly to fix and disruptive to business operations.

At The SSH Group, we’ve seen this problem time and time again across the commercial sites we support. That’s why gutter inspections and cleaning are a core part of our proactive maintenance offering.

One recent job involved a multi-unit commercial facility where poor drainage was already beginning to cause damage to the external brickwork. While no internal leaks had yet appeared, early signs of overflow staining were visible from ground level. Our team was called in to inspect the roofline, identify blockages, and provide a full clean before the problem escalated.

The work involved:

• A high-level visual inspection to assess the extent of the debris buildup
• Safe access via MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) for accurate, thorough cleaning
• Removal of moss, leaves, and sludge from the full gutter line
• Drainage testing to confirm clear water flow post-clean
• A follow-up recommendation for a recurring inspection schedule

The result was straightforward: no more risk of overflow, no unnecessary disruption to the businesses operating in the units, and no expensive water damage to fix months later.

Too often, issues like these only get flagged once visible damage appears, which usually means the water has already made its way in. That’s why we recommend a more preventative approach:

• Visual inspection of gutter lines every quarter
• Clearing of debris after autumn leaf fall and again in early spring
• Full clean annually, ideally ahead of the winter rainfall period

A small job now can stop a much bigger problem down the line.

If your building hasn’t had its gutters checked recently, or if you’ve spotted signs of overflow or staining, it’s worth booking a seasonal inspection. Our maintenance team works quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption to your site.

Want to schedule a check or get a quote?

Call 02392 839114 and ask for our maintenance team.