How Often Should You Check Your Roof and Gutters?

by Ellie Gilbert | Industry News

When it comes to commercial buildings, roof and gutter maintenance is often overlooked - until something goes wrong. But neglecting these essential parts of your property can lead to costly repairs, internal damage, health and safety risks, and even business disruption.

A proactive approach to inspections helps facilities managers stay in control, reduce risk, and avoid expensive surprises. In this guide, we cover how often you should be checking your roof and gutters, what to look out for, and how partnering with a reliable FM provider can make all the difference.

How Often Should Roofs and Gutters Be Checked?

Img of worker repairing a roof

As a minimum, roofs and gutters should be checked twice a year - once in Spring and once in Autumn.

These seasonal checks are crucial. Spring inspections help spot any damage caused by harsh winter weather. Autumn inspections ensure gutters are clear of fallen leaves and debris ahead of the wetter months.

You should also carry out additional checks:

  • After extreme weather, such as high winds or heavy storms
  • If your property is surrounded by trees, increasing the risk of blockages
  • When signs of leaks, watermarks or damp appear inside the building
  • If previous inspections or reports recommend ongoing monitoring

Regular inspections help facilities teams act before minor wear turns into major disruption.

What to Look Out For During an Inspection

Whether you carry out your checks in-house or work with a facilities management provider, here are some key warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored:

On the Roof:

  • Missing, cracked, or damaged tiles or panels
  • Pooling or standing water, particularly on flat roofs
  • Moss or plant growth, which can hold moisture and damage surfaces
  • Loose or damaged flashing around skylights, vents or HVAC units
  • Sagging or visible deformation to structural elements

In the Guttering:

  • Obvious blockages from leaves, moss, or debris
  • Leaking joints or rusted metalwork
  • Loose brackets or unstable fixings
  • Overflowing water, especially after rainfall
  • Staining or watermarks on external walls or the ground below

These issues can quickly escalate if left unaddressed, leading to internal water ingress, insulation damage, or even rot.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding damage. It protects your building, improves efficiency, and supports compliance. Here’s why it pays to plan ahead:

  • Avoid unplanned downtime: Emergency roof repairs often mean disruption to operations or business closure.

  • Reduce long-term costs: Routine maintenance is far cheaper than major structural repair.

  • Stay compliant: Regular inspections help ensure your building meets insurance and health & safety standards.

  • Protect assets and people : Leaks or structural damage can lead to trip hazards, damp conditions, or electrical faults - all of which pose risk to staff, tenants or visitors.

  • As a facilities manager or property owner, having a trusted system for checking and maintaining your roof and gutters is part of protecting your investment.

How The fm Company Supports Your Property

At The fm Company, we provide tailored facilities management solutions for commercial buildings across the UK - including planned roof and gutter inspections.

We’ll work with you to set a maintenance schedule that aligns with your site needs and risk profile. Our service includes:

✅ Site visits from experienced operatives

✅ Detailed condition reports with photos

✅ Expert recommendations based on priority and budget

✅ Follow-up repairs, quotes and project coordination, if required

You won’t need to juggle multiple contractors or guess what’s needed next. We make it simple, clear and hassle-free.

Whether you manage one commercial property or a large estate, proactive roof and gutter maintenance is essential for keeping things running smoothly.

It’s easy to overlook, but a blocked gutter or cracked tile can quickly lead to water damage, insurance claims, or costly reactive works.

If it’s been more than six months since your last inspection or you’ve spotted any of the warning signs - now’s the time to act.

Get in touch with us today to arrange your next roof and gutter check. Call 01484 507986 or email sales@thefmcompanyuk.co.uk

Author: Ellie Gilbert