The Importance of Eavestrough Installation

Eavestroughs are an essential part of your home to prevent water damage to the foundation or basement. They collect rainwater from your roof, discharging it to downspouts that carry it away from your residence.

Many homeowners opt to install eavestrough guards, which help prevent debris from clogging the gutters. However, these aren’t a substitute for regular eavestrough cleaning.

Materials

Eavestroughs are an integral part of a home’s gutter system, protecting both the roof and foundation from damage.

Eavestroughs can be constructed out of a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel, copper and vinyl.

Aluminum – The most popular eavestrough material, aluminum is reliable and simple to install. It has excellent corrosion resistance as well as a range of colours to choose from, making it an attractive option for homeowners.

Aluminum gutters can be formed into seamless designs, which helps minimize leaks. Unfortunately, due to its inflexibility, most installations rely on adhesives or caulking at joints, mitres (corners), ends and outlets – a risky practice as these adhesives and caulking may deteriorate over time and lead to leaks.

Downspouts

Downspouts are vertical pipes connected to your gutter system that direct rainwater away from your foundation and into a drainage area. They’re essential for shielding your home against rain and snow melt as well as flooding in basements.

Gutter system size and design, roof shape and pitch factor, as well as how much water needs to be drained are all taken into consideration when selecting a downspout size. Homes with more extensive gutter systems typically need larger downspouts.

Generally, the ideal downspout size is one that can drain a minimum of 10 feet of discharge. However, this may vary based on your individual circumstances and local weather conditions.

Downspouts come in a range of materials, such as aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel and copper. You may even customize their shape to match your personal aesthetic preferences.

Slope

Eavestroughs may appear straight from the ground, but they require a slight slope to encourage water to flow downward. This angle – known as pitch – must be precise to prevent pooling and spillage.

Additionally, it can help prevent the buildup of debris in your gutters – something to avoid as this could lead to blockages.

A properly designed and installed eavestrough system will protect your home from major damage due to standing water that can rot the roof, soffit, fascia, shingles and soil around its foundation.

A trough sits beneath the eaves, collecting rainwater and melting snow and diverting it away from your home’s foundation. It is held securely with hidden hangers and brackets which provide a neat yet subtle structural support system.

Installation

Maintain the condition of your roof and protect it from structural damage by installing an eavestrough. This system will capture melted snow and rainwater, diverting it away from your home to prevent water damage.

Before installing an eavestrough, it’s essential to ensure it matches your house’s structure and exterior design. Furthermore, select the right material for your eavestrough.

Aluminum is often the best material for a high-quality eavestrough. Not only is it durable and weather resistant, but also easily installed.

Next, decide where the eavestrough will be installed on your roof. Depending on the angle, different corner caps may be necessary depending on the location. Pre-made factory corners are the most common choice but hand mitred corners save both time and money as they’re more durable and resistant to premature wear-and-tear.