Eavestroughs — also known as gutters — are an important component of any residential home. They’re designed to redirect water from your roof to your downpipes and protect your home from water damage.
Canadians know that unpredictable winters can wreak havoc on a home’s eavestroughs, and when damaged, they can significantly affect your foundational structure. This is why it’s crucial to maintain the eavestroughs on your building so that you and your family can feel secure in your home. A professional roofer can inspect your eavestroughs and provide the insight and tools necessary to rectify any issues and ensure you’re protected this winter.
The first step to eavestrough maintenance is understanding the most common issues homeowners face and some of the steps that can be taken and utilized in the coming years.
We’ll discuss some of the most common eavestrough problems Canadians face during the winter and how a professional roofing company can help.
Common Eavestroughs Problems
When it comes to preparing for winter, homeowners have a lot of responsibility to ensure the important components of their homes are secured and protected from unpredictable weather conditions. Eavestroughs are one of those important components.
Cleaning and maintaining your eavestroughs may not always be at the top of your to-do list, but if left unchecked, they can become a more significant problem. You may just find one of these common eavestrough problems outside your home.
By addressing these problems head-on, you can learn how to prevent them from happening in the future.
Rust
While most eavestroughs are designed from durable galvanized steel, they are still susceptible to rust. Rust is often a product of neglect, but it’s not an impossible fix. In most cases, simply scrubbing away with a wire brush will do. Then, coat it with a metal primer to prevent further rust.
Clogged Gutters
When your eavestrough is clogged with dirt and debris, it’s unable to function the way it’s intended. Clogged gutters mean they’re unable to catch runoff water from your roof and divert it away from the home — protecting your foundation.
If you notice your eavestroughs are clogged with leaves and other debris, it’s imperative to have them cleaned out immediately. Waiting too long may result in further, more expensive damage.
Ice Dams
At first glance, icicles may be nice to look at. In reality, they can cause significant eavestrough problems, including ice dams. Ice dams are build-ups that can occur around your gutters. They’re a result of melting snow reaching the eavestrough and freezing in place.
Ice dams can loosen the shingles on your roof, damage your gutters, and can even cause water to back up and pour into your home. This can damage your home’s interior and compromise your foundation. In most cases, heated cables can be used to balance your roof’s temperature and prevent future dams — so long as it’s installed before bad weather hits.
Leaks and Holes
If you’ve noticed water dripping from the middle of your eavestrough, this is a sign that you’ve likely incurred a leak. This is often one of the most common problems homeowners face — though, thankfully, there are simple solutions that can be put in place. In most cases, a sealant can be used to fill any small holes.
Larger holes, on the other hand, will need to be patched. A professional eavestrough and downspout specialist can provide the tools and knowledge needed to ensure your eavestrough repair is carried out effectively and accurately.
Hardware Failure
If your eavestrough is missing screws or spikes, or you notice they’ve been damaged, this can result in sagging gutters — which can then lead to the improper flow of water away from the home and could lead to water damage.
If you’ve experienced hardware failure, you’ll need stronger and more supportive screws to keep everything in place. Your roofing specialist will be able to provide appropriate recommendations and carry out your eavestrough repair.
Can Eavestroughs Be Installed in the Winter?
There are certain cases when eavestrough installation can occur during winter months. However, it’s important to ensure your roofing specialist is carrying out this task when the temperatures are mild, and there are no signs of snow or freezing ice ahead.
Most homeowners will get in touch with a professional roofing company in the spring or summer to have their eavestroughs repaired or newly installed so that they’re ready for whatever our Canadian winters will bring.
Eavestroughs and Downspouts
We know that an eavestrough is designed to collect rainwater and divert it away from your home, but what role does a downspout play? A downspout is a pipe that’s attached to your eavestrough. This pipe carries any water collected, brings it down to the ground and is positioned away from your foundation.
Downspouts are considered one of the most important features around your home. Generally, your downspout will be approximately three-to-four inches in width, though this will often be determined by the size and location of your home and the overall functionality of the downspout attachment.
Downspout and eavestrough maintenance is essential to keeping both components running smoothly and safely. At Professional Roofers, we offer downspout and eavestrough repair in Toronto and across the GTA. Whether you’re looking to install leaf guards or looking for re-hanging services, our specialists will ensure your eavestroughs and downspouts are free of dirt and debris and are properly secured to your home.
Choose Professional Roofers for Your Eavestrough Repair
At Professional Roofers, we understand the importance of residential eavestrough repair.
With over 25 years of experience, we offer top-quality products and services to residential and commercial clients across the Greater Toronto Area. We provide installation, repair, and eavestrough maintenance services that guarantee your home remains protected from water damage and environmental hazards.
Whether you’re dealing with rust, clogged gutters, hardware failure, or looking to weatherproof your roof, our specialist can help. Find quality eavestrough maintenance and repair from our family-owned business and experience the benefits of a clean and secure residential eavestrough.
Contact us today for eavestrough repair in Toronto and across the GTA.
