An important aspect of the overall roofing system for any home is the role played by the eavestroughs. While the slope/pitch of the roof prevents rain water and melted snow from accumulating on the roofing surface, it is the eavestroughs and downspouts that actually bear the weight of that water and carry it away from the home.
Unfortunately, an eavestrough that is poorly installed and/or poorly maintained will in all likelihood not function as intended. Rather than draining away smoothly, water might pool in the base of the eavestrough and/or overflow its front edge instead. In turn, this may eventually lead to costly repair work for one or more areas of the home, such as:
- The eavestrough itself
- Soffits and/or fascia
- Shingles/roofing materials
- Exterior walls or siding
- The foundation
There are several reasons why an eavestrough may perform at a reduced capacity or completely fail to function. Such situations may be the result of:
- An improper angle or slope
- Sagging or buckling
- Accumulation of leaves/twigs
- Blocked downspouts
- Improperly located downspouts
- Pinhole leaks
- Loose or separated seams
- Accumulation of granules (from worn shingles)
Of course, much if not all of the above functional issues and any potential repair work can be avoided through proper care and maintenance of all eavestroughing around the perimeter of the roof – which is predicated on the correct installation of each section of eavestrough right from day one.
The proper installation of eavestroughs requires only a few steps as well as some time and patience. The critically important step in this process involves the determination of the appropriate slope/angle needed for the smooth flow and drainage of water. To this end, it is usually recommended that the eavestrough be slanted or pitched down toward the downspout opening by approximately ¼-inch for every 12 to 15 feet of length.
Other major steps in the installation of eavestroughs would include:
- Fastening to the fascia (intervals of three feet)
- Measuring and mitering any corners
- Sealing all seams and corners
- Positioning/cutting downspout openings
While eavestrough repairs can be done as a do-it-yourself project, some homeowners may be hesitant to proceed in this fashion for any number of factors, including a lack of experience and/or the lack of proper tools. As well, this type of work should also be done with a helper/co-worker for reasons of physical support and safety.
In any such hesitations exist, homeowners in need of new/replacement eavestroughs may opt for professional installation through the services of a licensed roofing firm like Avenue Road Roofing. The knowledge and expertise of our installers will ensure that the work is done in a timely and efficient manner, particularly in terms of setting the correct slope/angle for proper drainage.
Experienced Eavestrough Repair For Residential And Commercial Properties
Avenue Road Roofing has been providing expert eavestrough repair and installation services for homeowners and commercial property owners throughout Toronto and the GTA for more than 40 years.
These repair services have assisted in resolving such eavestrough-related issues as:
- Leaks
- Separated seams
- Rusting
- Clogs/blockages
- Sagging
- Poor sloping/drainage
In situations where repair needs have extended beyond the eavestroughs to include the soffits, fascia, and/or the roof itself, property owners can rest assured that Avenue Road Roofing also has the skills and experience necessary to accurately assess those circumstances and to rectify matters accordingly.
Eavestroughs need the proper slope/angle plus regular maintenance to ensure optimal drainage efficiency. If you are concerned about the effectiveness of your eavestroughs and/or require professional eavestrough repairs in preparation for the snow and ice this winter, call the experts at Avenue Road Roofing today at 416-785-5129 to schedule your service visit as soon as possible.
