Eavestroughs, or gutters, are designed to carry shedding rain and snow melt water away from the roof. They are a critical element in protecting the foundation of your home or building eavestrough installation near me from water damage, and preventing the penetration of unwanted pests into the house. Eavestroughs, soffit and fascia all work together to create a cohesive system that keeps your home safe from water ingress.
There are a few different types of eavestroughs available, depending on the needs of the homeowner. The most popular type of eavestrough in Canada is made from aluminum, and can be purchased at most home improvement stores. It is extruded, meaning that it is rolled out from flat stock aluminum coils into various profiles; the most common being a K-style profile. These are easy to install, and come in a wide variety of colours (having a baked on factory finish).
Other types of eavestrough are fabricated from premium metals like copper, lead-copper or galvanized steel. These require a higher level of expertise, and are typically soldered together. They may also be referred to as “architectural” gutters, and are often used in heritage or architecturally significant homes and buildings. They are typically much more expensive than their aluminum counterparts.
When installing an eavestrough, it is important to ensure that the slope of the trough is correct. To determine this, it is recommended to lay the trough down on the ground and then outline with chalk where the down pipe will be located. Once that is done, the trough can then be fastened to the fascia.
The next step is to install the downpipes. Using the chalk line from the roof edge, make a mark on one end of the gutter, and then use that to draw a line on the wall where the downpipe will be installed. The downpipes should be installed 1/4″ lower on the second mark for every 10′ of eavestrough, and they are then secured to the wall with gutter clips.
Once the downpipes are installed, the final step is to install the gutter cover/gutter guard. This is a piece of metal that covers the opening of the downpipe, and it helps to keep insects out, as well as leaves and other debris. It is also helpful to prevent clogging.
Lastly, it is important to inspect the fascia boards for signs of damage or rot. If the fascia is rotting, it will need to be replaced before installing new eavestrough. It is also a good idea to clean up any leaves and debris that have fallen onto the roof or into the eavestroughs, as this can prevent them from functioning properly. It is recommended to clean eavestroughs two to three times per year. This will help to keep them working the way that they are supposed to, and will extend their lifespan. If you are interested in having your eavestroughs cleaned or replacing them, contact Trades by Jack today. We will be happy to discuss your options!