The gutters and downpipes that make up your eavestrough system are a key part of keeping your Edmonton home safe from water damage all year round. Not only do they catch rainwater, they safely redirect it. This prevents the rain from collecting on your roof and beside your house. Ultimately, water will be quickly and efficiently redirected to a safe course toward the sewage system.
You should check your gutters and downpipes at least twice a year, once in fall to prepare your eavestrough system for the harsh Edmonton winter and once in spring to make sure the snow and ice haven’t done any damage to them. At All-Side Contracting Ltd., we’re eavestrough specialists and we’d like to let you know about five common eavestrough problems. 1. Blocked Trough This is one of the most common problems that can happen to an eavestrough. Before the first real cold snap hits, freezing any debris in place, it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters of any leaves or branches that have found their way onto your roof. 2. Holes in Gutters Any holes or cracks in your gutters or downpipes will disrupt the continuous flow of water. If the hole is big enough, it can allow water to pool on the ground beside your home, eventually causing problems such as foundation damage. Smaller holes can easily be patched while larger problems may require a section of your gutter be replaced. 3. Incorrect Gradient The primary way your eavestrough moves water is by the force of gravity. Water moves through your gutter because the gutter is slightly tilted in the direction you’d like the water to go (toward the downpipe). If your gutter hasn’t been correctly fastened to the side of your home, this can affect the gradient and therefore the direction that the water flows. 4. Ice Damage Throughout the next winter in Edmonton, you should be sure to monitor any ice forming on your eavestrough. If you allow ice to accumulate in your gutter it may not just damage the gutters. If the heat from the house warms the ice, water can leak in through your roof. 5. Broken Fastening Between winter ice and summer storms, even the toughest eavestroughs can get damaged. If the fasteners that attach your gutters to your home come loose, this can be a serious danger. If ice collects on a poorly attached gutter, it will be much more likely to break and fall. Of course, the best way to make sure that your gutters and downpipes are ready for the winter is to get the inspected by our professionals at All-Side Contracting Ltd. Contact us today at our Edmonton location if you have any questions about how to take care of your eavestrough.