Eavestrough 101
Gutter cleaning is a job which is often neglected. Cleaning the eavestroughs is an important task of home ownership which should be performed at least twice a year. If the gutters are clogged, the overflow water can cause damage to the landscaping and foundation around the house. Read on for Eavestrough 101
- Overflowing eavestroughs:
Poorly designed eavestroughing systems can lead to overflowing water, which can leak into your basement. They can also create rot against the roofline (the wood fascia board) which is what the eavestroughs are attached to. Both of these can create contribute to costly repairs down the road.
- Standing water in eavestroughs:
If eavestroughs aren’t angled properly water can pool instead of draining to the downspouts. This can cause overflowing eavestroughs and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.
- Lack of leaf guards
If you have trees hanging above your house, to keep the water in the eavestroughs free flowing and prevent downspouts from clogging, leaf guards should be installed. They also make the eavestroughs easier to clean. There are many better options on the market – ask one of our eaves experts today.
- Downspout location
Check the location of your downspouts and see if the location can be improved for better drainage. Many municipalities no longer permit downspouts to discharge into their sewer systems. If this is the case where you live, make sure your downspouts discharge safely onto the ground or preferably onto your lawn and use extensions if necessary to keep the water away from your foundation.
Maintenance Tips:
Ensure your eavestroughs are clean in order to avoid impeding waterflow. This is especially important in areas with lots of trees. If you have a large number of trees right by your house expect to have to clean your leaves at least twice a year, otherwise once a year will usually suffice.
