Your old eavestrough could be doing more damage than you realize

Among the many home maintenance needs, your humble eavestroughs may be easy to overlook. After all, when they are doing their job, you won’t really notice them at all.

Unfortunately, this also means that eavestroughs are often neglected by homeowners, and you may discover one day that your old eavestrough is in need of repair or replacement. If this sounds like you, don’t delay! A damaged eavestrough can present serious problems for homeowners.

Though they seem simple, eavestroughs do an important job for your home, directing rainwater safely away from your home and its foundations. Over their lifetime, your eavestroughs will funnel thousands of litres of water to a proper drainage source.

Without proper drainage, this can cause many issues for you and your home. In this article, we will explore why every homeowner should ensure they have well-maintained eavestroughs, the consequences of damaged or clogged eavestroughs, and your options for repairing or replacing them.

Why it’s important to keep your eavestroughs in good shape

Water damage is one of the most common types of damage homeowners will encounter. Water damage comes from two major sources: plumbing within the home, and externally from rain, snow melt and humidity.

When a home is built, a lot of careful work is done to ensure the structure is sound, and that the home is protected from the elements so it can continue to house its residents for decades to come. If you allow water into areas of the structure where it should not be, there can be serious consequences.

One of the largest and most costly damages that can result from failing eavestroughs is a damaged foundation. Cracks in your foundation can lead to basement flooding or even compromising your home’s structural integrity. Repairing basement cracks can be an intensive and extensive job, likely more expensive than being proactive with water management and repairing your eavestroughs.

Water from the environment can damage your home in other ways as well. For example, water that is not properly directed by an eavestrough can collect and pool in areas it is not intended to be. This can be an inconvenience at best, but can also do damage to your yard or external features of your home like porches, decks, or furniture. In the winter, pooling water can freeze and cause slips and falls.

Clogged eavestroughs can also cause water to stay on the roof, which can damage your roofing and walls, and can accumulate weight, eventually causing your eavestrough to collapse.

Overall, if you are putting off your eavestrough repair, you may want to reconsider. These issues can go unnoticed until they present serious damage to your home. Proper repair and maintenance of your home’s eavestroughs is one major way to protect the investment in your home for years to come.

Signs your eavestrough is damaged

Because your eavestroughs may be high up on your home, it is not always easy to tell when they are damaged. Here are some things to look out for to know if your eavestroughs may be in need of repair or replacement.

• Leaking water – your eavestroughs are designed to channel water efficiently away from the home. If you notice your eavestroughs leaking where they should not be, or notice water overspilling the sides, this may be a sign that your eavestrough is clogged or damaged.
• Cracks or holes – cracks in your drainage system will likely lead to leaking, but you may also be able to notice them from a simple visual inspection. Even if the crack seems superficial, it is likely a sign that your eavestrough is coming to the end of its days and should be replaced.
• External damage to your home – leaking water can cause a number of problems on the outside of your home. For example, things like chipping paint, rotting or swelling boards, or algae and mildew growth can all be a sign of excess moisture. If you notice this sort of external damage, it is only a matter of time before it begins to more seriously affect your home, and should be addressed promptly.
• Water pooling on the ground – puddles from rainfall are normal, though any water accumulation that seems suspiciously large may be a sign that water is not being moved away from your home effectively. This water has only one place to go – down – and this can be a cause of foundation damage and basement flooding as mentioned above.

Eavestrough repair services and types

There are a number of ways you can address an issue with your eavesdropping or downpipe. Let’s explore them in order of complexity and cost.

Eavestrough cleaning

The first method is the quickest and easiest solution: eavestrough cleaning. Often an otherwise well-maintained eavestrough can become clogged with fallen leaves or other material. The simplest solution is to simply locate the source of the clog and remove it. This may be a recurring seasonal job. Unfortunately, this only works if a clog is your only issue, and won’t address larger issues in the drainage system.

Eavestrough repair

The next solution is eavestrough repair. This is a good option for minor damage and can save you money over a full eavestrough replacement. Repairs may include fixing cracks or holes, reattaching loose sections, and installing screens to prevent clogging. While undergoing eavestrough repair, you may also want to consider repairing your siding or fascia that can sustain damage much like your eavestrough.

Eavestrough replacement

The final solution for a damaged eavestrough is a full replacement. This will naturally be the most costly and time-consuming, but with the most benefits as well. This may be an especially good option for an older home that has an outdated or neglected eavestrough. Not only will you be confident that there will be no leaks, holes, or clogs, but you will also gain the benefits of the newest eavestrough materials and drainage options. Your new eavestrough will be sure to provide you protection for many years to come.

Hiring a professional Eavestrough repair company

Prices for each of these repairs can vary greatly depending on the task being done, the materials used, and the size of your home. In general, due to the high importance of proper drainage and the danger of working at heights, it is highly recommended to consult the work of a professional when deciding to do work beyond removing a simple clog.

Looking for eavestrough repair or installation in Toronto? Look no further than our partner D’Angelo and Sons Roofing and Exteriors. D’Angelo and Sons have been in the business of eavestrough repair and installation for over 4 decades and are rated in the top 3% of eavestrough installers in North America. They provide a range of services to ensure your eavestroughs are in good shape and your home is protected. Visit https://eavestroughandsiding.com/ to learn more and book an appointment or an inspection today.

Corben Grant

Corben joined CREW as a relative newcomer to the field of real estate and has since immersed himself and learned from the experts about everything there is to know on the topic. As a writer with CREW, Corben produces informative guides that answer the questions you need to know and reports on real estate and investment news developments across Canada. Corben lives in Guelph, Ontario with his partner and their two cats. Outside of work, he loves to cook, play music, and work on all kinds of creative projects. You can contact Corben at corben@crewmedia.ca or find him on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbengrant/.