How often do you think about your home’s eavestroughs?
More than likely, it’s hardly ever – until they stop working properly.
When eavestroughs are properly functioning, they help protect your home from water damage. But when they clog leak or sag, they can start creating havoc in your home. Follow our tips below to complete eavestrough repairs and keep them in good working order for years to come.
How to Repair a Clogged Eavestrough
Clogging is one of the most common issues that happen to eavestroughs. When leaves, dirt and debris accumulate inside the gutters, water is prevented from channelling through them and away from your home. Although less common, unnatural materials such as tennis balls could also create a clogged eavestrough. Either way, a blocked eavestrough could quickly lead to expensive water damage including foundation problems and a shortened lifespan of your roof.
A telltale sign of an eavestrough blockage is if you notice water marks beneath your gutters, pooling water and mildew near your foundation and rotting or deterioration in siding, fascia and window frames. During rain, your gutters are probably overflowing.
The good news is that it’s typically quite easy to fix a clogged eavestrough. Use a ladder to examine the gutters and downspouts and clean out any blockages you find.
How to Repair a Leaky Eavestrough
If water is still escaping but you have not found anything causing a blockage, your eavestroughs likely have some leaks. If they’re metal gutters, these leaks could cause corrosion and if they’re vinyl, the gaskets could eventually deteriorate.
To find out where the issue is, you’ll need to first complete some investigative work. Check the joints between each gutter section and inspect the gutters for cracks caused by corrosion or other damage. If you find a weak spot, apply a sealant during a dry period when no rain is expected.
How to Repair a Sagging Eavestrough
Avoid fascia board damage and total gutter collapse by repairing sagging eavestroughs right away. Normally caused by a broken hanger or spike, sagging eavestroughs can usually be repaired by replacing the broken hardware.
Other times, sagging could be a result of weight from debris, ice expansion over the winter or undue stress on your gutters. If the sagging is permanent, the gutters may need to be completely replaced.
When to Call an Eavestrough Professional
Sometimes, a homeowner is simply not comfortable being up high on a ladder to repair their eavestroughs. Other times, they may feel inexperienced with proper repair methods. This is when an eavestrough professional can help.
If gutter systems need to be replaced rather than repaired, it may be easier and result in a better job if you outsource the work to someone who is qualified. Doing so would take away the burdensome task of disposing of the old gutters and downspouts, too.
For more information about the eavestrough repair services we offer in the GTA, contact our office.
