Eavestroughs protect your home by directing water away from your roof and foundation. They also help to prevent structural damage, like rot and mould growth. The eavestrough is one of the most essential components of your home’s exterior, and it needs to be properly maintained to function properly. The good news is, if you regularly clean your gutters and have them repaired or replaced when necessary, you’ll be able to avoid major problems.
Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that it’s impossible to get away without an eavestrough system, especially in Canada. The cold weather brings melted snow and rain that can damage your house, if it’s not diverted in the right way. An eavestrough fitted with downspouts is the best solution to this problem, as it will catch the melted snow and drain it away from your house.
The eavestroughs should be regularly cleaned and checked for blockages, leaks and other damages. If you’re not sure if your gutters are in need of repair, here are six warning signs to watch out for:
1. Unsealed cracks or holes
If you notice small cracks or gaps in your eavestrough, it’s important to contact a professional eavestrough service as soon as possible. This is because if left unattended, these issues will worsen and lead to expensive damage. A professional can inspect the eavestrough for you and recommend the most appropriate eavestrough repair services.
2. Clogged downpipes
Your eavestrough is designed to channel water away from your house, but it won’t be able to do that if the downspouts are clogged. This can happen because of dirt, dust, leaves, pine needles and other debris that are blocking the drainage system. As a result, you might hear dripping sound from the downspouts when it rains. This is an indication that your eavestrough is clogged and requires repair as soon as possible.
3. Sagging gutters
If your eavestroughs are sagging, it’s a sign that they’re accumulating a lot of water and that the weight of this water is putting pressure on the structure. This can be due to improper installation, being filled with dirt or other debris, securing fasteners that have been damaged or hit by tree branches, or simply old age.
4. Clogged or broken securing fasteners
As you may already know, your gutters are attached to the house with securing fasteners. These metal pieces are crucial for ensuring the eavestroughs stay in place. If they’re loose or broken, they can cause the eavestroughs to pull away from the house and cause dangerous structural damage.
5. Unsealed soldered seams
Depending on your type of eavestrough, it’s possible that the soldered seams are beginning to degrade and require repairs. This is especially true if your gutters were installed several years ago and are now showing signs of ageing. You can try to repair the soldered seams by using a soldering iron and a flux, or you can replace the entire gutter.
Having your eavestroughs repaired as soon as possible can help to reduce the risk of damage from water and mold and maintain the value of your home. The eavestrough system plays an important role in your home’s roof and foundation, so it’s vital that you take care of it.