Eavestrough 101: What You Need To Know About Your Home's Drainage System

Eavestrough 101: What You Need To Know About Your Home's Drainage System

The eavestrough is an essential component of a home's drainage system, yet many homeowners are unaware of the importance of its maintenance.

Boise Gutters provide our readers with an introduction to eavestroughs and what they need to know about them. Eavestroughs play a crucial role in the protection of one’s home from water damage by directing runoff away from it.

Without proper installation and routine maintenance, homes can be at risk for flooding and other associated damages that come with neglected systems. Knowing how to properly install, maintain, and repair these critical components will help ensure that any homeowner feels secure in the knowledge that their property is safe from unnecessary harm.

What is an eavestrough?

An eavestrough is an integral part of a home's drainage system, often likened to the circulatory system of the house. Its purpose is to collect and direct rainwater away from building foundations and other valuable structures, providing essential waterproofing protection.

Eavestroughs are typically made out of aluminum or vinyl, with gutter guards installed to prevent debris such as leaves and twigs from clogging them up. Installing an eavestrough requires precision and skill; it must be done right in order for it to function effectively over time.

The size and shape will vary depending on the structure, but it should always follow specific guidelines according to local codes. It also needs to be properly angled so that water flows smoothly down into the drainpipe without any obstructions, while at the same time being strong enough to withstand heavy snow loads during the winter months.

The advantages of having a well-maintained eavestrough cannot be overestimated; not only does it keep your home dry by diverting runoff away from its foundation, but it can also save you money through reduced energy costs due to less heat loss around windows and doors, as well as avoiding expensive damage caused by leaking roofs or flooded basements.

Properly functioning eavestroughs ensure peace of mind for homeowners as they protect their properties against flooding and costly repairs year after year.

Benefits Of Installing Eavestroughs

Installing eavestroughs provides a range of benefits to homeowners. These include the provision of highly effective waterproofing solutions and improved drainage alternatives. Eavestroughs are designed with wide gutter channels that can prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation, thereby protecting its structural integrity. Installed correctly, they provide an economical and dependable way of managing rainwater runoff.

Eavestroughs also reduce soil erosion caused by heavy downpours or snowmelt draining off the roof into flower beds or gardens. They help ensure proper water flow away from walkways and other pathways, thus preventing standing pools of water that could otherwise become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects.

Moreover, properly functioning eavestrough systems lower the risk of flooding in basements as well as any mold growth resulting from dampness seeping inside walls through windows or doors. In addition, installing eavestroughs helps protect outdoor furniture, decks, and patios from damage due to excessive moisture exposure over time.

A good quality system is built to last many years without significant maintenance requirements, making it a sound investment for long-term protection against costly repairs in the future. With all these advantages taken into account, there's no doubt that investing in a high-quality eavestrough system pays off both now and down the road.

How To Install Eavestroughs

Installing eavestroughs is an important part of protecting the home from excess moisture, and it can be a relatively simple task if done correctly. In fact, installing eavestroughs is like building a bridge: both require careful consideration for the materials used as well as proper installation techniques in order to ensure lasting results.

Step 1: Gather the Tools and Materials

Before you start installing eavestroughs, you need to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need eavestroughs, downspouts, brackets, screws, sealant, a drill, a hacksaw, a measuring tape, and a ladder.

Step 2: Measure the Length of Your Roofline

Measure the length of your roofline where you plan to install the eavestroughs. This measurement will help you determine the length of eavestroughs you need to purchase. It is essential to measure accurately to avoid any wastage or shortage of materials.

Step 3: Install the Brackets

Install brackets along the roofline where you plan to install the eavestroughs. The brackets will support the eavestroughs and prevent them from sagging. The spacing between the brackets should be no more than three feet.

Step 4: Cut the Eavestroughs to Size

Using a hacksaw, cut the eavestroughs to the desired length. Make sure to cut them precisely to fit between the brackets.

Step 5: Install the Eavestroughs

Install the eavestroughs onto the brackets. Start at one end and work your way to the other end. Make sure to secure the eavestroughs onto the brackets using screws.

Step 6: Install the Downspouts

Install downspouts at the end of the eavestroughs. The downspouts will carry the water from the eavestroughs to the ground, preventing water from accumulating on your roof.

Step 7: Seal the Joints

Seal the joints between the eavestroughs using sealant. This will prevent any leaks or water damage.

Step 8: Test the Eavestroughs

After installing the eavestroughs and downspouts, test them by pouring water into the eavestroughs. Make sure the water flows freely through the eavestroughs and downspouts and does not accumulate on the roof.

Maintaining And Repairing Eavestroughs

Eavestroughs are a key component in any home's drainage system and, as such, require maintenance and repairs to ensure they're working properly. After installation is complete, it's important to keep up with regular gutter cleaning of the gutters and inspecting seals for damage or debris buildup.

Here are three tips for keeping your eavestroughs functioning optimally:

1. Clean your gutters regularly. This involves removing leaves, twigs, branches, dirt, nests, and other debris from the troughs so that water can flow freely through them. It’s best to do this at least twice a year; once in late spring/early summer after trees have shed their blossoms, and again in late fall when deciduous trees have dropped their foliage. Additionally, you should check periodically throughout the year for buildups from storms or windy days.
2. Inspect seals around downspouts and outlets for damage or wear-and-tear caused by weather exposure or animal activity. If you notice cracks or holes in the sealant material, repair them immediately using an appropriate sealant product designed specifically for eavestroughs; these products come in various colors to match any housing exterior color scheme. Also check corners where two pieces of gutter meet—if there’s a gap between them larger than 1/4 inch (6 millimeters), reseal those spots too!
3. It’s also wise to inspect all fasteners holding the trough in place on walls or fascia boards. Over time, they can become loose due to vibration caused by high winds or severe weather events like thunderstorms. Tighten them back into place every few months to make sure everything stays secure. Properly maintained eavestrough systems will last longer, which helps save money over time while helping protect homes against potential water damage due to clogged drains and improperly draining roofs.

Tips For Choosing The Right Eavestroughs

When it comes to choosing the right eavestroughs for your home, there are several important considerations. The type of material used and its durability, as well as how much maintenance is required and what kind of drainage solutions are available, can all make a difference in how effective they will be over time. Here we provide an overview of some key factors to consider when selecting eavestroughs that best meet your needs.