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DATE

May 5, 2017

CATEGORY

Roof Maintenance

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How Often Do You Inspect Your Eavestroughs?

What Is an Eavestrough?

The term eavestrough refers directly to the gutters fixed beneath the roof edge. Eavestroughs are known to come in a variety of materials including:

  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Steel
  • And Vinyl

The most popular material for eavestroughs in North America is aluminum. Aluminum can be molded into a seamless piece and doesn’t rust. Both steel and copper share the ability to form a seamless eavestrough; however, steel is susceptible to rust and copper is a very costly option.

What Is the Importance of Eavestroughs?

Eavestroughs help channel water away from your home, which prevents water from pooling by the house’s foundation. This can become a serious issue as it impacts a home’s structural integrity.

In addition to their functional purpose, eaves troughs can also impact the overall exterior appeal of your house. Falling roof water can create a splash back effect that can dirty and even stain the outside of your home. Not only is this not aesthetically appealing, the staining can be costly to fix.

Common Damages with Eavestroughs

One of the most common issues with eavestroughs is when they become clogged. This can lead to a number of issues such as:

  • Soffit and Fascia Rot: Clogged eavestroughs are no longer able to drain water properly, which can lead to soffit and fascia rotting.
  • Mosquitos: Stagnant water is the ideal breeding ground for mosquitos. Clogged eavestroughs provide mosquitos with the perfect environment to multiply.
  • Bending or Sagging: When dealing with heavy amounts of rain, eavestroughs can sag or bend from the pressure. This can lead to leaks in your eavestrough.

Most issues that eavestroughs deal with a result of being clogged. This is why it is important to perform regular maintenance and keep your eavestroughs free of debris.