Having a clean, properly functioning eavestrough, or gutter, is very important as hundreds of gallons of water are drained through it every year. Its main function is to protect the walls of a house from staining and rotting by diverting this water away from siding and windows.

 

However, rain is not the only thing draining through the eavestrough. Water from melting snow is also disposed through it. This is especially true in a country like Canada where winter reigns for nearly half of the year. During the winter months, it is easy for ice to build up inside the eavestrough when it is clogged. This can lead to water drippage onto the ground below, creating sheets of dangerous ice on walkways or driveways, or causing damage to the basement or crawl space of a house.

 

Whether you need to install a new eavestrough, or simply want to clean an existing one, it is recommended that you get specialists to do the job. Whatever task is needed, there are many steps involved, and a large number of tools and materials may be required.

 

 

First off, you will need to decide on the shape, type, and size of the eavestrough and downspouts that you want. The most common shapes (also referred to as "profiles") are the Half Round and the OG or "K" profile. They are available in different materials such as aluminum, copper, vinyl, steel, or wood, and they may vary in size.

 

Once the eavestrough and downspouts are selected, it is time to get them installed. Remove the old ones and check the condition of the fascia underneath. Is it rotting or damaged? If so, it may be a good time to have it replaced as well. If not, scrape the old paint off and apply a quality primer and exterior latex paint.

 

It is advisable to assemble the materials on the ground before they are installed. A straight line would have to be drawn across the length of the fascia using chalk. Make sure that the gutter is installed at an angle to ensure that the water drains properly from it. A good slant can be measured at 0.25 inches per 10 feet of fascia. Naturally, the lowest end of the eavestrough should connect to the downspout.

 

Attach the hangers to the fascia leaving a 2 feet gap between each one and then install the first gutter channel. Make sure it is aligned with the straight line drawn earlier on the fascia. If your home does not have a fascia, you could use roof hangers with straps to hang the eavestrough.

 

Continue to hang other sections of the gutter channel as needed using slip connections and gutter sealant at each joint. Once all the gutter channels are installed, re-apply sealant to all joints.

 

Finally, the downspouts must be connected to the eavestrough and secured to the house using pipe bands and screws. To help avoid blockage in the downspouts caused by leaves and debris accumulation, insert strainers at each opening. Don't forget to place splash blocks underneath each downspout so that water is directed away from the house and its foundation.

 

As you can tell, it may take more than just a skillful handyman to install an eavestrough. Wherever you are in the Greater Toronto Area, let Roussel Eavestrough do the job for you. We are at your service all year round for all your eavestrough installations, repairs, and maintenance. Call us today!

 

If you are interested in getting a new eavestrough installed for your home, please visit us at our main site www.rousseleavestrough.com or call us at 416-438-4434.