Essential Eavestrough Maintenance Tips to Prevent Water Damage

Your home’s eavestroughs (also known as gutters) play a critical role in protecting your property from water damage. These unassuming channels direct rainwater and melting snow away from your roof, walls, and foundation, helping to prevent costly issues like leaks, erosion, and structural damage. However, when eavestroughs become clogged, damaged, or improperly maintained, they can’t do their job effectively. This can lead to serious water damage around your home.

Fortunately, eavestrough maintenance is straightforward and, when done regularly, can help protect your home from water-related issues. In this blog, we’ll outline essential eavestrough maintenance tips to prevent water damage and ensure that your gutters function properly year-round.

1. Clean Your Eavestroughs Regularly

One of the most common causes of eavestrough failure is a buildup of leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris. When eavestroughs get clogged, water can overflow, spilling over the sides and running down the walls of your home, potentially causing water damage to the foundation, siding, and landscaping.

Why it’s important:
In regions with heavy fall foliage, like Ottawa, leaves and other debris can accumulate quickly and block the flow of water. In winter, ice and snow can exacerbate this problem if not addressed.

What to do:

• Clean your eavestroughs twice a year: Aim for spring and fall cleanings, as these seasons tend to bring the most debris. If your home is surrounded by trees, you may need to clean the gutters more frequently.
• Safety first: Use a sturdy ladder and wear gloves when cleaning your eavestroughs. Alternatively, hire a professional if you’re uncomfortable with heights or the job seems too demanding.

2. Inspect for Leaks and Damage

Over time, eavestroughs can develop cracks, holes, or rust spots that can lead to leaks. Even small leaks can cause water to drip down the sides of your home, leading to stains, rot, or foundation issues.

Why it’s important:
Leaks and damaged eavestroughs prevent the proper flow of water, causing it to spill over, which can damage your roof, siding, and foundation.

What to do:

• Inspect your gutters regularly for cracks, holes, or rust. You can often patch small holes with waterproof sealant or silicone caulk. Larger damage may require a section of the gutter to be replaced.
• Check for rust or corrosion: Metal eavestroughs can rust over time, especially in regions with harsh winters. If you notice rust, it’s essential to address it before it worsens.
• Look for water stains on your home’s exterior as they can indicate a leak in the eavestrough system.

3. Ensure Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is essential for the eavestroughs to do their job correctly. If your gutters are improperly pitched, water can pool in certain areas instead of flowing toward the downspouts, leading to overflow and potential water damage.

Why it’s important:
Without proper pitch, water can pool and cause the gutters to become heavy and sag, making the problem worse. In winter, pooled water can freeze, leading to ice dams and even more significant issues.

What to do:

• Check the pitch of your gutters: Eavestroughs should slope slightly (about 1/4 inch for every 10 feet) toward the downspouts to ensure water flows properly.
• Adjust the slope if necessary: If you notice standing water in certain areas, it may be time to adjust the pitch. This may require professional assistance to ensure the job is done correctly.

4. Maintain Downspouts and Extensions

Downspouts are responsible for directing water away from your foundation. If they become clogged or damaged, water can back up into the eavestroughs, causing them to overflow. Additionally, water that is not directed far enough from your home can lead to erosion, flooding, or foundation problems.

Why it’s important:
Properly functioning downspouts are crucial for directing water away from your home’s foundation and preventing damage. Inadequate drainage can lead to long-term issues with your foundation, landscaping, and basement.

What to do:

• Clear debris from downspouts: Just like eavestroughs, downspouts can become clogged with leaves and debris. Check them regularly to ensure water flows freely.
• Install downspout extensions: If your downspouts don’t direct water far enough away from your home, consider adding extensions. This will help prevent water from pooling around your foundation and causing damage.

5. Check for Ice Dams in Winter

In colder climates like Ottawa, ice dams can form in the eavestroughs during the winter months. Ice dams occur when snow on your roof melts, but the water refreezes in the gutters, creating a barrier that prevents proper water drainage. As the ice melts again, water can back up and leak into your home.

Why it’s important:
Ice dams can cause significant damage to your roof, eavestroughs, and home’s interior if not addressed properly.

What to do:

• Ensure proper attic insulation: Adequate insulation in your attic helps prevent heat from escaping through the roof, which can melt snow and cause ice dams.
• Remove snow buildup: After a heavy snowfall, use a roof rake to remove snow from the edge of your roof to prevent ice from forming in the gutters.
• Seek professional help: If ice dams are already present or if you notice water leaks caused by them, call a professional to remove the ice and inspect your roof and eavestrough system for damage.

6. Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a great way to reduce the amount of debris that enters your eavestroughs, making maintenance easier and less frequent. They come in various styles, from mesh screens to solid covers, and can significantly improve the performance of your eavestroughs.

Why it’s important:
Gutter guards help prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging your gutters, reducing the chances of overflow and water damage.

What to do:

• Consider installing gutter guards if you live in an area with many trees or experience heavy seasonal rains. They’re particularly beneficial for homeowners who don’t want to clean their eavestroughs as often.
• Choose the right type: There are various gutter guard styles available, so make sure to select one that fits your eavestrough design and needs.

7. Inspect Seams and Joints

Eavestroughs are typically made up of several sections that are joined together at seams. Over time, these seams can weaken or separate, leading to leaks and water overflow.

Why it’s important:
Leaks at the seams or joints can cause significant water damage to your home’s exterior, including the siding, fascia, and foundation.

What to do:

• Check for gaps or leaks at seams and use a waterproof sealant to repair small issues. For larger problems, you may need to replace the section of the eavestrough.
• Ensure the joints are properly sealed to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of the system.

Conclusion

Eavestrough maintenance is a crucial task for protecting your home from water damage. By regularly cleaning, inspecting, and repairing your gutters, you can prevent many common issues that lead to costly water damage, including foundation problems, leaks, and roof deterioration.

Whether you decide to tackle eavestrough maintenance on your own or hire a professional, these essential tips will help keep your gutters in top shape and ensure they continue to function as intended. If you need assistance with cleaning, repairing, or installing new eavestroughs, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted professional like Acres Roofing. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or maintenance service to protect your home from water damage all year long.