Every homeowner should know the value of their eavestrough systems in terms of protecting their investment. Eavestroughs are important components of a building’s roofing system, designed to collect and redirect rainwater away from the foundation. Whether they’re made from aluminum, steel, or other materials, eavestroughs offer significant benefits in terms of function, durability and aesthetic appeal.
What every homeowner doesn’t know is that maintenance of your eavestrough system is important, especially in the fall. This is because of the problems that can be created by huge volumes of snow along with the constant cycle of melting and freezing. Safeguarding your home or building from water-related issues is as simple as following some easy to complete steps.
“The very first step is to keep snow drifts from building up on your roof,” said Rob Colombo, Owner of Seamless Eavestrough, local experts in eavestrough installation and maintenance for more than 35 years. “In Sault Ste. Marie we get big winds blowing in off Lake Superior. The east side of every home is subject to a big build up of snow. It’s important to use a roof rake to knock that snow off as it collects on the roof. The east side of homes is where we see 90 percent of the damage occurring.”
According to Colombo, another important aspect of your eavestrough to consider is the design of the downspout. Some homeowners request overly complicated downspout designs, like running them along long walls or around multiple corners. While it might seem like a clever way to manage water, these extended runs often cause more problems than they solve.
“When we’re designing a system, people often want downspouts that send water around corners and through bends,” said Colombo. “The best thing we can do when designing is to keep those downspouts simple. In the winter they can quickly fill with ice. When thawing happens, we want the water to drop and flow out as smoothly as possible. We will always install an extension at the bottom of a downspout with a runoff or four to five feet.”
A third and vital step involved in proper fall eavestrough maintenance is to give your eaves a thorough cleaning. This means removing all fallen leaves, debris, and materials coming off of your asphalt shingles that may be impeding the flow of water through your eavestrough system. Of course, you can also avoid this step by having Seamless Eavestrough install products like Alu-Rex continuous hanger systems.
“Such a product comes with a lifetime warranty and it helps make your eaves stronger and easier to keep clean,” said Colombo.
Seamless Eavestrough is also the premier installer of steel eavestrough systems for metal roofs.
“Steel is incredibly strong—you can literally hang off it," said Colombo. "With 35 years of experience in the Sault, we know how to make things last. No matter what type of roofing you have, we have the expertise to provide the right solution for you
With the relatively mild winter conditions of last year, Seamless Eavestrough teams were installing both eave systems and covers right into the new year. While the company does plan on slowing down in the winter months, you can still count on them for expert installation and maintenance.
Learn more. Visit Seamless Eavestrough online.