Proper Eavestrough Maintenance: Why It's Important and How To Do It

New homeownership is a milestone that deserves celebration and a solid pat on the back. However, once the move-in is over and the unpacking is complete, you may need a little home maintenance education to keep your new nest looking and operating at its best.

Gutter cleaning is one such task that protects your home, yet many homeowners overlook this essential step because it isn’t at eye level or they have no idea why eavestrough maintenance is so crucial. Without proper upkeep, you could need new eavestrough installation , which is why it is essential to know everything you can about it now.

What are Eavestroughs?

Eavestroughs are the metal trough-like pieces installed at the edge of your roof, called eaves. Thus, the name eavestroughs. They also go by gutters, rain troughs, or roof gutters. 

Their job is to collect rain runoff and safely funnel it away from the house’s perimeter, ensuring water doesn’t pool around the foundation. The risk is water penetrating the basement walls, which leads to flooding and potentially mould and significant damage. 

In addition, eavestroughs help protect the siding and windows from the continual flow of water during storms which can create unsightly streaks and stains on the surface.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

As you can see, your eavestroughs play a vital role in your home’s functionality. Yet, it is easy to get distracted with day-to-day life and yardwork. If water runs through the gutters, why worry about eavestrough maintenance? 

Water isn’t the only thing that hits your roof. Fall leaves, snow and ice, and debris like garbage and sticks can all find their way onto your home’s roof during a storm. Unfortunately, all this material finds its way into your eaves, creating clogs and, worse—the organic growth of moss, algae, and mould. 

How to Clean Your Eavestroughs

Cleaning your eavestroughs will involve a sturdy ladder, a pair of work gloves, and a garden hose. If you have difficult debris caked to the surface, you may also need a gutter scoop. 

Follow these simple steps:

1. Remove loose debris by hand and place it in a trash bag.
2. Scrape stubborn material with the gutter scoop and, again, put it in the garbage.
3. Flush any remaining particles out with the garden hose until the water runs clear.
4. Make a note to watch for water leaking where it shouldn’t.

To help keep up your gutter cleaning schedule, set reminders in the spring and late fall to inspect and clean any accumulated material.

Tips for Keeping Your Eavestroughs in Good Condition

Thankfully, there is a way to keep your eavestrough maintenance to a minimum. The following are solid tips that can save you a lot of time and money:

• Trim all trees and hedges close to your house and gutters to minimize excess leaves, acorns, and wayward sticks from getting into them.
• Keep an eye on downspouts and joints for leaking or gushing water during rainstorms.
• Immediately repair any signs of rust, improper water flow, or damage to downspouts.

By catching issues early on, you save yourself the additional cost of eavestrough installation or repairs.

When It’s Time for New Eavestroughs

There comes a time when your home’s eavestroughs are past the point of no return and need replacing. For example, galvanized steel gutters will last up to twenty years before needing replacement. Yet, storms, damage from improper ladder placement, or a lack of maintenance may shorten their life expectancy. 

When you can no longer deny it’s time for eavestrough installation, trust the experts at Limestone Construction and Excavating in Whitby, ON. Their tightly-knit group of contractors will provide the best advice and quality eavestrough products to protect your home for years to come. 

Get your FREE ESTIMATE online or by calling 905-431-9924 today!