Eavestrough systems are an important part of your home that keeps water from damaging your foundation and the whole house. We build high quality eavestrough systems all over the area for homeowners who know how important it is to manage water. At Professional Roofers Toronto we pay attention to every detail when we install these just like we do with our roofing projects. People use the words “gutters” and “eavestroughs” to mean the same thing. Both words refer to the channels that collect and redirect water that runs off the roof. Good systems prevent moisture problems from happening which can cost thousands of dollars to fix once damage occurs in weak spots.
Before we install any eavestroughs we do a full assessment. We look at the size of the roof, the pitch of the roof and the amount of water that will run off depending on how much it rains in the area. This study determines the right size of the channels and the right number of downspouts to ensure there is enough capacity. Homes have different needs depending on the size of the roof and how complicated the design is. When generic methods don’t take these unique features into account systems either flood in heavy rain or look too big and awkward. Our engineering philosophy ensures that installations fit the needs of each property instead of using the same configuration for all homes no matter what the situation.
The materials you choose has a big impact on how long they will last and how they will look. Aluminium is still the most common choice because it doesn’t corrode easily, is affordable and comes in many colours. These devices can withstand decades of bad weather without breaking down unlike previous galvanized steel systems that will rust all the way through. Copper eavestroughs look great and last almost forever making them a great choice for high end homes when the initial cost isn’t as important as the long term beauty. We talk openly about the different materials we can use and how they work in the real world instead of just suggesting the ones that will make us the most money.
Seamless fabrication technology has changed the way eavestroughs are installed by getting rid of the joints that tend to leak in older segmented systems. We use advanced tools to make eavestrough runs from coil stock material straight at the job site. This method makes channels that go all the way across a wall without any breaks except at the corners and where the downspouts connect. The result looks better and is far better at keeping leaks out than systems made from pre-cut pieces that are linked every ten feet. Homeowners like how seamless technology makes things look and work better.
To ensure water flows correctly without any visible sagging, slope calculations need to be very accurate. Eavestroughs should slope slowly towards downspouts, usually decreasing about one inch for every forty feet of horizontal run. This little angle carries water fast even though it’s almost impossible to see from the ground. If the slope is too low water will pool and insects will breed and it will overflow during storms. Too much pitch makes things sag which looks amateurish and makes the water flow concentrate in an unnatural way. We use laser levels and precise measurements to ensure all our installations have the best drainage angles.
The right hangers and where they go will keep eavestroughs in place when they are under stress from heavy loads of water, ice and debris. There are many types of hangers from old fashioned spike-and-ferrule systems to new hidden hangers that attach through the back edges. We want heavy-duty hidden hangers that are spaced correctly for the loads they will have to hold. These fasteners go all the way through solid wooden fascia or rafter tails instead of just going through thin trim boards. Proper structural attachment prevents sagging before it happens which can cause problems with how the house works and makes it look less appealing from the street.
To handle the water that accumulates in a downspout you need to plan ahead. Even if the eavestroughs are the right size there will still be problems if the downspouts can’t handle the flow. We calculate how much of each material we need based on the size of the roof and place it so water doesn’t pool in areas where it could cause problems. Most homes can use standard rectangular downspouts but round ones work better with some architectural types. When planning discharge sites we need to think about how to move water away from foundations using extensions, underground drains or connections to municipal storm systems where allowed in Mississauga.
When eavestroughs match the colours of the trim and other architectural features they make the outside of the house look better. White is still the most common default colour but brown, black and other colours can be used in creative ways to match different home types. To avoid colour discrepancies after installation we show you real examples in natural outside light. Choosing the right colours for eavestroughs makes them almost invisible instead of making them stand out with harsh contrasts that draw attention to these vital parts.
When roofing parts are put together they protect the most vulnerable edges of the roof from the elements. To keep water from running behind eavestroughs drip edge flashing must extend far enough over the back edges of the eavestroughs. This cooperation between the roofing and eavestrough parts keeps the fascia boards from rotting which would cost a lot to fix. When we install eavestroughs at the same time as Roof Replacement projects we make sure all the parts work together as one system instead of considering them as separate, independent parts.
Before installation begins the quality of the fascia is checked because damaged boards can’t hold up eavestrough systems properly. If the fascia is rotting or falling apart it needs to be replaced so it can provide a secure mounting surface. We find these problems during the first inspections which helps us give realistic project scopes that cover all the work that has to be done ahead of time. Finding hidden damage after installation starts causes delays and unexpected costs that annoy everyone involved. A thorough evaluation up front stops these problems from happening at all.
When installing new gutters it’s worth considering gutter guards if they make sense from a logistical and financial perspective. Different mechanisms stop leaves and other debris from accumulating which would otherwise need to be cleaned often. We put in high quality protection products that fit your specific land and tree growth. We want to be honest though and say that no system completely eliminates maintenance. Even with guards installed correctly you still need to check and clean them from time to time.
The time of year determines when the system can be installed and how well it will work right away. Spring installations get homes ready for summer storms when heavy rain tests their capacity. Before winter weather makes outdoor work harder fall installations happen. We work with property owners to build up schedules that fit their needs and the weather. We also avoid times when quick performance is needed before systems have time to settle.
Property owners can protect their assets from water damage by having professionals install eavestroughs. Eavestrough condition assessments should be part of regular roof inspection services since these parts work together to control moisture that can damage buildings if they are not designed or installed properly.
