Eavestrough systems are an important part of a home’s defense against water damage that can hurt the foundation and structure. We install high quality eavestrough systems all over the area for homeowners who know how important it is to manage water properly. At Professional Roofers Toronto we pay attention to every detail when we do these installs just like we do with our roofing projects. People often use the words “gutters” and “eavestroughs” to mean the same thing. Both words refer to the channels that collect and redirect water that flows off of roofs. Good systems prevent moisture problems from happening which can cost thousands of dollars to fix once damage starts to happen in weak spots around the home.
Before we install any eavestrough we always do a full assessment. We look at the size of the roof, the pitch of the roof and how much water will fall depending on how much it rains in the area. This assessment 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 configurations for all homes no matter what the situation.
The materials you choose have 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 would rust all the way through. Copper eavestroughs look great and last almost forever making them a great choice for high end homes where the initial cost isn’t as important as the long term beauty. We talk openly about the different materials we can use and describe how they work in the real world instead of just telling you what would make us the most money.Seamless fabrication technology has changed the way eavestroughs are installed by eliminating the joints that tend to leak in older segmented systems. We use specialized tools to fabricate eavestrough runs from coil stock material on the job site. This method produces channels that go all the way across a wall without any breaks except at the corners and where the downspouts connect. Compared to systems made up of pre-cut portions linked every ten feet the result is cleaner and much less prone to leaks. Homeowners love how seamless technology works better and looks better.
To ensure water flows correctly and there are no visible sags slope estimates 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 quickly but is 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 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 of the fascia. 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 through thin trim boards. Proper structural attachment stops 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 prepare ahead of time. 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 types of architecture. In Etobicoke where it’s allowed discharge points need to be carefully thought out so water can flow away from foundations through extensions, underground drains or connections to municipal storm systems.
When eavestroughs match the trim colours and architectural features that are already there it makes the house look better from the street. 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 of the eavestroughs. This co-operation 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 rotten 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 building up which would otherwise need to be cleaned often. We put in high quality protection products that fit the exact conditions of your property and the way the trees grow. 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 works 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.
