Eavestrough systems are important parts that keep homes safe from water damage that can weaken foundations and the structure itself. We install high-quality eavestrough systems all over the area for homeowners who know how important it is to manage water properly. We treat these installations with the same care and attention to detail as we do roofing jobs at Professional Roofers Toronto. Many 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 of roofs. Good systems stop moisture problems that can be very expensive to fix once they happen.
Before we install any eavestrough, we always do a proper assessment. We look at the size of the roof, the angle of the pitch, and the amount of rain that is likely to fall in the area. This study finds the right sizes for channels and the right number of downspouts to make sure there is enough capacity. Homes are very different and cookie-cutter methods don’t take that into account. When systems don’t meet the real needs of the property they either flood after heavy rain or look too big and awkward. Our engineering philosophy makes sure that installations meet the real needs of the property not standard configurations no matter what.
The materials you choose have a big impact on how long they last and how they look. Aluminium is still the most common choice because it doesn’t corrode easily, is reasonably priced and comes in a wide range of colours. These solutions can last decades of bad weather without breaking down, unlike previous galvanized steel systems that would rust through. Copper eavestroughs look great and last almost forever, so they are a great choice for high-end homes when the initial cost isn’t as important as the long-term look. We talk openly about the different materials we can use and we don’t just suggest the ones that will make us the most money. Instead we explain how they will work in real life. Seamless fabrication technology has changed the way eavestroughs are installed by getting rid of joints that are prone to leak in older segmented systems. We use specialized tools to fabricate eavestrough runs from coil stock material right 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 make sure 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 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 flow concentrate in an unnatural way. We use laser levels and precise measurements to make sure 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 channels. We want heavy-duty hidden hangers that are spread out correctly for the loads they will have to hold. Instead of just going through thin trim boards these fasteners go into solid wood fascia or rafter tails. Attaching the structure correctly stops it from sagging too soon which can cause problems with how it works and how it looks. To handle the water that accumulates in the 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 figure out how much of each material we need based on the size of the roof and place it so that 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. You need to think ahead of time about discharge locations so water flows away from foundations through extensions, underground drains or connections to municipal storm systems where allowed.
When eavestroughs match the colours of the trim and other architectural features they 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. We show you samples in natural outside light so you won’t be disappointed if the colours don’t match after the installation is done. Choosing the right colours makes eavestroughs almost disappear instead of making them stand out with harsh contrasts that grab attention.
Combining with roofing components ensures the edges of the roof are completely protected 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 components 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 components work together as one system instead of considering them as separate, independent parts.
Before installation begins we check the quality of the fascia 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 secure mounting surfaces. 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 starting installations causes delays and extra costs that nobody likes. A thorough evaluation up front prevents these problems from happening.
When installing new gutters it’s worth considering gutter guards if they make sense from a practical 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 your specific property and the way the trees grow. We want to be clear though, no system is 100% maintenance free. Even with guards in place you still need to check and clean them from time to time.
The time of year determines when installations can be scheduled and how well the system 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 plan around their schedule and the weather, avoiding times when instant operation is crucial before the system is fully settled.
Property owners in Pickering benefit from having professionals install eavestroughs that protect their investment from water damage. Eavestrough condition assessments should be part of regular roof inspection services since these components work together to control moisture that can damage buildings if not designed or installed correctly.
