After a spring in which the prairies experienced higher than average precipitation, this hot and dry weather makes for a perfect summer. But the heat leads to its own issues, one of which is often violent thunderstorms.
The good thing about heavy downpours is that it draws attention to something you probably forget about until it causes an issue, like a swamped yard, flooding basement or leaking roof. As rainwater flows through your eavestroughs and downspouts, your gutters can only protect your home if you make sure water is diverted away from your foundation. Maintaining, repairing, and replacing your drainage system should be at the top of any homeowners’ to-do list. Here’s why.
Have your gutters and downspouts inspected and cleaned
Gutters should point at least two to three feet (60 cm to 90 cm) away from your home, so water doesn’t pool against your foundation, says Ryan Fahie, owner of Northern Seamless Gutters in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Because heavy snow and ice can push eavestroughs out of position, Fahie recommends twice yearly inspections and cleanings, ideally during spring and fall. If you haven’t done your spring cleaning yet, it’s not too late.
“Having damaged gutters or no gutters at all can cause fascia rot and damage to shingles and the flashing around the roof, leading to leaks, mould and mildew on siding, windows and inside your home,” says Fahie. “Once pooling water gets into your home’s foundation, it can cause cracks or leaks into your basement. Retaining walls, walkways, decks and driveways can also be compromised by excess water pooling, especially during freeze and thaw cycles.”
If you notice foundation damage, reach out to a qualified foundation repair specialist who can assess the best path forward. For drainage system issues, call in an inspector from a company that installs or repairs gutters. They might decide roofing professionals should get involved to repair the damage.
Get in the habit of always inspecting your gutters after heavy rain or hail for damage or disconnected downspouts.
Replace your gutters if necessary
Several warning signs indicate it’s time for new eavestroughs, notes Fahie. “Leaking seams and corners are a big one, and probably the most noticeable,” he says.
Look for loose screws or nails or deformed gutters. Check if the gutter is sagging or pulling away from the fascia board and you can see a gap underneath, adds Fahie. You might also notice water stains on the underside of the gutter or even on the fascia board.
“Gutters have a very similar lifespan to a roof — about 20 to 25 years — so if you’re thinking about getting your roof replaced, it’s probably also time to upgrade your gutters,” he suggests.
If it’s a small leak, you can caulk the inside of the eavestrough yourself to prevent further damage.
Select an appropriate drainage system
“Gutters have come a long way in recent years, and we now have continuous hanging systems that double as leaf protection,” says Fahie.
Instead of having a fastener every 45 cm to 60 cm, a continuous hanging system supports the gutter the entire way down, making the system a lot stronger with the added benefit of keeping leaves and debris out of the gutter.
“It also protects the caulking from any UV rays so the gutter system will last longer. When there are large seams in the corners, that contributes to the breakdown of the caulking,” adds Fahie.
Even gutter styles have changed. Traditional ‘k’-style gutters are common, but many companies also offer half-round gutters or box gutters for a more contemporary look, he says. There are also seamless systems now for long runs of gutters.
Customize your system to your climate
In areas of the country that get lots of snow, freezing rain, or many freeze-and-thaw cycles, the weather can put a lot of stress on your gutters, notes Fahie.
For properties with lots of trees, it’s smart to get a leaf guard added to your gutters because it only takes one leaf or branch to block your downspout and disrupt the entire gutter system.
“If you have a continuous hanging system, that doubles as a leaf guard to keep leaves and the debris out of your gutter system while still allowing water to get in and flow down the downspout,” explains Fahie.
Choose the best eavestrough materials
Most gutters are made of aluminium because it’s resilient, rust-resistant, and cost-effective, explains Fahie. Some companies recommend installing a sloped splash block that further protects your home, but Fahie prefers adding a 60 cm to 90 cm extension at the bottom of the downspout using a flip-up hinge joint.
“This way, the downspout can flip up and down if you’re doing any landscaping, or if it’s in a high-traffic area,” he explains.
Fahie is seeing more customers in Nova Scotia — which has experienced intense storms in recent years — opting for larger gutters. They’re also a good idea if you live in a home that doesn’t have overhanging eaves.
“The traditional gutter size is five inches (12.7 cm), but more people want the six-inch one. The extra inch adds a big difference. It’s made of stronger aluminium, can carry 40% more water and doesn’t clog as easily,” says Fahie. Prices vary widely depending on where you live and the size of the gutters, but Fahie says a basic system ranges from $800 to $1,200. Six-inch gutters can cost 60% more.
Your gutter system is an important part of your home’s overall structure. A well-maintained eavestrough will last longer than one that’s been neglected. Plus, if you’re looking to sell your home, an updated and effective drainage system can be a huge pro for potential buyers!
— REALTOR.ca