Determining the cause of a wet basement is tricky business. While there are many variables to consider, one of the common issues we come across is eavestroughs needing repair or replacement.
Eavestroughs often break along the seams. At Weaver Exterior Remodeling, we offer seamless eavestroughs to eliminate this risk. As a leading exterior remodeling company here in Ontario, we often get questions about gutters and downspouts. Most houses in Canada have a gutter system, but many of us don’t know how they work or why they’re important.
Here, we’ll talk a bit about eavestroughs, how they work, why they sometimes back up with water, and how it affects your basement.
What Is An Eavestrough And How Does It Work?
An eavestrough is part of your gutter system, which runs along the roof of your house. It drains water away from your roof when it rains or snows. The eavestrough empties through a downspout which carries water to the ground below. It might be collected in a rain bucket or wash away as run-off.
Eavestroughs are important because they prevent water from pooling on your roof and causing leaks. They also keep water from pouring directly into your home through the foundation. Properly maintained eavestroughs extend the lifespan of your roof and keep your basement free of rainwater.
How Does My Eavestrough Cause A Wet Basement?
When your eavestrough stops functioning due to a crack or a clog, it allows water to build up on your roof. Water then runs down into your foundation, leaking into the basement. Your basement may leak because your downspout is funneling water directly onto the foundation.
Sometimes water misses the downspout and runs off your roof because of sagging eavestroughs. Without a downspout to direct it, the water pours into the same place near your home. This could penetrate the seam of your foundation and flood your basement. You can redirect water from your home perimeter, but fixing a damaged eavestrough is still a priority.
Types Of Damage Requiring Eavestrough Replacement Or Repair
Eavestrough repair can be warranted for many reasons. Gutter inspections help you determine the best time for eavestrough replacement. Some of the most common causes for replacement or repair include:
- Age: The most common is age. Most eavestroughs have a lifespan of about 20 years. The better you take care of them, the longer they last. Over time, eavestroughs may split or sag due to general wear and tear.
- Clogs: Clogged gutters are a common occurrence in Ontario. It’s important to have your gutters cleaned twice a year. Usually at the end of autumn and the beginning of summer. This is because the fallen debris from trees lands in your eavestroughs, causing them to back up.
- Broken seams: Traditionally, eavestroughs are made of aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper. These materials weaken with time and age. A broken seam is a common occurrence in older eavestroughs.
- Ice: Canadian winters are cold. When water freezes in your eavestrough it expands. This leads to broken eavestroughs. The ice also blocks the gutter, not letting it drain properly. A rush of water could occur when the ice melts, or if the weather warms and it rains.
- Rust: Rust eats away at eavestroughs, weakening them. It also causes gutters to warp, which could cause blockages or breakage. Eavestrough rust forms when water or ice is trapped in the gutter for long periods of time.
Our Weaver Exterior Remodeling experts can help you figure out if you need an eavestrough replacement. Our team will assess your current gutters and downspouts and offer an estimate for necessary repairs or replacement parts.
Reduce The Risk Of Eavestrough Damage And A Wet Basement
There are several fixes for basement flooding caused by eavestrough damage, but what about prevention? You can be proactive in your approach to leak management in the following ways:
- Regular maintenance: The best way to keep your eavestroughs in tip-top shape is to maintain them regularly. Having your gutters inspected and serviced twice a year and replacing parts as necessary should keep you from encountering a wet basement.
- Change downspout direction: Basement flooding is usually caused by the pooling of water near a weak line in the foundation. You can reduce the risk of a flooded basement by ensuring your downspouts lead away from the foundation.
- Go seamless: Seamless eavestroughs and downspouts have fewer vulnerabilities than their seamed counterparts. Fewer places to leak, break, or clog means fewer wet basement issues.
- Get gutter guards: Gutter guards protect your eavestroughs without blocking them. Rainwater can still flow easily into the gutters, but leaves and other large debris can’t get in to clog it up.
Even with prevention, eavestroughs will eventually need replacing. When the time comes, Weaver Exterior Remodeling has several modern options to keep your basement dry.
Why Choose Weaver Exterior Remodeling?
Weaver Exterior Remodeling has a long-standing relationship with homeowners across Southern Ontario. Not only do we offer the best in parts and professionalism, but we guarantee our work. Every seamless eavestrough job is backed by our 10-year labour warranty. This warranty is on top of your general manufacturer’s warranty.
If your eavestroughs require repair or replacement within 10 years, you can count on us to cover the cost of installation and parts. If you choose our leaf guard system along with a complete new eavestrough system, you will receive an extended lifetime warranty.
Weaver also offers several unique features to general eavestrough replacement. Our leaf guard system not only blocks gutter debris in the autumn but includes winter shield technology. Keep your gutters free of ice dams and snow blocks, while water continues to drain.
Contact Weaver Exterior Remodeling
Weaver Exterior Remodeling serves clients across Southern Ontario. Being a local Canadian company, we strive to offer the highest quality services and products to our communities.
Along with eavestroughs and gutter guards, we also specialize in soffits and fascia. Both of these elements impact the longevity of your roof, and in turn your gutters.
Interested in learning more about eavestrough repair and replacement? We can help. Get a quote today.