Eavestrough repair, when should I do it?

Posted by roofcoadmin December 10, 2018

Most of us don’t think much about our eavestroughs, except that we should probably clean them one of these days. But the truth is that even with it’s not raining, our gutters are doing their job. They ferry water when it rains or snows, but otherwise they collect debris: things like dirt, leaves, twigs, rocks, and pretty much anything that critters drop into them.  When gutters clog, there’s the obvious concern that water will leak over onto the roof, and damage other components rather than draining properly. But any alien materials that remain in your gutters can damage the eavestroughs themselves. The seams can come loose or corrode, gaskets can cease to function and need replacement. So you may be asking yourself now: when do I need to repair my eavestroughs?

It’s important to know the basics, like the type of gutters your house has. Not only do the materials behave differently and need different kinds of repairs, the average lifespan of different types varies. There are a few telltale signs that you need to call in a professional. Especially when you’re a homeowner living in a fluctuating climate, or in generally unfavorable weather, a Winnipeg roofing company should be consulted rather than trying your hand at DIY.

Vinyl gutters made of PVC, and are less likely to dent or corrode. They are becoming an increasingly popular choice, because they’re a low-cost, lightweight option and are easy to install. If your eavestroughs are vinyl, they have a much shorter life span than is often advertised. The typical lifespan is reported around 20 years, but that’s a hopeful estimate, and the reality is closer to 10. Vinyl does not handle fluctuation in temperature, especially extreme cold. If you live in a region where extreme freezing is the norm, your gutters become brittle every time. They’re more likely to crack and break, so be on the lookout for chipping and leaks from the gutters themselves, rather than just spillover.

Seamless aluminum or galvanized steel gutters can hold more water, so they’re more reliable in heavy rain or snow, and they’re less likely to sag or spill. While aluminum is lightweight and will not rust, galvanized steel is heavier and may corrode more easily. They have an average lifespan of 20 years or more, and require minimal upkeep. It’s still a good idea to have them inspected every so often, because catching corrosion early can mean a simple repair rather than a costly replacement.

Copper gutters are considered the gold standard of household eavestroughs. If you shelled out a pretty penny to install copper gutters, then you don’t need to worry about rust. Chances are you rarely even need to clean them out, as they funnel debris much more smoothly. They have a glowing lifespan averaging from 50 to 60 years, or more with regular maintenance.

Hopefully you now have a clearer understanding of what your gutters are really made of, and what to be on the lookout for. Whether you can identify specific damage or just suspect a malfunction, it’s always best to trust a professional to take a closer look.