Eavestroughs and downspouts are often the unsung heroes of home maintenance. They direct rainwater off your roof and away from the foundation, preventing moisture-related damage to your home. Without these essential elements, your property is at risk of basement leaks, soil erosion, and foundation damage.
However, these systems don’t maintain themselves. Regular care and attention to eavestroughs and downspouts can help prevent significant, costly repairs. Ensuring they are clear of debris, properly sloped, and functioning as designed is key to managing water around your home.
In this article, we’ll explore the critical role that eavestroughs and downspouts play in maintaining your home’s foundation, offer tips on how to maintain them effectively, and provide insights on common problems and how to avoid them.
How Eavestroughs and Downspouts Work Together
Eavestroughs (also called gutters) are designed to collect rainwater that flows off the roof. This water is then channelled into downspouts, which direct it away from your foundation. The purpose of this system is simple but vital: to keep water from pooling around the base of your home, which can lead to basement flooding, erosion, and long-term structural damage.
Proper Slope Matters:
Eavestroughs must be installed with a slight slope toward the downspouts to ensure water flows easily through the system. A level or improperly sloped eavestrough won’t drain correctly, causing water to collect and overflow and potentially damaging the gutters, roofline, or even your home’s foundation.
Common Installation Issues to Look Out For:
- Uneven Slope: If your eavestroughs are not properly angled, they may cause water to pool, leading to overflow.
- Clogged Gutters: Dirt, leaves, and debris can quickly accumulate in eavestroughs, blocking water flow and making your drainage system ineffective.
The Importance of Proper Drainage and Preventing Basement Leaks
When water is not properly diverted away from the house, your basement is at risk of flooding. A robust eavestrough and downspout system is your first line of defence against basement leaks.
The Link Between Roof Drainage and Basement Moisture:
When water flows freely off the roof and away from your home, the likelihood of basement leaks decreases. On the other hand, when rainwater accumulates near your foundation, it can seep into your basement through cracks in the walls or floor, causing dampness, mould, or even structural damage.
Efficient Surface Drainage vs. Weeping Tile Systems:
While weeping tile systems are installed around the foundation to manage underground water, surface drainage is more effective in protecting the basement. Surface water is best directed away from the perimeter of the house before it has the chance to pool or seep into the foundation.
Downspout extensions ensure water flows away from the foundation, reducing the risk of basement leaks.
How to Maintain Eavestroughs and Downspouts for Maximum Effectiveness
To keep your home’s drainage system working properly, regular maintenance is essential. Cleaning gutters and inspecting downspouts can help avoid many issues that lead to water damage.
1. Check Downspout Extensions Regularly
Downspouts often have extensions to direct water away from the home. These extensions can be accidentally moved or damaged, so inspecting them regularly is crucial. After cutting the lawn or after a storm, ensure that these extensions are properly positioned and effectively channel water away from your home.
2. Keep Eavestroughs Free of Obstructions
Leaves, twigs, dirt, and even asphalt shingles can accumulate in eavestroughs, blocking the water flow. Clogged gutters prevent proper drainage, leading to potential water overflow and foundation issues. Clean your eavestroughs at least once a year to ensure water can move freely through the system. You may also want to do a mid-season check, especially after storms or windy days, to remove debris that can accumulate quickly.
3. Properly Install and Maintain Gutter Guards
Gutter guards can be an excellent investment to prevent debris from clogging eavestroughs. However, they still require maintenance and cleaning to ensure they remain functional. Regularly check gutter guards and clear them of leaves, twigs, and any buildup that can obstruct water flow.
4. Inspect for Leaks or Damage
Even if your gutters seem clean, they may still have hidden issues like minor leaks or cracks that prevent proper drainage. Inspect your eavestroughs for signs of damage and seal any leaks with an appropriate sealant. If the damage is extensive, it may be time to replace the section of the gutter.
Preventing Other Common Water-Related Problems
In addition to keeping eavestroughs and downspouts in good condition, here are some additional tips for managing water around your home:
1. Maintain Window Wells
Window wells are essential for protecting basement windows from water. However, leaves, soil, and debris can collect in the window well, blocking drainage. Clear out any debris and ensure that the drain at the bottom of the well is not obstructed. Some window wells even have built-in drains that should be kept clean to prevent water buildup.
2. Avoid Altering Drainage Patterns
When landscaping or making improvements near your home, be careful not to alter the natural flow of water. Diverting water onto your neighbour’s property is bad practice and could lead to disputes. Always ensure that water drains away from the foundation and does not pool near your or your neighbour’s property.
3. Snow and Ice Removal
During winter, snow and ice can accumulate around downspouts and gutters. As the snow melts in spring, ice can block drains, preventing water from flowing away from the foundation. To avoid water damage, regularly remove ice from downspouts and drains. This will allow the melting snow to drain properly and avoid excess water near your foundation.
Maintaining eavestroughs and downspouts is a simple yet essential part of home maintenance that can save you from costly repairs in the future. By ensuring that your gutters are free from debris, slopes are adequately maintained, and downspouts are positioned to direct water away from the foundation, you can prevent water damage to your home’s foundation and basement. Regular inspections and proactive care will keep your home safe and dry for years.
By following these tips and maintaining your eavestroughs and downspouts, you can help protect your home from water damage and preserve the integrity of your foundation. Don’t wait for the damage to happen—take action today to ensure your home stays dry and safe.
Binyamin Mellish