A surprising amount of water flows down roofs to eaves troughs during heavy rain. In theory it disappears into down spouts and then drains that become the council’s problem However, some United States and now Canadian cities are instructing ratepayers to dispose of the flow themselves. Today we ank the question are hinged down spouts right for you?
Flowing Water Away From a Down Spout
The entire eaves trough / down spout system has one thing in mind. And that is to carry water from the roof away from the foundations. For if we do not, then we allow the water to pool above them and potentially damage the wall itself.
A building with discoloured paint peeling from lower walls is a dead giveaway this system is not working properly. Some folk fit down pipe extensions to resolve this as illustrated in this video. We’ll do the same if a customer insists, although we recommend alternatives.
To our way of thinking this is a cover up for poor eaves trough design. Did you notice the wall in the video is displaying signs of damp regardless of the long extension? There has to be a better way than that!
Alternatives to Installing Hinged Downspouts
The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy suggests connecting pipes to fixed downspouts, to carry water away from the foundation to a sloping surface. Or to an underground catchment system if this is not practical. The volume can be reduced by diverting some to a storage tank for non-drinking purposes.
However, our own observations sometimes root cause of the problem to incorrectly sloping eaves troughs, and badly located downspouts. A storm water management system should be designed holistically with all these factors in mind. Eaves troughing is more complex than many homeowners realise!
Holistic Rainwater Management By Valiant Exteriors
Valiant Exteriors offers a comprehensive rainwater management system in Calgary, and surrounds by attending to the following:
1… New and replacement quality asphalt roof coverings.
2… Waterproofing roof peaks, valleys and wall interfaces.
3… New and replacement vinyl and fiber-cement siding.
4… Eaves troughs, downspouts, and soffits under eaves.
5… Roof ventilation systems countering humidity and mould.
Valiant Exteriors is a local Calgary company with premises at Suite 447, Unit 234, 5149 Country Hills Blvd NW, Calgary AB T3A 5K8. Please call us on (403)829-1661 or write to [email protected] for more information about waterproofing your home or business.
Previous Posts
Roof Overhangs Keep More Than Windows Dry
Should My Roof Valley Be Open or Closed?
Water Gushing Out a Downspout (Image Dorian Wallender BY CC 2.0)