A customer asked us the other day why we fitted gutters to her eaves, but not to her gable rake ends. We decided this was a fair question to ask. We  share our reply regarding eaves and rakes and gutters here, while keeping her identity private as we should.

Eaves and Rakes Have Different Purposes on a Roof

• Eaves follow the flow above an exterior building wall. Their job is to keep moisture away from the building, and the foundation.
• Rakes are the diagonally sloping upper edges of gable walls. Their job is to prevent moisture blowing in under the roof.

Eaves and rakes are therefore critically important for keeping rain and snow out of a building, and preventing moisture from damaging the structure. However, eaves and rakes and gutters do need to be correctly installed, for them to do their job properly.

When and Where to Install Gutters on Roof Edges

Rakes and eaves repel water from roof edges, but in two distinctly different ways. Roof edges accumulate rain and snow melt at their lower points, where gravity wants to take it further away. Eavestroughs are an essential accessory, because they lead this water away in a controlled fashion.

But rakes are different, and they need different treatment. Rakes repel moisture away before capillary action takes over. Gutters are the last thing we need here, and besides, how would the water flow into them?

However, there is one very important exception to this principle, and that is where a rake connects two gutters at different heights. Why is this so, you may ask? This rule applies because gutters do not repel moisture. They collect this in large quantities, and we must lead it away from the foundations.

Quality Counts When Installing Eavestroughs, Rakes and Gutters 

Eaves and rakes and gutters are high up on a building, and inaccessible without using a tall ladder or scaffolding. Therefore, the average homeowner seldom gives them a a second thought. Perhaps they should though, because these essential elements are exposed to the full force of storms.

We only install the best quality materials at Valiant Exteriors, a household name in Calgary. We size and fit them with precision to last a long time. We are proud of what we do. Much of our business comes from satisfied customers. We will appreciate supplying you too.

More Information

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Typical Roof Elements on Single Level House