Imagine for a moment if there were no eavestroughs around a pitched roof. When it snowed, the melt would drip on the backs of our necks as we went in and out. Moreover, when it rained heavily we might not be able to see out the windows properly, and damp could penetrate through the walls causing mould. More seriously though, the uncontrolled waterfall could undermine our foundations and cause subsidence cracks. Shall we learn more about how eavestroughing works to eliminate this risk?
How Eavestroughing Works to Take the Water Away
Eavestroughing is another word for guttering. The name makes sense because a gutter is a trough that goes right around the roof to catch the water flowing down. If you came here to learn how guttering works you will find all the information you need too.
We like to treat guttering as part of a system when explaining how eavestroughing works. That’s because it receives water from the roof, and leads it somewhere else. Therefore, the roof edge must partly overhang the gutter and the trough must slope gently towards the downpipe discharge point.
Eavestrough capacity, and the number of downpipes depend on roof area. The roof must slope slightly less for the final two feet to interrupt water flow and thereby slow it down. This design is for nothing if a trough or downpipe blocks with leaves. Clip-on covers are available where there are overhanging trees.
Finally, there must be adequate provision to take the water away as it drops through the downpipe. The ‘shoe’ at the bottom must feed into a storm water drain. If the receiving system is inadequate the water will pool around the house, cause mould inside, and, over a long time weaken the foundations themselves.
The Different Types of Eavestroughing Material
Early North American gutters were wooden because that was what they had. Modern gutters are in UPVC or seamless pressed aluminum metal. Valiant Exteriors Ltd only supplies the latter, because UPVC gutter joints can leak and weeds can take root in the cracks. These weeds in turn can trap wind-blown debris, which can completely block the flow within a year.
How to Maintain Your Eavestroughing Safely
Eavestroughs are our first line of defence against rain and snowmelt. Please think twice before trying to service them yourself, now you know how eavestroughs work. They are high above the ground and you could hurt yourself. Rather find a reliable eavestrougher you can depend on. Our customers tell us that description fits us like a glove.