5 Basic Eavestroughing Accessories You Didn’t Know Existed
Eavestroughs are basic metal channels that are designed to catch rainwater runoffs from the roof. But this is not all there is with these troughs, or is it? Given the constant onslaught of ice, snow, pine needles, leaves and other debris that your eavestroughs must withstand, there is definitely more to them than meet the eye. But with several extra accessories, your eavestroughs will be less susceptible to clogs and more effective at diverting water away from your building’s foundation. These accessories include:
Eavestrough protectors
Homeowner’s well-known hatred of cleaning dirt and debris from their eavestroughs by hand has nourished a crowded eavestroughs protection industry. These protections include simple grilles, foam filters, high-tech mesh screens, and a variation of these. According to their makers, once installed over your system, you will never have to clean your eavestroughs with hand again.
Performing some in-depth consumer research can help you decide which eavestroughs protection system is right for your requirements. And while at it, make sure to get an estimate of the amount of money you are willing to part with and how much post-installation work you are willing to perform. Whatever protection system you opt for, note that its needs to be professionally installation so as to perform what it designed for effectively. While this sort of installation is expensive, it might include free maintenance calls if your eavestroughing require future cleaning.
Splash blocks for the gutters
These are rectangular pieces of plastic or concrete blocks that are placed beneath the downspouts to both channel the water father away and prevent it from eroding the soils. Once placed under your downspouts, do remember to check on them periodically as they are regularly knocked askew by shifting soil, lawnmowers and foot traffic. Based on factors such as regularity and rigorousness of rains in your location, you might opt for narrower, not easily seen splash blocks or the broader varieties that can disperse heavy runoffs over a wider area.
Downspout strainers
Errant catkins, pine needles and leaves do not just clog your eavestroughs; they can make their way into the downspouts, eventually resulting into major clogs. A simple solution to this problem is installing a bulb-shaped or cylindrical strainer that perfectly fits into the outlet at the top of the downspout. Downspout screens that are shaped like a wedge are a more effective solution as they can sit directly on top of the outlet. Its angled style effectively diverts leaves around the outlet during heavy rains, causing the debris to accumulate behind and to the sides of the screen, rather than over the top.
Downspout extensions
The best ways to augment your downspouts is with extensions that carry water even farther from your building’s foundation. These extensions can lie on top of the surface, or with a little trenching, discreetly below the ground. But whichever the case, ensure your extensions have an unobstructed outlet to an area that can effectively handle the discharge.
Rain barrels
Homeowners with a practical use for their roof run off, for example irrigating a herb or vegetable patch, are recommended to install rain barrels to capture and store the water. Quite a number of municipalities and counties offer rebates for installing rain barrels, which can collect over 500 gallons from one inch of rainfall on a 1,000 square-foot catchment area. However, collecting rainwater is restricted in some municipalities. Check with your local water service provider to learn more about any restrictions your area might have.
All in all, be proactive in checking your eavestroughs for problems that might end up costing you a lot of money to have resolved. So grab an umbrella and watch how your eavestroughs are working during a rainstorm to save yourself from unwanted costly repairs in the future.