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Fixing A Hole That Has Appeared On Your Eavestrough

It is easy to not to assume responsibility when a small hole appears in an eaves trough. People tend to leave small issues and only attend to them after they become a big issue. You should never overlook a small hole immediately it appears on your eavestrough because it can lead to more damages. When a leak forms in the eaves trough, it causes fascia boards to rot which if left unattended may lead to a leakage in your house during a downpour. You should do a regular maintenance check on your eavestrough every autumn in preparation for the winter weather.

An eavestrough helps to channel water from the roof to a drainage system during rainy seasons. It also drains excess water during winter as ice thaws. Leaves and debris tend to accumulate in the eavestrough and if not properly cleaned out, this can cause blockages. If water is not drained out properly, it tends to cause damage to the eavestrough and with time, it forms small holes. Maintenance of an eaves trough is usually cheaper compared to repairing it and saves you hundreds of dollars that may come from damage caused by leakages. The following steps will help you to maintain and repair your eaves trough when damaged.

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Handling Bees And Cleaning Out Gutters During The Fall

The best time to clean out gutters and eavestroughs is during the fall. This is when you have the chance to check if your gutters are in good working condition and if they have holes in them. We are not the only ones who get busy during the fall season. Bees and wasps tend to be very active during the fall season and they like to build their nests in the gutters and eavestroughs where there’s usually no much activity.

For someone allergic to bee and wasp stings, cleaning out gutters during fall can prove to be a challenging activity. You should always inspect your gutters for paper comb structures to see if bees and wasps are nesting before you undertake any maintenance routines on your gutter. There are ways to keep bees and wasps from nesting in your gutters and at the same time keep leaves and debris from accumulating. This article will highlight ways you can handle bees as you clean out you gutters without putting yourself in harm’s way.

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Secrets About Eavestrough You Should Know About

It may come as a surprise, but the number one reason why eavesthrough cause problems is because of incorrect or faulty installation. It takes a precise skill to mount eavesthrough, a talent not even contractors always have.

Companies specializing in eavestrough in Toronto urge their clients to pay more attention to their rain gutters. If a problem is detected they should call them, as their team of experts has the necessary skills and equipment to inspect, clean, repair or replace broken pieces.

It may be surprising, but firms advertising services for eavestrough in Toronto have many different customers. These companies are frequently called to maintain the eavestrough of the buildings supervised by property management companies, insurance companies, and real estate agents. Quite often, they also receive requests for inspections of residential complexes, as well as private property.

Masters in their trade, eavestroughing specialists can fix problems that laymen cannot. For instance, many people believe that there is no solution to fix leaking corners. That is not so. Just ask any expert repairing eavestrough in Toronto, and you will be told that this problem can easily be repaired. The eavestrougher starts by completing an inspection, because solutions will vary depending on what the problem is. Sometimes a simple realignment of the pieces or adding a downspout is all that is required to get the water flowing again.

Eavestroughs have to be protected and cleaned regularly. If they are not, water can build up. This can be devastating when ice builds up. Once the liquid thaws and flows under your shingles, the damages can be catastrophic. So, why take a chance? Calling an eavestrough specialist occasionally will not only prevent a lot of stress; it will also save you money!

By blogger Eavestrough & Downpipes 0 Comments

Steps for Cleaning Eaves Trough and Gutters

Water, leaves and dirt trapped in wood and metal gutters and eaves troughs can cause major damage to your roof and exterior siding. Maintaining clean gutters helps keep your home top condition for resale, or to maintain the lifespan of your investment.

Steps for Cleaning Gutters and Eaves Troughs

1. Before cleaning your gutters, make sure you have a secured means to access the roof – preferably with a ladder. Do not lean your ladder against the downspout or gutter, as they can easily bend or break.

2. Before cleaning your gutters, check to see that the roof is not slippery with water and debris before climbing on top.

3. To clean gutters, remove leaves and twigs from gutters by hand or with a satisfactory tool such as a small garden trowel, or an actual gutter scoop found at your local hardware store.

4. Wet or moisten solidified dirt in the gutter, which tends to be difficult to remove unless loosened by soaking. Once loose, clean out with gutter scoop or trowel.

5. With garden hose, rinse remaining dirt down the downspouts. This will indicate if they are clogged (if water drains freely or not).

6. If downspouts are clogged, run water to clean and unclog by placing a garden hose in then supply with large amounts of water until free. If plugged downspout can’t be cleared with a hose, use a small plumber’s snake or an unbent clothes hanger. Be careful not to damage downspouts.

7. Alternatively, a leaf blower can be used for cleaning gutters. The drawbacks are; the dirt may be solidified and will not blow away, you’ll be high up – often in awkward postures, carrying an awkward machine, dust may get in your eyes.

8. Use garden hose for final flush and cleaning of gutters and downspouts. (This will also reveal if there are any leaks in the system.)

9. Repair any leaks with appropriate out caulking or specific gutter repair caulking.

10. If possible, cover gutters with wire or plastic mesh. This will dramatically cut down on debris in future.

Tips and Warnings

Never hold on to the gutter or downspout for support. They are not meant to support your weight.

Make sure ladder is sturdy and well-secured.

By blogger Eavestrough & Downpipes 0 Comments

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:

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Eavestrough Issues: Repairing Leaks, Holes And Rust

While steel and aluminum eavestroughs have a lifetime of up to 30 years, if neglected, they fast deteriorate. So the number of years your eavestroughs will last depends on how well you care for and maintain them. Eavestroughs maintenance does require climbing up to the roofline of your building using a ladder. For homeowners that aren’t afraid of height, eavestroughs cleaning is not a particularly challenging undertaking.

Thoroughly cleaning out dirt, debris, etc, and making certain rain water flows through your eavestroughs need only be done twice a year. If during your evaluation you encounter maintenance problems such as leaky joints, holes and rust, then here are several tips that might help you resolve them yourself.

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By blogger General Information 0 Comments

What Happens During A Biannual Gutter Inspection?

Gutters perform a critical task of diverting rain water away from a home’s foundation. However, they end up collecting lots of dead branches, leaves, dirt, and other debris. As such, it is advisable to inspect the gutters at least twice a year in order to make certain they are enduring the elements well, continuing to do their job and they are free of debris as well as dirt accumulation.

During a biannual inspection, ensure to have the gutters and eaves troughs thoroughly cleaned, the slope of the horizontal sections at the edge of the roof checked, and the drainage coming out of the downspouts examined. If you opt to carry out these undertakings yourself, then you must have tools such as garden hoses, ladders and gloves in your possession.

Make things easier by including several digging tools for removing stubborn debris from your gutters. A couple of buckets, one for carrying equipments and the other for holding dirt and leaves, are also recommended. A biannual gutter and eaves-trough inspection includes:

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The importance of cleaning your eavestroughs before winter to prevent ice damming

The importance of cleaning your eavestroughs before winter to prevent ice damming

Winter is a beautiful season, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy nights by the fire. However, it can also bring its fair share of headaches, especially when it comes to your home. One potential problem that homeowners should be aware of is ice damming, which can cause serious damage to your roof and home. One way to prevent ice damming is by cleaning eavestroughs in Toronto before winter sets in.

Eavestroughs, also known as gutters, are the channels that run along the edges of your roof and collect water from rain and melting snow. This water is then directed away from your home to prevent water damage and pooling. However, when eavestroughs become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can no longer effectively collect and redirect water. This can lead to water pooling on your roof and eventually seeping into your home, causing damage to your ceiling, walls, and foundation.

Another problem that clogged eavestroughs can cause is ice damming. As snow melts on your roof, the water flows into your eavestroughs and is directed away from your home. However, if the eavestroughs are clogged, the water has nowhere to go and can freeze at the edge of your roof. This forms an ice dam, which can trap additional snowmelt and cause it to back up onto your roof. This can result in damage to your shingles and roofing materials, as well as leaks and water damage inside your home.

To prevent these problems, it’s important to clean your eavestroughs before winter sets in. This will ensure that they are free of debris and can effectively collect and redirect water away from your home. You can clean your eavestroughs yourself, or hire a professional to do it for you.

If you decide to clean your eavestroughs yourself, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Make sure to use a sturdy ladder that is properly positioned and secured.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris.
  • Use a small shovel or trowel to scoop out leaves and other debris.
  • Use a hose to flush out the eavestroughs and check for any remaining debris.
  • If you have a lot of debris in your eavestroughs, you may want to use a tool specifically designed for cleaning gutters, such as a gutter scoop or gutter brush.

Once your eavestroughs are clean, you can take additional steps to prevent ice damming. For example, you can insulate your attic to keep it warm, which will prevent snow from melting on your roof in the first place. You can also install heat tape or heated cables along the edges of your roof to melt any snow and ice that does form.

In conclusion, cleaning your eavestroughs before winter is important to prevent water damage and ice damming. This simple task can save you a lot of headaches and potential costly repairs in the long run. Make sure to clean your eavestroughs regularly and take additional steps to prevent ice damming, such as insulating your attic and using heat tape on your roof. By taking these precautions, you can protect your home and enjoy a worry-free winter season.

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Can Eavestroughs Cause Rooftop Ice Dams?

Before we get started, what is an ice dam? Well, it is the frozen ice that forms the length of the eaves of a house during the winter season. When ice dams get bigger, they impede the free flow of melting snow and rain water from the roof. The resultant water accumulation then forms a small lake at the rooftop, and thereafter starts to seep underneath the concrete, cedar, asphalt tiles.

Tackling a continuing ice dam issue is both a costly, dangerous and frustrating task. This is because rooftop ice causes water leaks and roofing damage. Accumulated ice is quite dangerous for people that find themselves unlucky enough to be standing under the roof when iceberg calves off of the main rooftop glacier and falls to the ground.

This is one of the main reasons people are always tearing off eaves-troughs in disgust. They actually do so thinking that they are the cause of the entire problem. Unfortunately, removing an eavestrough in Mississauga due to ice accumulation does not eliminate the problem as dangerous quantities of ice will still build up. The real cause of rooftop ice accumulation goes deeper and costs the homeowner more to rectify.

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How do ice dams form?

Ice dams form when warm roof surfaces forces the snow at the rooftop to melt, even when outdoor temperature is to some extent below the freezing point. The source of the heat warming the roof’s surfaces comes from inside the house. However, the eaves of the roof are basically colder as they do not have a warm source of heat from underneath. As a result, when the melted warm water hits the cold eaves, it instantly freezes to form what is commonly referred to as ice ridges. The ridges continue to build up, ending up trapping and freezing water from the roof on its way down to the ground. This leads to the formation of ice dams. The trapped water above the ice dams then slowly starts to seep beneath the shingles.

What are the best ways to remove ice dams from your eaves?

• Having heated eaves

All buildings in the colder regions of the country have high-resistance electrical heating systems in form of cables are specifically made for melting ice dams along the eaves. These cables are designed to zigzag the length of the eaves. These cables are connected to a home’s electrical mains and can be either switched on or off manually or by a thermostat. These cables are quite easy to install, even easier than eave’s membrane, and do not look as conspicuous, particularly against a tile or cedar roof. The main disadvantage with this type of a roof-heating system is that it consumes a lot of electric power, leading to increased energy bills.

• Impervious eaves

One of the best ways to solve ice dam issues at your home is to fasten continuos sheet of metal, asphalt or rubber roofing material above the lowest eight or ten courses of singles the length of the eaves. To properly shed water, a water-resistant material must be tucked beneath the topmost course of the shingles, but slightly above it. Although this fix will not stop the formation of ice dams, it will stop standing melted water from finding it ways in-between courses of shingles. Unfortunately, the additional waterproof coating is hard to hide, meaning that it is not ideal where aesthetics are a consideration.

• The cold roof

While this is the definitive solution to ice dam issues, it is the hardest to accomplish. Keeping the roof’s surface cold uniformly is easier said than done. Properly insulating the attic, and at the same time increasing ventilation forms the foundation to this solution. Apart from significantly reducing your heating expenses, this also lengthens the lifespan of the shingles.

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What You Should Do Before Covering Old Fascia And Soffit with Aluminum

Prior to covering old fascia and soffit directly with aluminum or vinyl, it is recommended that a full inspection be carried out so as to uncover rot and other damages. The commonest defects found during this kind of an inspection are normally associated with neglect or poor maintenance. Once the inspection is carried out and problems not found, the old fascia and soffit then can directly be covered with new aluminum or vinyl. But before doing this, there are a number of things that have to be taken into consideration. These include:

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Determining if there is an existing rot in the wood

The best way to determine the presence of rot in wooden fascia and soffits is to use a sharp probe, screwdriver or awl. If your preferred tool penetrates the wood with little or no resistance, then this means that the wood is already rotten. Covering rotten wood with aluminum or vinyl is not a good idea as the rot will simply continue to spread. The new material unfortunately might end up expediting the process by limiting air circulation. As a result, this kind of a rot may eventually spread to the roof framing beneath, something that will end up causing a more costly revamp. If any decay is found, the affected boards must immediately be removed and the framing underneath examined to see if it is still sound.

How does the rot come about?

Soffit and fascia damage is basically caused by intrusive water. This causes the wood to slowly by slowly rot. Here is how it happens.

• Ideally when rain comes, your roof acts as a perfect system to direct rain water from the top of the roof to the ground, and all this without water into the house. How does this happen? The rains hits the roof, or shingles, then goes down the slope and into the gutters, and then through the downspout to the ground safely away from the house.

Unfortunately, some residue is left on the edge of the shingles which eventually drips down and get behind the gutter and the rest on the soffit. With passage of time, this causes the soffit and fascia to develop wood rot. Newer homes use a drip edge to protect this from happening. The drip edge acts as an excellent barrier that redirects the stray drips of water into the gutter. So, drip edges are one of the best ways to maintaining your home. However, these edges are often damaged or missing on older homes.

• Holes in the box gutters. Different from regular gutters in that the flashing leads directly into the gutter, they easily develop holes that eventually lead to wood damage.

Examining the ventilation

If the existing wood is in good shape, then it is safe to cover it with aluminum or vinyl material. The original soffits might have vents cut into the surface to provide fresh air to the attic. These form an integral part of ventilation of the attic. Most vinyl and aluminum soffit material has integral venting built into the design, and hence making sure that the material underneath has sufficient circulation is something of a paramount importance. This not only improves the conditions in the attic, but it also reduces the likelihood of rot in old soffits. In simple terms, it is not necessary to remove the old soffits as long as they are in good shape and proper allowance is made for air circulation and ventilation.

All in all, if you spot damage to your soffit and fascia in Toronto, make sure to have the rotted portion removed before covering it with either vinyl or aluminum. Removing the rotted section early enough can save you a lot of hassles and money in the long run.