There are several options if you’re considering a new eavestrough system for your home. You’d be forgiven for not knowing much about your eavestrough system and knowing just how many options there are on the market.
There are several eavestrough systems, each made from different materials. Many homeowners don’t care about the material they’re made from so long as the guttering and downpipes do their job. So, what exactly are Eavestrough systems, and what are they made from? Read on to find out.
What Do Eavestrough Systems Do?
All buildings have eavestrough systems. Their role is to collect rainfall or thawed snow runoff from the roof, diverting it away from the outside of your home and surrounding property and allowing it to drain correctly away from your house and landscape.
If your building fails to direct rainwater away from the foundations and building exterior, it could lead to severe damage and expensive repairs.
In addition to providing this functionality to your home, eavestrough systems also add to the overall image of a house by giving the roof eaves a complete finish.
Not all eaves are the same, though. There are two main designs, with systems usually made from one of six materials.
Types of Eavestrough Systems
There are two primary types of eavestrough systems. K-style and half-round. The key features of K-Style eavestroughs are:
- Flat bottoms and backs. These are usually used on modern and newer homes
- Usually front-facing, consisting of decorative shapes similar to crown molding
Meanwhile, the key features of the half-round eavestrough are:
- A round or semi-circular shape, popular in historic and older buildings
- Usually made of metal
- Lower capacity than K-style guttering
Eavestrough Materials
When looking at options for the composition of eavestrough systems, you have several options. The most common materials used are:
Aluminum
Aluminum is now the most commonly used material in eavestrough manufacturing. Lightweight, easy to mold and install, Aluminum is a rust-resistant metal in several colours. In addition, Aluminum is a durable material that can last for 20 years when used for guttering and even longer for downpiping.
Copper
Copper is another common material used in manufacturing eavestroughs. Although heavier and less versatile than aluminum, copper is not rough and is long-lasting. However, copper cannot be painted and is prone to tarnishing, which can turn it green. In addition, copper takes longer to install as it needs to be welded, unlike lighter metals like aluminum, which are easy to install.
Seamless Aluminium
Seamless aluminum is a continuous aluminum eavestrough without joints and seams. Usually made on-site, seamless aluminum reduces the chances of leaks due to the lack of joints and hinges. Although more expensive than standard aluminum eavestroughs, seamless aluminium’s benefits can outweigh the extra cost.
Steel
Steel is a common eavestrough material. Although heavy, it is one of the most durable and strongest metals in eavestrough manufacturing. Unlike other materials, like aluminum and copper, steel is prone to rust, putting its longevity into question and making it costly to install. However, steel can be painted in several colours, helping provide buildings with a striking finish.
Zinc
Zinc is a long-lasting, durable material that is both rust-resistant and doesn’t need to be painted. However, installation is trickier than aluminum as each joint and seam has to be welded to ensure they don’t leak.
Vinyl
Vinyl is the most affordable material used in eavestrough manufacturing. It is also incredibly lightweight and simple to install, while it is 100% rust-resistant as a non-metal. However, colour options are limited, and vinyl is less durable than metal options, particularly in icy weather conditions.
How to Choose the Right Eavestrough for Your Home
Eavestroughs are a visible part of your home, so choosing the right one to complement the aesthetic of your house is essential.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the perfect eavestrough if undertaking a renovation or system replacement:
Choose the correct material for your needs. Aluminium, copper, steel, zinc, and vinyl are available.
Consider the aesthetic of your chosen eavestrough. Does it complement the exterior of your house and enhance its overall appeal?
Regardless of materials, all eavestroughs require regular maintenance and upkeep to maintain their usefulness. If you’re struggling to find the right eavestroughs for your home, seek the assistance of a professional installation expert like Trades by Jack, the official dealer of LeafGuard eavestroughs.
Eavestrough Installation
The ease of your eavestrough installation depends on the material you choose. Aluminum and vinyl are easy to work with, making them ideal for brave DIYers. However, in most cases, it’s best to leave the installation to professionals.
Several factors should be considered before and during the installation process. These include:
- The size and pitch of your roof
- The incline and slope of the guttering
- The condition of the house’s fascia boarding
- Gutter capacity (this depends on the gutter’s dimensions
- Safety
Proper installation of your eavestrough system is essential to its optimal performance. Professional installers are ideal for this as they understand the different types of materials and what’s required to install them effectively.
Eavestrough Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your new eavestrough in prime working order once it has been safely installed. While some maintenance and checks can be undertaken by yourself, it’s always a good idea to have it checked and maintained regularly by roofing professionals.
Things to do to maintain the working order of your eavestrough system include:
- Regular inspections and repairs
- Regular gutter cleaning
- Installation of leaf guards to ensure your gutters and downpipes remain free from blockages caused by fallen leaves and other debris.
The longevity and performance of your eavestrough system rely on many factors, some of which may be out of your control. However, you can play your part by ensuring the system is regularly cleaned and maintained. Failure to do this could lead to problems going undetected, particularly in areas with a changeable and harsh climate, leading to potentially expensive damage in the long term.
Choosing and installing the right eavestrough system can give your house a beautiful finishing flourish that’s both eye-catching and highly functional. If you want to find out more about which eavestrough system is right for you, contact the experts at Easy Roofing, roofing company in Mississauga today.
