A Real Drip: Your Guide to Gutters and Drainage Systems

Before we get to the summer heat, we have to get through the rainy season. Asheavy water flows through your eavestroughs and downspout, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are protecting your home by making sure water is diverted away from your foundation. Maintaining, repairing, and replacing your drainage system should be at the top of homeowners’ to-do lists this spring and here’s why.

When should you have your gutters and downspouts inspected and cleaned? 

Gutters should point at least two to three feet (60 cm to 90 cm) away from your home, so water doesn’t pool there, says Ryan Fahie, owner of Northern Seamless Gutters in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Because heavy snow and ice can push eavestroughs out of position, Fahie recommends twice yearly inspections and cleanings, during spring and fall.

“Having damaged gutters or no gutters at all can cause fascia rot and damage to shingles and the flashing around the roof, leading to leaks, mould and mildew on siding, windows and inside your home,” says Fahie. “Once pooling water gets into your home’s foundation, it can cause cracks or leaks into your basement. Retaining walls, walkways, decks and driveways can be also compromised by excess water pooling, especially during freeze and thaw cycles.”

If you do notice damage to your foundation, be sure to reach out to a qualified foundation repair specialist who can help assess the best path forward. For issues regarding your drainage system itself, a guttery company should be called in for an inspection. They’ll be able to tell you if the issue requires roofing professionals to get involve to repair any damage.

How can you tell if your gutters need replacing?

Several warning signs indicate it’s time for new eavestroughs, notes Fahie.

“Leaking seams and corners are a big one, and probably the most noticeable,” he says. 

Look for loose screws or nails or deformed gutters. Check if the gutter is sagging or pulling away from the fascia board and you can see a gap underneath, adds Fahie. You might also notice water stains on the underside of the gutter or even on the fascia board.

“Gutters have a very similar lifespan to a roof—about 20 to 25 years—so if you’re thinking about getting your roof replaced, it’s probably also time to upgrade your gutters,” he suggests.

What’s new in drainage systems?

“Gutters have come a long way in recent years, and we now have continuous hanging systems that double as leaf protection,” says Fahie.   

Instead of having a fastener every 45 cm to 60 cm, a continuous hanging system supports the gutter the entire way down, making the system a lot stronger with the added benefit of keeping leaves and debris out of the gutter. 

“It also protects the caulking from any UV rays so the gutter system will last longer. When there are large seams in the corners, that contributes to the breakdown of the caulking,” adds Fahie.

Even gutter styles have changed. Traditional ‘k’-style gutters are common, but many companies also offer half-round gutters or box gutters for a more contemporary look, he says. There are also seamless systems now for long runs of gutters.

Does where you live impact how well your drainage system will work?

In areas of the country that get lots of snow, freezing rain, or many freeze-and-thaw cycles, the weather can put a lot of stress on your gutters, notes Fahie. 

For properties with lots of trees, it’s smart to get a leaf guard added to your gutters because it only takes one leaf or branch to block your downspout and disrupt the entire gutter system.  

“If you have a continuous hanging system, that doubles as a leaf guard to keep leaves and the debris out of your gutter system while still allowing water to get in and flow down the downspout,” explains Fahie.

What materials make the best eavestroughs?

Most gutters are made of aluminium because it’s resilient, rust-resistant, and cost-effective, explains Fahie. Some companies recommend installing a sloped splash block that further protects your home, but Fahie prefers adding a 60 cm to 90 cm extension at the bottom of the downspout using a flip-up hinge joint.

 “This way, the downspout can flip up and down if you’re doing any landscaping, or if it’s in a high-traffic area,” he explains. 

Fahie is seeing more customers in Nova Scotia—which has experienced intense storms in recent years—opting for larger gutters.  

“The traditional gutter size is five inches (12.7 cm), but more people want the six-inch one. The extra inch adds a big difference. It’s made of stronger aluminium, can carry 40% more water and doesn’t clog as easily,” says Fahie. 

Prices vary widely depending on where you live and the size of the gutters, but Fahie says a basic system ranges from $800 to $1,200. Six-inch gutters can cost 60% more.

Your gutter system is an important part of your home’s overall structure. A well-maintained eavestrough will last longer than one that’s been neglected. Plus, if you’re looking to sell your home, an updated and effective drainage system can be a huge pro for potential buyers! 

SOURCE: A Real Drip: Your Guide to Gutters and Drainage Systems