Common Problems with Eavestroughs Downspouts
The correct size, position, length and number of downpipes on your house are critical factors in order to avoid numerous problems associated with improperly maintained eavestrough downspouts such as water seeping into house, causing ice sheets on walkways, overflowing, and pipes splitting during the winter. If you have water coming into the basement, in almost all cases it is because the downpipes and eaves are not set-up properly.
- Downspout repairs
- Bring above ground
- Re-route and redirect with extensions
- Repair of damaged pipes
- Addition and replacement of pipes
Before you spend thousands on waterproofing and other measures to protect the foundation of your home, have our professional technicians assess the cause. Read more about our services.
Downspout Disconnect Program
If you need your downspouts disconnected from Toronto’s water system as is now required by law,Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing is the company that can do it for you the way the city wants it done. The City of Toronto has recently passed a new law which requires all city residences to have their downspouts disconnected from the city’s drainage system. If your downspout goes directly into a pipe in the ground, it’s probably connected to the city’s drainage system, and must be disconnected.
Improperly planned and installed downspouts can cause serious damage to the foundation of a home. It is a job best left to a professional. Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing will send an inspector to your home to determine the best solution for your property, and provide you with a written quote. Our experts will ensure that the work is done neatly and properly.
Homeowner Tip – Save Money with a Rain Barrel
This program can actually save you money in the long run if you have us set you up with a rain barrel. If you collect your run-off water in a rain barrel, you can use the attached hose to water your lawn, wash your car, etc. This will save you money and the environment by using water wisely. We are here to help.
FAQs Regarding Toronto’s Mandatory Downspout Disconnection
Q:Why is the city doing this?
A:In short, to protect both the environment and your home. When hundreds of thousands of homes have their downspouts connected to the city’s water system, heavy rains can cause an overload on the system. As a result, backups can cause raw sewage to be pumped into our lakes and rivers. Serious rainstorms have even resulted in sewage backing up to people’s homes. This is a necessary move by the city to protect our homes from flooding water.
Q: How soon do I need to have this done?
A: Your downspout disconnection should have already been completed. We recommend acting quickly since there is a shortage of qualified professionals available to do this work. Fines can be issued for non-compliance.
QHow does disconnecting my downspout help prevent basement flooding?
A: Disconnecting your downspout from the sewer system will help reduce the amount of stormwater that is sent through the combined sewers. Less stormwater in the system will help prevent wastewater from backing up through sewer pipes where it can escape through the floor and into your basement, causing massive flooding.
Get your downspouts disconnected and other essential repairs done with Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing. Book now and save significant money in the long run.
Leaking Corners
Leaking corners is a common problem found by Toronto customers. Our professionals can reseal corners that will last as long as a new one – which is approximately 15-20 years. In these tough economic times, Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing can save you thousands by resealing rather than replacing. Many dishonest contractors looking for higher profit margins will tell you there is no solution to leaky corners other than a complete replacement. They also may not know how to do the repair, which requires a skilled technician
Leaking Eaves Can Be Fixed
You can count on Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing to correctly seal a corner or seam. Many contractors will simply put caulking over the existing dirt and old caulking. This will cause you to waste money on an inadequate repair that won’t stand the test of time. Instead, let a professional from Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing look at your problem. Leaking eaves can be fixed! We have fixed numerous leaking corners and seams while saving our Toronto customers a lot of money.
A correct repair first involves an inspection.Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing will determine if water is constantly standing still in the corner or if the water can be moved away by realigning the eavestrough of adding a downspout. Corners can even be replaced and custom made to fit. We take the following steps to ensure your corner will not leak:
- Remove old caulking and clean off dirt and grime build up
- Lightly sand corner to allow caulking to adhere and then dry
- Apply top quality sealant to the edges to grip the metal when installing new eaves
The team at Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing always goes the extra mile for our GTA customers by testing new joints with water. Our professionals can save you a lot of money with time-tested experience. Read more about our services.
Drip Edges and Flashings
The professionals at Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing have extensive knowledge on how eavestroughs and downpipes work together with roofs to protect a house from water damage. Shingles shed the water into the eavestroughs, where the water is moved to the downpipe and away from your home. An important aspect of this system is the drip edge, an L-shaped flashing installed under the last row of shingles and over the back of the eavestrough.
Protect Exposed Fascia Boards
Drip edges are important as they protect exposed fascia boards and improve the roofline’s appearance by covering visible wood with colour-coordinated flashing. The flashing keeps the shingle edges from excessive curling and directs water from the roof into the eavestroughs.
Find Professional Drip Edge Installations
Over the past 40 years of serving the GTA, Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing has found that shingles are sometimes installed without enough overhang at the edges. We also find that the eavestrough becomes loose and pulls away from your house. When this happens, water gets behind your eavestrough and rots the fascia and soffit boards before traveling into the house. Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing can solve this problem and save you money with a properly sized and installed drip edge. Read more about what we can do.
Ice Dams
When melted snow freezes and builds up at the edge of a roof, ice dams can occur. Water is blocked from flowing to the ground and builds up. Eventually the water runs into the house which can cause major damage to the interior. If your home is not properly insulated and ventilated, it can also cause ice dams. Heat from the house rises to the attic, melting the snow on the roof which causes water to trickle down to the overhang. The overhang remains cold as it is not directly above the house and the water then freezes, which forms a dam. When this happens, any water that may start to melt will then build up behind this dam forcing the water and ice to go under the shingles.
Protect Your Eavestroughs
Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing knows that it’s imperative to protect your eaves and we suggest installing leaf guards and have your attic properly insulated and ventilated. De-icing cables are also sometimes necessary. These electrically-heated cables are installed on the roof edge or where ice is likely to form. Despite their name, they don’t melt all the ice off but provide a channel for the melted water to flow properly to your eavestroughs and down to the ground. It is important to have your downspouts directed correctly to prevent water from entering your house.
Trust the Experience of Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing
Due to the delicate circumstances of electrical heat and water and the potential for fires, the experts at Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing have been properly trained to correctly install and maintain de-icing cables. Professional installations will save you money from costly damages resulting from inexperienced workmanship
Leaky, Dirty Eaves Lead to Ice Build Up
Clean eaves are less likely to develop ice dams. If eaves are leaky or seams are left broken, dampness can occur, which leads to blistered paint and the rotting of siding material – all of which contribute to the development of ice build up. Keep the eaves clean and seal all leaks with the help of Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing. We will help make sure the downpipes are large enough and the eaves are in good alignment. This will help a great deal in preventing ice dams. See how we can add value to your home.
Important Information About Ice Accumulation
Alu-Rex has worked for several years to develop high-quality products with its main objective to fully satisfy the expectations of its customers. Alu-Rex products have been developed to protect your eavestroughs and the guarantees we offer reflect the confidence we have in the performance of our product lines Gutter Clean System® and T-Rex™. If you’re surprised to see icicles appear on your eavestroughs, you will probably find the following information very pertinent.
Why is There Ice on My Eavestrough?
Alu-Rex products do not cause, but do not prevent ice formation. The accumulation of ice on a roof is rather due to a problem of ventilation or insulation. Because of heat loss, the snow melts and freezes into ice when it hits the cold eaves. For more information on attic ventilation and advice to help you detect, prevent and remove ice dams on your roof, please visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
EAVESTROUGH WITHOUT ALU-REX’S LEAFGUARD PRODUCTS
Without Alu-Rex’s product, ice generally forms in the eavestrough to fill it up until the icicles appear on the front. The accumulation of ice inside the eavestrough can cause irreparable damage to your residence due to the expansion created by freezing and thawing. The eavestrough may warp and nails or screws will then get loose. Such a situation will give direct opening to water infiltration. In addition, the ice accumulated in the eavestrough will eventually clog it and therefore water will not drain. This is another situation that can lead to water infiltration.
EAVESTROUGH WITH ALU-REX’S LEAFGUARD PRODUCTS
With Alu-Rex’s leafguard products, ice and snow accumulated on top of the product will drain directly in the eavestrough when melting or when it rains. It is therefore preferable to have ice on the product rather than inside your eavestrough. The eavestrough will be spared from the expansion created by the freezing and thawing and will not be distorted.
Tips
Alu-Rex does not necessarily recommend electrical de-icing cables as they mask the problem of ventilation or roof insulation issues . However, leafguards can be combined with de-icing cables We believe you should rather try to fix your roof problems. Learn more or consult a professional for more details or advice..
Armstrong & Nelson Eavestroughing is a certified Alu-Rex installer for ALU-REX leafguard products – Gutter Clean and T-rex. We have been specially trained by them to install the products correctly.