Understanding the Role of Eavestroughs in Home Protection
Eavestroughs, or gutters, are a vital component of your home’s exterior drainage system. Their primary job is to collect rainwater and snowmelt from your roof and direct it safely away from the foundation and landscaping. A reliable eavestrough system is essential to your home’s long-term health in Ottawa, where freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snowfall, and intense rainfall are standard.
What Happens When Gutters Fail?
Without functioning gutters, water runoff can wreak havoc on the following:
- Soil Erosion: Water falling near the foundation can wash away soil, undermine support, and expose basement walls.
Basement Flooding: Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of basement leaks in Ottawa homes.
- Mould and Mildew Growth: Moisture seepage creates an ideal environment for mould, impacting indoor air quality.
- Soffit and Fascia Damage: Overflowing water can rot wood elements under the roofline.
- Ice Dams: Improper drainage can lead to ice accumulation, which damages roofs and causes interior leaks.
That’s why routine maintenance, proper installation, and the use of weather-resistant materials are critical for effective water management.