Spring Eavestrough Check: What Winter Leaves Behind
A Toronto winter puts more weight on your eavestroughs than any other season. Snow loads, ice dams and dozens of freeze-thaw cycles all pull on the hangers and open up the seams. A quick check in spring catches the damage before the summer storms.
What to look for
- Sagging runs. Ice is heavy. Look along the roofline for any section that dips or has pulled away from the fascia.
- Split seams and corners. Water that froze in the joints often pushes them apart. Watch for drips during the first spring rain.
- Crushed downspouts. Snow sliding off the roof and shovels near the house are common causes.
- Shingle grit in the trough. Sandy granules wash down from the roof all winter and settle at the outlets.
- Maple keys and blossoms. In May they fill the trough quickly, so time the spring cleaning for after they fall.
What to fix first
Start with anything that sends water toward the foundation: a blocked downspout, a missing extension or a sagging run that overflows. Leaking seams come next. Cosmetic issues such as stains can wait.
Plan two cleanings a year
Most homes in the GTA do well with a cleaning in late spring and another in late fall. Homes under big trees may need a third in summer. Book a free quote and we will suggest a schedule for your house.
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