One fall chore you don’t want to leaf around for last is clearing your eavestroughs. SGI adds that tardiness ahead of winter could leave you feeling gutted.
The Saskatchewan government insurer says the eavestroughs have an important job in ensuring that water drains properly off the roof and away from your home.
It advises cleaning the eaves and downspouts as:
- Water pooling around your home’s foundation can cause soil erosion and even crack the edges of your foundation
- If fall leaves and other debris freeze, it can lead to ice damming. The row of icicles that result from a clogged trough might look postcard-pretty, it’s a sign that water is being pushed up and under your shingles.
SGI adds that if you are uncomfortable with a ladder, hire someone to do the job.
Clear the troughs by removing leaves and twigs by hand and scoop compacted debris out with a garden trowel. Flush the gutter out with water from a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle, starting at the end farthest away from your downspout.
Other tips include:
- Ensure that your home’s downspouts extend well away from your foundation – ideally 8 to 10 feet
- Consider installing gutter guards/screens to keep debris from getting into your eavestroughs in the first place. Remember that gutter guards don’t prevent ice damming, and if they’re made of metal, they should be removed before winter, so they don’t freeze.
- Check the eavestroughs for cracks or splitting, paint damage or rust, pools of standing water, mildew, and any sagging or pulling away from the wall. Either replace the pieces or fill the cracks with silicone.
