Understanding and Fixing Leaking Eavestroughs in Winter: A Guide for Edmonton Homeowners
Winter in Edmonton and the surrounding area brings months of freezing temperatures, with snow and ice dominating the landscape. While beautiful, this harsh climate can take a toll on your home’s exterior—and your eavestroughs are no exception. Leaking eavestroughs are a common issue during the winter, but with the right solutions, you can protect your home and avoid costly repairs.
Why Do Leaky Eavestroughs Occur in the Winter?
When temperatures hover below freezing for five months of the year, water management becomes a challenge for many homeowners. The primary causes of winter eavestrough leaks in Edmonton include:
Standing Water: Poorly graded eavestroughs fail to channel water effectively, leading to standing water. When temperatures drop, this water freezes and expands, potentially causing cracks or separating seams in the eavestrough.
Ice Dams: Melting snow from your roof refreezes at the edges, blocking proper water flow. This creates pressure and often forces water into areas where it doesn’t belong.
Wear and Tear: Over time, the constant freezing and thawing cycles weaken seals and joints in eavestroughs, making them prone to leaks.
Options for a Temporary Fix: Leaky Eavestrough in Mid-Winter
If you notice leaking eavestroughs in the middle of winter, there are temporary fixes available. Fixing eavestrough leaks temporarily can provide short-term relief until a more permanent solution is implemented:
Sealants: Applying a cold-weather sealant to cracks and seams can help reduce leaks. While this provides a quick fix, it’s important to note that sealants are only a stopgap measure—they won’t address the root cause of the problem.
Clearing Ice and Debris: Removing ice dams and debris buildup can improve water flow and reduce pressure on your eavestroughs. Be cautious when performing this task to avoid damaging the gutters or risking personal injury.
How to Fix a Leaky Eavestrough for the Long Term: Proper Eavestrough Replacement
While fixing leaky eavestroughs may get you through the winter, the ultimate solution is a full replacement with a properly designed system. Here’s what a reliable, long-term fix looks like:
5” Continuous Eavestroughs: Unlike traditional sectional gutters, 5” continuous eavestroughs eliminate seams that are prone to leaks. This design ensures a more durable and leak-resistant system.
Proper Grading: A properly graded eavestrough directs water flow efficiently, preventing standing water from accumulating. This reduces the risk of leaks and minimizes ice formation in the winter.
Strategic Downspout Placement: Properly placed downspouts are crucial for directing water away from your home’s foundation. This prevents not only gutter leaks but also water damage to your property.
Benefits of Professional Eavestrough Replacement
While eavestrough replacement costs are higher than a quick fix, a professionally installed eavestrough system provides numerous benefits:
Reduced Maintenance: With a seamless design and proper grading, your eavestroughs will require less upkeep.
Enhanced Durability: Continuous eavestroughs are designed to withstand Edmonton’s extreme weather conditions.
Improved Home Protection: Efficient water management prevents leaks, ice dams, and foundation damage.
Aesthetic Appeal: New eavestroughs add a clean and polished look to your home’s exterior.
Why Choose Weatherproof Roofing Inc.?
At Weatherproof Roofing Inc., we understand the unique challenges of Edmonton winters. Our team specializes in providing high-quality eavestrough replacement services tailored to your home’s needs. From initial assessment to installation, we ensure that your eavestroughs are built to last and perform flawlessly year-round.
Don’t let leaking eavestroughs compromise your home’s integrity this winter. Contact Weatherproof Roofing Inc. today to schedule a consultation, find out about the average cost to replace eavestroughs, and take the first step toward a leak-free, worry-free home.
Protect Your Home with Weatherproof Roofing Inc.
Whether you’re dealing with leaks or looking to upgrade your eavestrough system, our team is here to help. Let us provide you with a solution that stands up to Edmonton’s toughest winters. Call us today to learn more and experience the Weatherproof Roofing difference!