Ignoring your eavestrough can result in a bigger problem later on. In particular, this can cause costly foundation problems and other damage to your home. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, your eavestroughs should be inspected to ensure they're working correctly. If you're not sure what to look for, below are some signs it's time to replace your eavestrough system.

Eavestrough sags/is separating from the home

If your eavestrough looks like this, it's time for a replacement. Your eavestrough collects rainwater from your roof and carries it to the downpipe. If it's sagging or pulling away from the fascia board, water will collect in the middle, eventually overflowing or ripping off your home, causing damage.

The causes of this happening could be the spike and ferrule system, too small of an eavestrough on your home, or ice/snow damage in the winter.

Rusting/holes

If your eavestrough is very old, it's likely to have some rust on it. It could eventually eat away at the aluminum and create a hole, causing a water leak. If you notice rusting, it's a sign that your eavestrough may not last much longer, and it's better to replace it sooner rather than later.

Leaking

The more joints and seams in an eavestrough, the more likely it leaks. Over time, caulking around seams may deteriorate, leading to leaks. It could be due to several small eavestrough pieces joined together or multiple corner seams. Opt for a seamless eavestrough, creating only one seam at every corner.

Inadequate drainage

When it rains, do you notice that your eavestrough is overflowing or that water drains slowly? It could be due to poor drainage or a blockage in the eavestrough or the downpipe. Poor drainage could be due to a low slope or improper downpipe placement. It's critical to clean your eavestrough twice a year to prevent blockages and maintain water flow.

When the water isn't draining away from the home as it should, it pools in the ground around the foundation. That could eventually cause cracks in the foundation from a freezing and thawing cycle, leading to structural damage to the home, which would be costly.

You can eliminate this issue by replacing it now, and choosing high-quality eavestrough and hangers from BMI and hiring a qualified contractor to complete the job.