One of the essential parts of any structure that needs to be kept in good condition is the eaves trough (also spelled "eavestrough"). For those who are unfamiliar with the term, an eaves trough is the channel that diverts water (as in rain water) on the roof and diverts it to drip in another place. Besides making it impossible for water to collect on the roof and adding weight onto the house, it also usually diverts water away from the main posts and foundations, keeping the soil dry and strong. If an eavestrough is damaged, it could result in structural damage to the house over time.
To see if your eavestrough is leaking, make sure to observe it the next time it rains. A leak can be discovered by listening to the downspout for water flowing through it. Note that if there is no water flow, the eavestrough definitely has a leak - however, presence of water flow does not eliminate the possibility of a leak. Observe the entire length of the eaves trough and see if there is water dripping along it. Small leaks with slow drip rates are good news, as you can easily fix these by yourself with tips from experts at http://completeeavestroughs.ca/toronto-roofing.php.
When the skies clear up, you can climb the roof and look at the problem spots you spotted earlier. You can test for holes by pouring water, and remove any debris on the gutter while you do this. You can buy waterproofing or leak plugging cement from your local hardware, and they can easily be applied to any damage. The goal is to have it as flat as possible, so as not to obstruct water flow with any bumps or dips resulting from the repair.
If the holes are too large to reasonably cover with sealant, you'll need to try a different approach. It will usually entail some form of cutting out the hole (because it is rusty and brittle) and patching over the new hole with some sheet metal. To attach the patch, you need to make sure it is flush with the gutter and that the entire interface is covered by waterproof cement, or if you are capable, the patch can be welded on. If this seems like too much trouble to take on alone, don't hesitate to call for professional repair services.
Many businesses like Toronto Roofing Contractor have an online presence, so you can easily find someone who is qualified to repair your eaves trough. You can quickly compare different contractors to find one that fits your budget and needs. Lastly, get referrals from your friends who have had roofing repaired in the past, as they will have a recommendation on which are good companies, or at least let you know which ones should not be hired.
To see if your eavestrough is leaking, make sure to observe it the next time it rains. A leak can be discovered by listening to the downspout for water flowing through it. Note that if there is no water flow, the eavestrough definitely has a leak - however, presence of water flow does not eliminate the possibility of a leak. Observe the entire length of the eaves trough and see if there is water dripping along it. Small leaks with slow drip rates are good news, as you can easily fix these by yourself with tips from experts at http://completeeavestroughs.ca/toronto-roofing.php.
When the skies clear up, you can climb the roof and look at the problem spots you spotted earlier. You can test for holes by pouring water, and remove any debris on the gutter while you do this. You can buy waterproofing or leak plugging cement from your local hardware, and they can easily be applied to any damage. The goal is to have it as flat as possible, so as not to obstruct water flow with any bumps or dips resulting from the repair.
If the holes are too large to reasonably cover with sealant, you'll need to try a different approach. It will usually entail some form of cutting out the hole (because it is rusty and brittle) and patching over the new hole with some sheet metal. To attach the patch, you need to make sure it is flush with the gutter and that the entire interface is covered by waterproof cement, or if you are capable, the patch can be welded on. If this seems like too much trouble to take on alone, don't hesitate to call for professional repair services.
Many businesses like Toronto Roofing Contractor have an online presence, so you can easily find someone who is qualified to repair your eaves trough. You can quickly compare different contractors to find one that fits your budget and needs. Lastly, get referrals from your friends who have had roofing repaired in the past, as they will have a recommendation on which are good companies, or at least let you know which ones should not be hired.