Spring Weather Concerns: What Homeowners Need to Know About Eavestroughs

As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, spring brings a welcome change for Ontarians — longer days, warmer weather, and blooming landscapes. Unfortunately, the beauty of the season comes a set of challenges for homeowners — particularly when it comes to maintaining your eavestroughs. Spring weather can put significant stress on your home’s drainage system, and neglecting it can lead to costly damage. Here are four things you need to watch for to stay ahead of the problems that spring weather can bring:

1. Debris Build-up from Winter

Over the winter months, snow and ice can compact twigs, leaves, and other debris in your eavestroughs, creating stubborn blockages that spring rain simply can't wash away. This can cause your eaves to overflow and water to pool around the foundation of your home, potentially causing damage to the foundation, siding, landscaping, and other aspects of your home. Early spring is the perfect time to clear out and flush your gutters to ensure proper drainage. It can be a dirty job, but one that we at Knowles Eaves are happy to do!

2. Heavy Rainfall

The saying is true: April showers bring May flowers. Here in Southern Ontario, our spring showers are no joke, and sudden downpours can overwhelm a compromised eavestrough system. If your gutters aren’t functioning properly water can begin to pool around your home, and it is vital that your downspouts are directing water at least a few feet away from your foundation. Consider installing extensions if needed (which we can provide, of course!)

3. Damage from Ice and Snow

Winter ice build-up can loosen fasteners, bend sections, or even pull eavestroughs right off the roofline. Early spring can also bring fluctuating temperatures which can cause expansion and contraction in your eavestroughs. Each spring, be sure to inspect your eaves for sagging sections, cracks, or loose brackets. More importantly, don't forget to call Knowles Eaves to replace or repair damaged parts promptly to maintain system integrity.

4. Pest Activity

As temperatures rise, birds, squirrels, and other pests may see your eavestroughs as a convenient nesting spot. Unfortunately, these nests and other organic material can quickly block water flow and accelerate deterioration in your gutters. If this is a problem in your home, we can install products such as Alu-Rex, which serves as a leaf guard to keep pests and debris out while still allowing water to pass through.

After a long winter, spring is a critical time to assess the condition of your eavestroughs. A little preventative maintenance now can save you from major repairs down the road. By staying proactive you can ensure your home is ready to handle whatever weather mother nature brings. If you’re unsure about the condition of your eavestrough, call us today and we will be happy to provide you with a free quote for our services.