Many
options are available to choose from when it comes to the type of
Eavestroughs to be installed. The most common materials used include
vinyl, copper, lead, aluminium, steel, and to a lesser extent, wood. Each
of these materials has its unique advantages and disadvantages. In the
case of vinyl, it is usually easier to install than metal, and costs
considerably less. It also comes in virtually any colour you can desire
as it is easily paintable. However, it lacks the longevity that comes
with most metal gutters. Metal gutters tend to be more weather
resistant, and therefore require less service and maintenance.
When
installing an Eavestroughs, it is essential to give the channel a slight
tilt to allow the water to automatically move in the direction of the
downspout, at a slope of 1 inch per 40 feet of gutter. The highest point
of the Eavestroughs must be at the opposite end of the downspout to
force the water to flow downward and away from the house. As the
accumulated water is being emptied out of the gutter, it simultaneously
cleans out the Eavestroughs of any debris and leaves. You can avoid
clogging in the downspouts by inserting strainers at each opening, or
installing a proprietary "Leafguard System". Splash blocks beneath each
downspout are required to divert the water away from the house's
foundation.
Even
with the best Eavestroughs systems, you should still expect to service
your gutters at least twice a year. Over time, leaves, dirt, and other
foreign matter build up inside your gutters and can lead to blockages
that render your Eavestroughs ineffective. Regularly cleaning your
gutters is the best way to keep your gutters running smoothly and
prolong their lifespan.
Amongst the metals,
copper
is the most aesthetically appealing due to its beautiful, rustic,
reddish colour. However, keep in mind that unless the copper is
clear coated with a varnish, it will eventually turn green over time due
to oxidization if exposed to air and moisture. One downside to copper
compared to vinyl or aluminium is its high cost. It may seem like a hefty
price to pay at the time of installation, but over time, copper may be a
more cost effective option due to its high quality and durability.
Basement
Flooding Protection
What is the problem?
Sewer and surface drainage systems are designed to handle a certain
intensity of storms. It is not practical to design sewer systems to
handle all possible types of storms. Depending on the amount of rainfall
and how fast it falls, the sewer and surface drainage systems can be
overwhelmed in any area of the city resulting in the risk of basement
flooding.
Sewer systems in the City of Toronto, for example, consist of both
public and private drainage systems that work together to move sanitary
flow (sewage and wastewater from toilets, sinks and laundry, etc.) and
storm water (rainfall and snowmelt) safely away from homes and streets.
The public system is owned and operated by the Municipality. The private
system is the responsibility of the property owner. Both the City and
the property owner need to take actions to reduce the risk of basement
flooding.
What is the city doing to
reduce the risk of flooding?
The City of Toronto has taken steps to prevent the overloading of the
sewers that cause surface and/or basement flooding. Some of these
initiatives have also improved storm water quality. Actions taken to
date include:
Storm water detention ponds
Constructed wetlands, these initiatives keep storm water out of the
sewers and use natural systems to remove pollutants, which leads to a
higher quality of storm water ultimately being released into Lake
Ontario.
Downspout disconnection program
and public education.
Water-efficiency programs to reduce wastewater volumes.
Improvements to local sewer systems.
Poorly maintained gutters and drains can cause serious problems. Without
regular inspection and cleaning, blockages in modern drainage systems
can have severe effects on the system's performance, resulting in damage
to buildings, basement leaks, brick repair, insurance and ultimately
your house.
It is extensively recognized that buildings are a valuable asset, which
must be maintained in order for them to retain their value. Moreover
there are also basic statutory requirements that buildings should be
kept safe for their occupants and passers-by.
Areas such as eaves-trough and downpipes are often overlooked, or
ignored until there is a serious problem. Money can be saved, if annual
maintenance checks are done. Regular checks and maintenance of all
aspects of a building's drainage systems, provide the best way to
protect the value and character of any building, old or new.
Stay on top of your eaves-trough cleaning, we recommend cleaning
Eavestroughs twice a year.
SAGGING EAVESTROUGHS:
will prevent water from draining away properly. Either raise the sagging
section or lower the mouth of the downspout to line up the system. Care
is needed when you raise or lower the eaves-trough because sealed joints
(such as on galvanized steel) can break if moved too much. Choose the
option that will move the eaves-trough the least.
PINHOLE LEAKS:
in the Eavestroughs or leaks at the connections can be repaired by
using silicone caulking compound. Eavestroughs patching kits can be used
for large leaks but patching is only a temporary solution. Replacing the
leaky Eavestroughs is the better solution.
Eavestroughs Cleaning
It is very important to up keep your home especially cleaning your
Eavestroughs 1 to 2 times per year. Drainage issues are the #1 cause of
basements from leaking. Not properly routing your downspouts away from
your house can cause serious damage and unwanted costs of waterproofing
your basement. In the event of this unfortunate situation and your
basement does leak give us a call when your basement is waterproofed and
we will properly route your downspouts to the most appropriate location
Install Strong Durable Gutters To Protect Your Home
Properly installed gutters are absolutely vital to the protection of
your property. In order to ensure that water is effectively removed away
from your home, make sure to use durable and reliable gutters, as they
are an essential part in your outdoor drainage system.
Gutters will prevent water from dripping down the sides of a building,
which could cause damaging mould and mildew. Water can crack windows and
also potentially crack the foundation of a home. If water enters even
the smallest of cracks, it can freeze, causing cracks to expand even
more. Serious foundation damage is very expensive and can also be
extremely hazardous to people within a building. By installing gutters
you can also prevent the possibility of basement or landscape flooding.
When it comes to selecting the best material for gutters, there are
many factors to consider. Master Metal Men provides a large selection of
materials and can install the strongest
gutters available in Toronto and the GTA. In both
aluminum and copper,
we will not only will install your gutters, we also
provide professional and efficient
Eavestroughs and gutter cleaning services.
When
selecting the material for your gutters, it is important to consider the
benefits of both aluminum and copper. Aluminum is a less expensive
material and will not rust. The installation process is not
time-consuming and aluminum is a lightweight material that is available
in a variety of colors. If looking to coordinate your gutters with the
exterior siding
of your building, aluminum offers a variety of color
options. Aluminum is also durable and can hold up against the harsh
Canadian climate.
While aluminum is a strong material, it is not nearly as strong as
copper. Copper is the most durable material available for a guttering
system. Although it is slightly more expensive then aluminum, it has a
life span of up to 100 years and will not need to be replaced anytime
soon after installation. Copper contains elements such as algaecide and
fungicide, which will naturally decompose moss, leaves and other debris
that can cause gutter blockages. It will not rust and corrode and
provides an elegant appearance to any building. When copper is first
installed, it gives off a shiny bronze coloring and gradually matures
into a beautiful green patina. Copper will withstand the elements better
then any other material. It is also a sustainable material. Therefore,
by selecting copper, you are going with an eco-friendly option.
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