Hi everyone,

I’ve been hearing a lot about eavestroughs but I’m not entirely sure what their purpose is. I understand they’re attached to the edges of the roof, but what exactly do they do?

Do they just guide rainwater away from the house, or do they have other functions too, like protecting the foundation or landscaping? Also, how do they affect things like gutters, downspouts, or even roof maintenance?

I’m considering installing or replacing mine and want to understand the practical benefits and potential issues before making a decision. 

Any insights would help!

Hi!

You’re on the right track. Eavestroughs, which are also commonly called gutters, primarily guide rainwater away from your roof and home. Understanding what eavestrough does can help you see why they are so important. By channeling water to downspouts, they help prevent water from pooling around your foundation, which can cause cracks, leaks, or even basement flooding. They also protect landscaping by keeping heavy runoff from washing away soil or damaging plants, and they prevent water from spilling directly off your roof, which can damage siding or create erosion.

Properly installed and maintained eavestroughs also reduce roof and fascia damage. Cleaning them regularly is important, since clogs can lead to overflows, leaks, or ice dams in winter.

In short, they protect your home, foundation, and landscaping while helping your roof last longer.