What Is an Eavestrough?

An eavestrough is a channel installed around many roofing systems which diverts precipitation down and away from a roof. An eavestrough can be made from a variety of different materials. The main purpose of an eavestrough is to stop water from getting into the materials in a home and weakening their structural integrity.

Materials

An eavestrough will commonly be made from either a form of metal or plastic. Metals are beneficial because they are more durable and will resist varying weather conditions more greatly. Plastic is preferably because of its ease of use and cheap price. A plastic eavestrough will also be much easier to replace and adapt than a metallic version.

How it Works

An eavestrough will be installed with a downspout. This will divert water downwards and push it towards the corner of a building. It will flow down a large pipe and either be ejected into a drain or collected in a large plastic barrel.

Troubleshooting

It's important you troubleshoot the eavestrough regularly to make sure it is working. Check for build ups of dirt and debris, which can prevent water flow and stop the effectiveness of the eavestrough. Clean the eavestrough every one or two weeks to stop weeds and plants from growing on the surface of the material.