Have you ever wondered what all the different components of your eavestrough system are? Sure, there’s the actual eavestroughs that are there to catch all the rainwater and melted snow, but there are other parts of the system that help ensure a seamless transition between capturing precipitation and directing it away from your home.

That way, the exterior and interior of your home will be protected from the potential damage that water can cause if it is allowed to pool or seep into your home.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the key components to your home’s eavestrough system to make you a  more informed homeowner.

Troughs

The main component of this system is the actual trough itself, which serves as somewhat of a gulley that catches water from rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation. Rather than allowing the water to land anywhere around the perimeter of your home, the troughs will collect the water and deliver it along the system so that it eventually makes its way away from your home.

The troughs are affixed under the eaves, which refer to the roof edges that hang over the wall. The water collected in the troughs is then guided off the roof and away from the home’s foundation. As such, your home will be protected from water damage.

Downspouts

Another essential component to your eavestrough system is the downspouts. These components are attached to the troughs and run along the side of your home’s exterior walls towards the ground and are meant to take all that water that was collected by the troughs and direct it away from the foundation walls.

At ground level, the downspout will meet with a concrete block or well that enhances the job that the downspout is doing. It makes sure that the water is moved far enough away from your home to avoid any damage. Without the downspout, the water that the troughs catch will simply pool at the foot of your home’s exterior and make its way into the structure, causing major damage.

Hangers and Brackets

Hangers help to ensure that the eavestroughs stay closely attached to the roof, as do the brackets. By holding the eavestroughs firmly in place, the entire system is provided with plenty of structural support.

You can find brackets and hangers in a variety of colours, materials, and designs to match the rest of the system’s components as well as your home’s exterior.

Elbows

The eavestrough system’s elbows are designed to properly and effectively direct the flow of water at points when the eavestroughs turn a corner. Front elbows direct water to the front and back, and side elbows direct water from side to side.

Mitres

These components are positioned at the corners and junctions of the system so that water flow can be directed effectively. You can choose between hand-mitred corners, which are made by hand to custom fit the system. They’re not as noticeable and make a better fit. There are also prefabricated mitres that are ready-made. However, these tend to be more vulnerable to tearing and are more noticeable than hand-mitred corners.

Crimped Caps

Crimped caps help avoid the escape of water from the end of the eavestroughs. These components are more often seen with more modern eavestrough systems, in which they are caulked into place. Older systems, on the other hand, typically have end caps instead.

Seamers

Seamers join trough sections together, and are often referred to as “joining brackets.”

Having a general understanding of your eavestrough system and all the components that make it up is helpful as a homeowner. But if you are ever in need of repair or installation, it’s best that you call the experts in eavestroughs to ensure that the system is in good working condition at all times. Should your
eavestrough system ever be compromised, your home is at risk. In this case, be sure to call the professionals in eavestroughs at Tip Top Trough!