Winter is coming to an end, and the snow on your home’s roof will start melting soon. It is vital to direct the water to the ground properly, eliminating any damage to the structural integrity of your home.

For the same reason, you need fully functioning eavestroughs that are well maintained, without any leaks or tears. This mechanism is crucial as it saves a lot of nuisance that can be caused by the melting snow. 

The first thing to do is look for any signs of wear and tear on the eavestroughs. The signs include visible gaps or leaks, waterlogging, overflowing, sagging panels, corrosion, etc. If you spot any of these signs, you require new eavestroughs.

But there are many types of eavestroughs, which one is perfect for you? We, at MCM Homes, have come up with this article to help you decide which style and material suits you best. First, we look at the various type of eavestroughs based on the shape and look:

K-Style Eavestroughs

Contrary to popular belief, the K-style eavestrough’s shape does not resemble the letter ‘K.’ The name comes from its official classification. However, the shape is aesthetically pleasing – with flat bottom and back, and a crown-shaped side – resembling a decorative cornice. These are the ideal choice for you if you want to adorn your roof with something that complements the look.

Another advantage of this type of an eavestrough is that they are quite useful for heavy rainfall as they can accommodate a significant amount of water, thanks to the shape. This makes them a perfect choice for places that see heavy snow-fall.

Victorian Ogee or Old Gothic Eavestroughs

The Victorian-style eavestroughs are famous for their Victorian or Gothic aesthetic, making them a popular choice for the more traditional homes. Their style fits the traditional architecture well, without disturbing the visuals. And since they are shallow, they can hold a small amount of water, making them a suitable option for smaller homes, and not the bigger ones. 

Another drawback is that they are one of the hard-to-find eavestroughs in Edmonton because they require a lot of storage space. Hence, we recommend a custom job for these if you have a small house, and are looking for something more traditional to install around your roof.

Fascia Eavestroughs

If you want a subtle type of eavestrough that does not stand-out, then you can go for the fascia styled. They are not easily visible as they are installed directly along the rafter rails, acting both as gutters and fascia boards. You can get these in either single bead, double bead, or reverse bead option. 

A downside of this type of eavestrough is that there is a higher chance of water overflowing once debris gets collected in it because of its flat back. 

Half-round Eavestroughs

The half-round eavestroughs are the more traditional option, and they too come in various beading options – single, double or reverse. Additionally, they can also be made out of different materials, giving you more flexibility with the material you choose.

One thing to note is that since they do not have a flat back, they have to hold up with the help of hangers under it. Hence, there is no scope of hidden hangers, making this type, not the most pleasing to look at.

European Eavestroughs

The European eavestroughs are famous for their classy European aesthetic, with beads on the outside and a visible hanger. And the best material for these is copper as it only adds to the overall aesthetic of the eavestrough. 

Another advantage, apart from the looks, is that they are great for regions where the temperatures can fluctuate; they can even withstand harsh storms. This makes them one of the more durable options. 

Due to their angled shape, birds are also less likely to build their nests here, but the downside is that pests and insects can make the angles their home.

These were the styles of eavestroughs that you can choose from, but the material that you will use is also essential. The material decides how long they will last and how much they will cost you. Here are the top materials that you can choose from:

Aluminum

Aluminum eavestroughs are the go-to choice when it comes to eavestroughs in Edmonton as they do not erode quickly; they are budget-friendly and easy to install. They are also lightweight and easy to fix in-case something goes wrong. Since aluminum can be painted easily, they can also align with the overall colour scheme of your home.

Copper

On the other hand, you have the option of copper eavestroughs that are on the expensive side. They are more durable and stronger than aluminum but have a shorter life comparatively. You also don’t have to paint these as they look good on their own. They are the perfect choice for you if you don’t mind spending extra for better looks and durability.

Zinc

Zinc eavestroughs are long-lasting and more durable than aluminum. And they don’t need to be painted as they develop a translucent cover over time that protects them from corrosion and erosion. They are popular for adding cosmetic appeal without affecting the structural integrity of your house but are on the pricier side.

Galvanised Steel

This alloy steel is coated with a layer of zinc. Eavestroughs made out of this steel are durable and can manage proper draining and debris. The only downside to the steel eavestroughs is that they are susceptible to rust over time.

Vinyl

Vinyl or plastic eavestroughs are easy on the pocket and can be installed in pre-cut sections, making them perfect for a DIY project. There is also no chance of rust with these. But a downside to note is that they do not have the same life when compared to other metal variants of eavestroughs.

The last thing that you must consider is how you are planning to install the eavestroughs. You can go with the pre-cut sections that are usually 10-feet long, easier to install but are prone to regular leaks in the seams. On the other hand, you can go with seamless eavestroughs that do not leak but can be harder to install – best done by professionals.