Toronto Eavestroughing & Roofing Repair Services

Gutter/eavestrough, downpipe inspection and cleaning, repairs/replacements, leaf guards, downspout disconnection services-we are the leak experts in Toronto

Call now for a free estimate- (416) 239-5494 or armstrong.nelson.office@gmail.com or contact@armstrongandnelson.com

DOWNSPOUT REPAIR SERVICES:

• Ice dam Removal
• Unclog ,Take apart
• Enlarge and Add
• Re Route and Disconnect to bring above ground
• End caps
• Rain Barrels
• Repair-Replace one storey and more
• Leaf Strainers

Complete eavestroughing and roofing services in Toronto, specializes in: eavestrough/gutter roof cleaning, inspections repairs , downspout/downpipe disconnection, leafguards and roof repairs . Complete eavestroughing and roofing services (since 1990) is Toronto’s best choice for eavestrough/gutter cleaning, repairs, leaf guard systems & custom seamless replacement eavestrough

The basics for downpipe installation and maintenance

Following the correct principles for repairs to downspouts/downpipes and disconnection where necessary is the key to preventing wet basements and flooding of your home. (Enlarging, re-routing, positioning, extending and number) are very important. Complete eavestroughing and roofing services in Toronto has the expertise in providing downspout/downpipe repair services. When it comes to downpipe repairs and the downpipe disconnection program in Toronto, it is critical that only a trained professional do this disconnection service, such as those who work for complete eavestoughing because serious water damage could occur if done incorrectly.

Purpose of the downspout

Downspouts carry water from roof to ground and away from house. This is important because all the water from a large area (the roof) is collected in the gutters and then flows down the downspout to create a heavy concentration of water in a small area. Unlike water on a lawn which is distributed evenly, so much concentration of water can overwhelm a basement wall and easily find its way into the home. The majority of a basement leaks are caused by faulty or incorrectly positioned downspouts.

When rain falls on a lawn or yard, it falls evenly over the whole area and is absorbed by the ground and is usually harmless. When water falls on a large roof surface, it flows into an eavestrough then through a downspout and then into the ground. Heavily concentrated volume of water flows out the end of a downspout and the size of the opening has a lot to do with the pressure inside the downspout . If the downspout is clogged or too small, in heavy rains this is like having a fire hose empting near a house.

It should be no surprise that faulty downspouts are the major cause of wet basements , mold formation, ceiling damage, landscape washouts, cracks in the wall and foundation , brick stains, patio and driveway damage , ice dam formation and other damage to the structure and foundation of your home.
Principles of downspout installation

downspouts should be large enough to carry water and not plug up or ice up large (3x3 or 3x4) downspouts are of one the best choice.

Downspouts must always have a slope at all section or joints or water can back up and spill out. Use only small (3/8``) metal screw or rivets to join. Longer screws can trap debris causing back up. Use enough screw for solid installation. Firmly attach to walls by using downpipe straps and have it secured by wood screws. For securing to brick use plugs and screws.

At bottom of downspout install a section to lead water away from house. This section (called u kickout) can be a piece of downspout or flexible plastic hose. For walkways hinged flip up or roll up devices can also be used. For long kickouts with more than one pipe put support under the sections or attach to something solid(such as the side of a fence or deck.

A small circular piece (called and outlet) must be used to solidly join the eavestrough to the downspout to the downspout. This outlet is thin sealed it has to be watertight.

Top sections of downspout always fit into bottom sections. If it`s done in reverse the downspout will leak.

Elbows are used to go around obstacles or sections of the house. Use as few elbows as possible the more elbow used the greater chance of clogs and water backup.

Fit sections of downspouts together properly. Sections should only go a couple of inches into each other. Shoving sections in more than this can collapse and narrow pipes.

Color match downpipes to eavestrough. If running across roof color match this section to shingles
in general avoid letting downpipes empty across a roof as this wears out shingles. Lead downpipe right into eavestrough. Always use same size of downspouts on any given run.

Leafguards and strainers if a downspout leads into pipe going underground to the sewer or weeping tiles, ensure debris doesn’t enter. Use strainer at top of downspout or install leadguards over entire section of eavestrough. A new type of strainer is also available which fits into a downpipe at ground level and avoids having to go up on a ladder to clean debris from strainer.

Positioning and number of downspouts

The number of downspouts that need to be installed -is usually one for every 25-30 ft. of eavestrough, depending on water volume sometimes more is needed due to building design. Slope eavestrough towards downspout at least 1 inch slope for every 20 ft. of eavestrough run.

Too few can result in water backup. If running onto lawns too much water at one place can cause ground erosion or kill grass and plants. Drill a series of small holes at bottom of the last few feet of downspout running across lawn to disperse water evenly.

Placement /positioning of downspouts
Plan downspouts so not to look like eyesores, avoid front of house if possible or place downspout and kickouts behind trees and plants or in corners where they won’t stick out.

Place downspouts where the bottom can lead water away from house. Try to avoid areas where people will walk on or trip over downspout. Avoid driveways or walkways as water from downspout can freeze and become hazardous in the winter. Place where ground slopes away from house, not toward house. If possible run downspout 8-10 feet away from house at bottom.

If a deck is in the path of a downspout the spout can either be routed along the side of the deck or under the deck. A neat hole must be cut at edge where the deck meets house.

If possible avoid placing downspout in shade if roof above is in sunlight in winter. This can result in snow melting off roof, entering downspout and freezing and splitting.

If downspouts lead into a pipe going underground they should be disconnected and brought above ground . Downpipes leading into clay tiles (usually red cement pipes leading underground) are especially troublesome. Especially in older homes and if section above ground starts crumbling, this usually indicates section below grounds is also crumbling.

If no other option is available to lead away from the house dig a shallow trench and run a length of flex hose a few inches below ground and cover with earth or grass. The other end of the flexhose can then drain on to the lawn 10 or 15 ft. from the house. The end can either be fitted with a cap or the top of the pipe can stick up an inch or two above the grass and drain onto the lawn.

Rain barrels can be used to collect rainwater. Place barrels where they will not obstruct people’s movement. Use a diverter, a device that allows water to flow either into barrel or on ground with the moving of a small handle at front of the diverter. Tree roots can grow into and break clay tiles. Plastic plumbing pipes in newer homes are generally much stronger and not so much of a worry.

Maintaining downspouts

If a downspout is properly installed, ie; the correct size, number and securely attached it should be fairly maintenance free.

Unclogging downspouts; most clogged downspouts are clogged at the elbows, whether due to an object lodging in the elbow or a build-up of debris(leaves, twigs, branches ) sometimes an object gets struck and debris then collects around it, screws which are too long are used to fasten the pipe, and debris collects and builds up around these.
How to unclog a downspout-tap the downspout with a hand or soft object, use plumbing snakes or hose. Take apart and clean each part thoroughly.

The best solution is prevention-install any of complete eavestrough and roof repairs professional leafguard systems and the eavestroughs and downpipes will stay clean and maintenance free.

Downspout disconnect program

City of Toronto new bylaw of downspout disconnection

]if you need your downspouts disconnected from the city's water system as now required by law, complete eavestroughing and roofing services is the company in Toronto that can do the downspout disconnection for your home as the city wants it done.

Downspout disconnect program-city of Toronto by -law
The city of Toronto has recently passed a new law which requires all city residences to have their downspouts disconnected from the city's drainage system. If your downspout goes directly into a pipe in the ground, it's probably connected to the city's drainage system, and must be disconnected. Improperly planned and installed downspouts can cause serious damage to the foundation of a home. It is a job best left to a professional. We will send an inspector to your home to determine the best solution for your property, and provide you with a written quote. Our experts will ensure that the work is done neatly and properly.

Downspout Disconnection
The City of Toronto is mandating that all downspouts are disconnected. This by-law is taking effect in three phases.

• Phase 1: To be completed by November 20, 2011
• Phase 2: To be completed by December 3, 2013
• Phase 3: To be completed by December 3, 2016

For more  information on the areas that correspond with each phase, an official City of Toronto map has been provided so that home owners and renters know the date to comply with the by-law.

http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/mandatory_downspout_disconnection.htm
We offer professional advice to ensure that your downspouts are correctly diverted and a Downspout waiver /exemption Service if the Disconnection is determined to not be feasible.  

Tip: this program can actually save you money in the long run if you have us set you up with a rain barrel. If you collect your run-off water in a rain barrel, you can use the attached hose to water your lawn, wash your car, etc. This will save you money and the environment by using water wisely. Please call us at (416) 239-5494 for details. We are here to help.

Frequently asked questions regarding the city of Toronto’s by law regarding mandatory downspout disconnection

Q) Why is the city doing this?
A) In short, to protect both the environment and your home. When hundreds of thousands of homes have their downspouts connected to the cities water system, heavy rains can cause an overload on the system. As a result, backups can cause raw sewage to be pumped into our lakes and rivers. Serious rainstorms have even resulted in sewage backing up to people's homes. This is a necessary move by the city to protect our homes from flooding water.

Q) How soon do I need to have this done?
A) There is a 3 year time limit. However, we recommend acting quickly since there is a shortage of qualified professionals available to do this work. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing the deadline, which means huge fines.

Q)How does disconnecting my downspout help prevent basement flooding?
A) Disconnecting your downspout from the sewer system will help reduce the amount of storm water that is sent through the combined sewers. Less storm water in the system will help prevent wastewater from backing up through sewer pipes where it can escape through floor into your basement causing massive flooding.

For more information visit Toronto. Ca/water or call 416-338-8888.
Book now to get the downspouts disconnected and other essential repairs done. (416) 239-5494
This will save you significant dollars in the long term.