I have to replace a section of eaves troughs on my garage and started wondering - what is the purpose of eaves troughs? Is it required by code (there isn't much in some of the southern states)? If it was removed from our main house - the leaves et al would not get stuck in the gutter. What are your thoughts?
Answer:
I haven't heard anything about gutters being demanded by The Code and thank goodness for that because I'm not a believer in them. The following paragraph is one that I include in most, if not all, my home inspection reports. Eaves trough down spouts dump water too close to the house and splash blocks under each would be a good idea. The troughs are normally installed too high on the fascia to prevent ice forming in them to back up under shingles and cause more damage than they prevent. If eaves troughs are going to be used at all, they should be seamless and have a five-inch capacity. They, and their associated down spouts should also be heat element-wired for winter protection (in areas where frost is a problem).
