If you’re a homeowner, one of your top priorities is to make sure that your home is safe and sound. Part of keeping your home in the best condition possible means installing an eavestrough or gutter system. But what exactly are these things? And how do you know when it’s an eavestrough and when is it a gutter? To answer these questions, we’ve put together this guide that outlines everything you need to know about eavestrough vs gutter. Let’s get started!
The Difference between Eavestrough & Gutter
In case you weren’t sure, eavestrough is the Canadian spelling of gutter. So, is that really it? They are not actually different things? And this is not an article that will tell you which one you should buy for your house? Yup. That is exactly right.
Really sorry to disappoint, but the only difference between eavestrough vs gutter is the way people spell the word.
You see, in Canada, people tend to use more British words and spellings than Americans do. Thus our gutters are called eavestroughs (or downspouts).
It should be noted that there are some actual differences between these two terms; for example, gutters typically direct water away from a building whereas eavestroughs collect the rainwater before directing it away.
Let’s make a simple thing more complicated
The names of gutters can be confusing, especially if you’re trying to figure out which kind of gutter you need. It’s even more confusing when you realize there are two types of gutters that go by different names depending on where you live.
K-style gutters are called Ogee style gutters in the UK and Box gutters are called Box Profile gutters or Boxline Gutters. No matter how many times I write it, that last paragraph doesn’t make much sense! In America, we call them K-Style Gutters, but in the UK they’re called Ogee Style Gutters or Boxes (which is what the Canadians call them). And here’s another twist: in Australia, they use a different method altogether!
Whatever you call them – maintenance is important
Whatever type of spelling you use while describing gutters, that doesn’t change the fact that they need to be properly maintained.
Contrary to the popular belief, neglected gutters can lead to way more than just water and moisture trouble. When not working properly, gutters can drain in your basement instead of toward the bottom exterior of the home.
This carries a high risk of electrical shock, gas leaks, fire, and pollutants. These damages are more than often not covered by your insurance.
Not the mention that moister usually attracts bugs, and nobody likes bugs!
So, do not hesitate. Even if you are not noticing anything strange, reach out to your nearest eavestrough cleaning services.
It is not said in vain – better be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
The only difference is their names. So if you’re looking for a new eavestrough in Canada, it won’t hurt to ask if the company sells gutters as well. If they do, then that means they have access to both types of eavestroughs and can help you find what you need.
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