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House Works: Stop eavestrough leaks with a simple fix

Plus controlling outdoor mould and cooling a sleeping loft.

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Q: How can I stop rain from leaking behind my eavestrough. The water comes off the roof, but doesn’t go into the trough. I’m 88, and not as good on a ladder as I used to be. Who could I get to help?

A: The problem of rain getting behind eavestroughs is more common than most people realize, and it’s bad for the roof.

One solution is to install a strip of sheet metal that tucks under the shingles and extends down over the back of the eavestrough. Think of it like a long, narrow shingle. I find that strips of metal cut off a piece of factory-painted aluminum fascia works well for this repair.

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Use a utility knife guided by a straight edge, score the metal, then bend it back and forth to break off what you need. Make this strip wide enough to do the job, then slip it in place.

Any handy person who does outdoor repairs could help you with this. Watch a video here and see how.

Q: How can I stop mildew from forming on the underside of my open veranda roof? My home is six years old, there’s plenty of air circulation and I’ve even used mould-resistant paint.

A: I don’t think there’s anything more you can do to increase air circulation from what I’ve seen in the photos you sent, but perhaps a different method of cleaning would help.

The only product I know of that offers residual protection is something called Concrobium Mold Control. I’ve used it ever since it came out more than 10 years ago, and it works quite well. It’s non-toxic and contains no bleach. It works by crushing mould spores mechanically as it dries.

Killing mould doesn’t necessarily get rid of stains though, so you might consider one of the new oxygen-based cleaners on the market. Mold Stain Eraser has worked better for me than anything else in my tests. Regular washing will help prevent mould regrowth, too. The more dust and cobwebs you can remove, the less there is for mould to feed on.

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Insulating panels are applied on top of a wooden roof. Besides providing a continuous layer of insulation, this method allows classic wooden roof structures to remain visible underneath.
Insulating panels are applied on top of a wooden roof. Besides providing a continuous layer of insulation, this method allows classic wooden roof structures to remain visible underneath. Photo by Steve Maxwell /Ottawa Citizen

Q: How can I make the upper level of my cottage cooler in summer? We’ve got a sleeping loft up there with open rafters and roof boards that look great. Trouble is, the space is way too hot to use at this time of year.

A: There are two things you can do that will make all the difference: insulate and ventilate. My preferred method for insulating a cottage roof like yours is to add a layer of foam insulation with roof sheathing on top, before reshingling.

You could insulate with batts between rafters and cover it with drywall, but that’s often more disruptive. Drywall also ruins that great look of an open-rafter roof, too. Two inches of extruded polystyrene foam on top of the roof does wonders to help keep a cottage loft cool.

No matter how much insulation you have in the roof, you’ll still need to ventilate your loft if you want it cool enough to use. This is where openable skylights make all the difference.

The kind made narrow enough to fit between rafters are the easiest to install, but a wider design lets in more light and air. I prefer these, even though they’re more trouble to install.

If you open the skylights and have lower windows open, too, you’ll feel a breeze running through the entire cottage. The whole place will feel more comfortable, not just the loft.

Steve Maxwell has been helping Canadians make the most of their homes since 1988. Visit SteveMaxwell.ca to get answers and to win home improvement products.

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