I had a new extension put on and am in the process of putting a new roof on the whole house. They are coming to backfill the basement on Monday. I was listening to your programme today and heard you say you are not in favour of eaves troughs. Please could you tell me why and what we should ensure is done to stop the basement becoming damp if we don't have them.
Answer:
Eaves trough down spouts normally dump water too close to the house and splash blocks under each are a good idea. The troughs are almost always 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.
