How do I fix an eavestrough that sags in the middle of a long run on my Nepean home?

Eavestrough sagging in the middle of a long run is typically caused by inadequate hanger support or deteriorated fascia boards, both common problems in Ottawa's extreme climate where heavy snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles stress gutter systems beyond their original design limits.

The most likely culprit is insufficient hanger spacing. Many older Ottawa installations used the standard 36-inch hanger spacing acceptable in milder climates, but Ottawa's snow belt conditions require hangers every 24 inches maximum, with many professionals now installing them at 18-inch intervals for extra security. When hangers are spaced too far apart, the weight of snow, ice, and standing water causes the eavestrough to bow downward between support points, creating a low spot where water pools instead of flowing toward the downspout.

Deteriorated fascia boards are another frequent cause of sagging, especially on homes built in the 1980s and 1990s when pressure-treated lumber standards were less stringent. Ottawa's wet springs and freeze-thaw cycles cause fascia boards to rot or become soft, and the existing hangers lose their grip. You'll often see water stains, soft spots, or visible decay around hanger mounting points when this is the problem.

To fix sagging eavestroughs, you'll need to add intermediate hangers at proper spacing and potentially replace damaged fascia sections. For a typical 5-inch K-style aluminum eavestrough, use heavy-duty fascia-mount hangers rated for Ottawa's snow loads. The eavestrough must maintain a minimum slope of one-quarter inch per 10 feet toward the downspout - if adding hangers doesn't restore proper drainage flow, the entire run may need to be re-sloped.

This repair requires working at height with proper ladder safety, and accurately measuring slope across long runs is challenging without professional tools. Fascia replacement involves structural work that affects your roof edge integrity. For homes in Nepean's newer subdivisions with two-storey construction, the safety risks make professional installation the smart choice.

You can find experienced eavestrough contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com, where you can browse local professionals and request multiple quotes for comparison.