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Why Healthy Eavestroughs Are Non-Negotiable

Properly functioning eavestroughs collect rainwater from your roof and channel it safely away from your home through downspouts. Without effective water management, your home can suffer from:

• Foundation Damage: Water pooling around the base of your home can saturate the soil, leading to hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls. This can cause cracks, leaks, and in severe cases, structural instability.
• Basement Flooding: Excess water near the foundation is a common cause of wet basements and crawl spaces.
• Siding and Masonry Damage: Water repeatedly splashing or running down siding can cause rot, staining, and deterioration. Brick and stone can also suffer efflorescence (salt deposits) and mortar damage.
• Landscaping Erosion: Uncontrolled runoff can wash away topsoil, mulch, and plants, damaging your landscaping efforts.
• Roof Damage: Clogged or damaged eavestroughs can cause water to back up onto the roof, potentially damaging shingles, underlayment, and the roof deck itself, leading to ice dams in colder climates.
• Fascia and Soffit Rot: The wooden boards behind and under your eavestroughs (fascia and soffit) are highly susceptible to rot if exposed to persistent moisture from failing eavestroughs.

Telltale Signs: When to Replace Your Eavestroughs

Homeowners searching for cost information are often also trying to determine if replacement is truly necessary. Look for these common indicators:

• Visible Cracks, Holes, or Rust Spots: Obvious physical damage compromises the eavestrough’s ability to hold water.
• Sagging or Pulling Away: If eavestroughs are detaching from the house, they are not sloped correctly and are likely full of debris or damaged. This indicates failing fasteners or rotted fascia.
• Water Damage on Siding or Fascia Boards: Stains, peeling paint, or soft spots on the wood behind your eavestroughs are clear signs of leaks.
• Pooling Water Around the Foundation: If you consistently see water accumulating near your foundation after rain, your eavestroughs are not directing water away effectively.
• Peeling Paint on or Around Eavestroughs: This often indicates persistent moisture and potential rust on metal eavestroughs.
• Mildew or Mold Growth: Mildew near the foundation or on siding can suggest that the area is consistently damp due to poor drainage.
• Frequent Clogging: While some clogging is normal, if your eavestroughs clog constantly despite regular cleaning, they might be undersized, improperly sloped, or damaged.
• Split or Broken Seams: For seamed eavestroughs, leaks often occur at the joints.
• Nails or Fasteners on the Ground: Finding pieces of the eavestrough system on the ground is a sign of deterioration.

If you notice several of these signs, it’s likely time to consider a replacement.

Average Eavestrough Replacement Costs

The price for new eavestroughs can vary widely. On average, homeowners might expect to pay between $1,000 and $7,000 CAD or more for a full replacement. For a typical single-family home, this often translates to $10 to $40 CAD per linear foot for common materials like aluminum, including installation. However, premium materials like copper can push costs significantly higher.

It’s good to understand that these are general figures. Prices can fluctuate based on your specific geographic location. Urban centers with a higher cost of living and greater demand may see higher prices than rural areas. It’s always best to get quotes from local contractors for the most accurate picture.

Size of Home and Total Linear Footage

This is the primary driver of cost. The more linear feet of eavestrough and downspout material needed, the higher the material and labor costs will be. For example, a small 100 linear foot ranch-style home will have a substantially lower eavestrough replacement cost than a large 250 linear foot two-story home with a more intricate roofline. Contractors measure the length of all roof edges that require eavestroughs.

Material Choice: A Primary Cost Determiner

The type of material you select for your eavestroughs has a significant impact on the overall expense. We will examine material options in detail later in this guide.

Labor Costs: What’s Involved?

Labor typically accounts for a significant portion of the total cost, often ranging from $50 to $100 CAD per hour per worker, or it might be factored into a per-linear-foot installation price. Labor includes:

• Measurement and planning
• Fabrication of eavestroughs (especially for seamless systems)
• Installation of eavestroughs and downspouts
• Sealing and securing the system

Removal and Disposal of Old Eavestroughs

This service may or may not be included in the general installation price or hourly labor rate. It’s often a separate line item on a quote, potentially costing $1 to $3 CAD per linear foot or a flat fee. Always clarify if this is part of the estimate. Proper disposal is important, as some materials can be recycled.

Eavestrough Size and Profile

Common eavestrough sizes are 5-inch and 6-inch widths. Larger eavestroughs can handle more water volume and are suitable for larger roof areas or regions with heavy rainfall.

• K-Style: The most common profile, resembling crown molding. Typically available in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes.
• Half-Round: A semi-circular trough, often chosen for historic homes or for a distinct aesthetic. Can be more expensive for materials and installation.

Larger sizes and less common profiles generally have higher material and sometimes labor costs due to specialized forming or installation techniques.

Number of Stories and Home Height

Installing eavestroughs on a multi-story home is more complex and time-consuming than on a single-story bungalow.

• Increased Labor Time: Workers need more time to move materials and equipment up and down.
• Specialized Equipment: Scaffolding, taller ladders, and enhanced safety equipment (like harnesses) may be required, adding to the cost.
• Higher Risk: Working at heights inherently involves more risk, which can be reflected in labor charges or insurance costs for the contractor.

Complexity of Your Home’s Roofline

A simple rectangular or L-shaped roof is much easier and quicker to work on than a roof with multiple gables, numerous inside and outside corners, varying pitches, and dormers.

• More Cuts and Miters: Each corner requires precise cutting and sealing, increasing labor time and the potential for waste material.
• Custom Fabrication: Complex angles may require more custom fitting on-site.

Downspouts: Number, Length, and Type

Downspouts are essential for directing water away from the foundation. Costs associated with downspouts include:

• Number: Typically, one downspout is recommended for every 20-40 linear feet of eavestrough, depending on roof size and pitch. More downspouts mean more material and installation time.
• Length: Taller homes require longer downspouts.
• Type/Size: Standard sizes are 2×3 inches and 3×4 inches. Larger downspouts (e.g., 3×4 or 4×5 inches) or round downspouts may be needed for larger eavestroughs or high water flow and can cost more.

Accessories and Add-ons

Several optional additions can enhance your eavestrough system’s performance and longevity, but they also add to the cost.

Gutter Guards / Leaf Protection Systems

This is a significant additional expense but can reduce long-term maintenance.

• Types:
  • Screens: Simple metal or plastic grids that sit on top of the eavestrough. Most affordable but may require periodic cleaning.
  • Mesh: Finer than screens, blocking smaller debris. Can be very effective.
  • Surface Tension (Reverse Curve): Hooded systems that allow water to flow in while debris slides off. Often more expensive.
  • Brush or Foam Inserts: Fit inside the eavestrough.
• Price Range: Can add $5 to $20+ CAD per linear foot to the project, depending on the type and quality.

Splash Blocks and Drainage Extensions

• Splash Blocks: Concrete or plastic pads placed under downspouts to prevent erosion. Relatively inexpensive.
• Drainage Extensions: Pipes (often corrugated or PVC) that attach to downspouts to carry water further from the foundation, potentially connecting to underground drainage systems. Cost varies by length and complexity.

Geographic Location and Regional Price Variations

As mentioned, costs for materials and labor can differ significantly between urban and rural areas, and from one province or state to another. Local market conditions, supplier availability, and transportation expenses all play a role.

Eavestrough Material Options

Choosing the right material is a balance of budget, durability, maintenance preference, and aesthetics.

Aluminum

The most popular choice for residential eavestroughs.

• Gauges: Common gauges for residential aluminum are 0.027 inches and 0.032 inches.
  • 0.027″: A standard, good-quality option suitable for many homes.
  • 0.032″: A thicker, more robust gauge offering better dent resistance and durability, often recommended for areas with heavy snow or for longer unsupported spans. It will cost slightly more.
• Pros: Lightweight, inherently rust-proof, comes in a wide array of factory-applied colors, often formed on-site for seamless lengths.
• Cons: Susceptible to denting from ladders or heavy impacts. The color can fade or chalk over many years, though quality finishes are quite durable.
• Maintenance: Primarily involves regular cleaning to remove leaves and debris. Check for and repair any loose fasteners or sealant at end caps and outlets.
• Aesthetic Considerations: The wide color selection allows for easy matching with siding or trim. Seamless options offer a clean, continuous look.

Vinyl (PVC)

A budget-friendly option, often sold in 10-foot sections.

• Pros: Lowest material cost, lightweight, easy for DIYers to cut and assemble (seamed). Impervious to rust and corrosion.
• Cons: Prone to cracking in extreme cold temperatures or becoming brittle from prolonged UV exposure. Sections are joined with connectors that can leak if not properly sealed or if they degrade. Can sag if not supported adequately.
• Maintenance: Requires more frequent inspection for cracks, especially after harsh weather. Seams may need re-sealing periodically. Keep clean to prevent sagging from weight.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Color choices are usually more limited (white, brown, grey). The seamed appearance can be less desirable to some.

Steel (Galvanized, Galvalume)

A strong and durable mid-range option.

• Types:
  • Galvanized Steel: Steel coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust.
  • Galvalume Steel: Steel coated with an alloy of aluminum and zinc, offering superior corrosion resistance compared to standard galvanized steel.
• Pros: Very strong and resistant to damage from ladders, snow, and ice. Holds up well in harsh climates. Galvalume offers excellent longevity.
• Cons: Heavier than aluminum, making installation more demanding. If the protective coating is scratched or damaged, galvanized steel can rust. Galvalume is more rust-resistant but also more expensive than galvanized.
• Maintenance: Inspect for any signs of rust, especially at scratches or cut ends, and touch up with appropriate paint. Keep clean.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Can be painted. Offers a sturdy, industrial look which some prefer. Often used in commercial applications but also suitable for homes needing extra durability.

Copper

A premium material known for its beauty and longevity.

• Pros: Exceptionally durable and can last for a century or more. Does not rust and requires no painting. Develops a distinctive blue-green patina (copper(II) carbonate) over time, which many find attractive.
• Cons: The most expensive eavestrough material. Requires skilled, specialized installers due to the soldering techniques involved for joints and seams. Can be a target for theft due to its value.
• Maintenance: Very low. The patina is a natural protective layer. If the green patina is not desired, specialized (and often costly) cleaning methods are needed, or clear coats can be applied, though this adds expense and maintenance.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Offers a high-end, classic, and prestigious appearance. The evolving color of the patina adds unique character to a home.

Zinc

Another high-end, long-lasting metal option.

• Pros: Very durable with a long lifespan, comparable to copper in some respects. Develops a protective grey patina over time. Considered an eco-friendly choice as it’s recyclable and has a long service life.
• Cons: Expensive material and installation costs, similar to copper. Requires experienced installers familiar with zinc’s properties, as it can be more brittle than other metals and requires specific soldering or welding techniques.
• Maintenance: Low. The patina protects the underlying metal. Like copper, it requires professional expertise for any repairs.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Provides a sophisticated, modern, matte grey finish that complements contemporary and traditional architecture.

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