/ Why Eavestroughs Matter

Your First Line of Defense Against Water Damage

Proper eavestroughs protect your foundation and prevent costly water damage.

The Critical Function

Eavestroughs (gutters) collect water running off your roof and direct it away from your foundation. Without them—or with clogged/damaged ones—water saturates your foundation, basement, and crawl space.

Foundation Protection

Gutters direct water away from your foundation
Water is channeled through downspouts to drainage areas
Proper slope ensures water doesn't pool against your home
Foundation stays dry, preventing cracks and settlement

Basement & Crawl Space Protection

Water that pools against foundation seeps through cracks
Dry basements protect stored items and prevent mold
Water in crawl spaces promotes mold, rot, and structural damage
Proper drainage keeps crawl spaces dry and healthy

Schedule Your Free Inspection

/ Components & Materials

Understanding Your Gutter System

Quality materials and proper installation ensure long-term performance.

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Gutter Channels

Collect water from roof and channel it toward downspouts. Must be cleaned twice yearly to prevent blockages.

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Downspouts

Carry water from gutters down the side of the house. Must direct water at least 4-6 feet from foundation.

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Brackets & Fasteners

Hold gutters to fascia. Loose gutters separate and fail, so proper spacing and fastening are critical.

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End Caps & Seals

Close off the ends of gutter runs and prevent leaks. Must be properly sealed to prevent water bypass.

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Splash Guards

Prevent water from overshooting gutters during heavy rain. Essential for proper water collection.

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Strainers & Screens

Prevent leaves and debris from clogging gutters. Reduce but don't eliminate cleaning needs.

/ Material Options

Choosing the Right Material for Ottawa

Select materials that handle our harsh climate and freeze-thaw cycles.

Material	Durability	Cost	Maintenance	Best For
Aluminum	20-30 years	$$	Low	Most homes, best balance
Steel	15-25 years	$	Medium	Budget-conscious
Copper	40-50+ years	$$$$	Very low	High-end, historic homes
Vinyl	10-15 years	$	Low	Mild climates only
Galvanized Steel	20-30 years	$$	Medium	Durability and value

Our Recommendation: Aluminum is the best choice for most Ottawa homes. It handles freeze-thaw cycles, won't rust, and offers excellent value. Copper is ideal for premium homes and lasts 50+ years.

/ Installation Methods

Installation Methods & Their Advantages

Choose the right gutter system for long-term performance.

Seamless Gutters

Manufactured on-site to fit exact roof dimensions
One continuous piece with fewer joints
Fewer leak points (joints are weak points)
Better water flow
Slightly higher cost
Lower maintenance over lifetime

Sectional Gutters

Pre-made sections joined with fasteners
More joints create more potential leak points
Easier/faster to install on simple shapes
More affordable upfront
Higher maintenance—joints need inspection
May need more frequent repairs

Recommendation: Seamless gutters are worth the extra cost. Fewer joints mean fewer leaks and better long-term performance.

Get Your Free Estimate

/ Warning Signs

When to Call for Repair or Replacement

Don't ignore signs of gutter problems.

Visual Problems

Visibly clogged gutters
Gaps between gutter and fascia
Dents, cracks, or holes in gutter
Rust or corrosion spots
Sagging gutters
Water overflowing during rain

Water Damage Signs

Water stains on exterior walls
Water seeping into basement
Mold or water damage at foundation
Eroded soil around foundation
Cracks in foundation
Musty smell near foundation

Performance Signs

Water running behind gutters
Gutters freezing solid in winter
Downspouts not draining far enough
Water pooling against foundation
Landscape erosion near downspouts

These signs indicate your gutters need professional attention.

Request Your Free Inspection

/ Maintenance

Keep Your Gutters Working Properly

Regular maintenance prevents water damage and extends gutter life.

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Spring Cleaning

After leaves fall and pollen settles. Remove all leaves, twigs, and debris. Flush gutters to check water flow. Cost: $150-300.

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Fall Cleaning (Most Critical)

After all leaves have fallen. Remove debris before winter. Absolutely critical in Ottawa before freeze-thaw begins. Cost: $150-300.

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Professional vs. DIY

Professional cleaning is safer, more thorough, and identifies problems you might miss. We recommend professional cleaning twice yearly.

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Prevention Benefits

Regular cleaning prevents overflow, foundation damage, and ice dams. It's preventive maintenance that protects your home.

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Gutter Guards

Mesh screens and cover systems reduce maintenance while keeping water flowing. Cost: $500-3,000 depending on type.

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Cost vs. Risk

Cleaning cost is reasonable insurance against water damage. A single water damage claim costs far more than years of gutter cleaning.

/ Installation Process

Professional Installation for Long-Term Performance

Our proven process ensures your gutters work properly for 20-30 years.

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Step 1: Assessment & Planning

We measure your roof perimeter, note slope requirements, determine downspout placement, and plan for proper drainage.

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Step 2: Remove Old Gutters

Carefully remove old gutters without damaging fascia. Old debris and sealant is cleaned away.

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Step 3: Fascia Inspection

With gutters off, we inspect fascia for rot or damage. Any issues are addressed before installing new gutters.

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Step 4: Bracket & Slope

Proper bracket spacing ensures gutters don't sag. Gutters are installed at slight slope (1/4 inch per 10 feet).

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Step 5: Seal & Downspouts

All joints are sealed with quality sealant. Downspouts are attached securely and angled away from foundation.

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Step 6: Testing & Cleanup

We run water through gutters to verify proper flow and no leaks. All debris is removed.

/ Downspout Placement

Directing Water Away From Your Home

Proper downspout placement is critical for foundation protection.

Proper Downspout Placement

Extend 4-6 feet from foundation minimum
8-10 feet is even better for proper drainage
Never allow downspouts to drain within 4 feet of foundation
Downspouts should drain to sloped terrain, not flat areas

Foundation Drainage Solutions

Underground Drainage (Best)

Downspout extends underground away from foundation
Water carried 10-20 feet or more from house
Cost: $800-2,000 per downspout
Benefit: Completely eliminates water against foundation

Surface Extension

Downspout extends 4-6 feet on ground
Water drains naturally to lower terrain
Cost: $50-150 per downspout

Drain Pipe with Splash Block

Underground pipe with splash block
Cost: $300-800 per downspout
Benefit: Combines affordability with good drainage

Get Your Free Estimate

/ Winter Protection

Winter Challenges & Solutions

Proper gutter maintenance prevents ice dam problems.

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The Ice Dam Problem

Water backs up from ice dams and runs under your roof shingles into your home. Gutters can't drain water that's frozen solid.

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Why Ice Forms

Warm attic air melts snow on roof. Water runs to cold eaves and gutters, then refreezes, creating ice dams that block drainage.

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Prevention Through System

Proper soffit vents allow cold air into attic. Roof underlayment & ice shields protect against backup water. Keep gutters clear.

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Dealing With Ice Dams

Clear downspouts and gutters before winter. Fall cleaning is critical. Heat cables for chronic problems. Address attic ventilation issues.

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Fall Cleaning Critical

Remove all leaves and debris before winter. This single step prevents most ice dam and water damage problems.

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Professional Help

We can clean gutters safely and identify problems. We can also install heat cables for chronic ice dam problems.

/ Common Problems

Common Eavestrough Problems & Solutions

Understanding problems helps prevent damage.

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Clogged Gutters

Cause: Leaves, debris, pollen. Solution: Professional cleaning 2x yearly. Guards reduce but don't eliminate needs.

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Leaking End Caps

Cause: Sealant failure. Solution: Remove cap, reseal. Cost: $150-300 to repair.

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Sagging Gutters

Cause: Fastener failure, improper slope. Solution: Reattach with new fasteners. Cost: $300-800.

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Improper Slope

Cause: Settling, poor installation. Solution: Rehang gutters with proper slope. Cost: $500-1,500.

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Damaged Downspouts

Cause: Physical damage, rust. Solution: Repair dent or replace. Cost: $200-600.

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Water Overflowing

Cause: Clogged or undersized gutters. Solution: Clean or upgrade. Cost: $150-500+.

/ Why Choose Us

Why Ottawa Homeowners Trust Us

Expert eavestrough services backed by 35 years of experience.

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35 Years of Experience

We've installed and maintained eavestroughs on thousands of Ottawa homes. We understand the climate challenges.

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Seamless Manufacturing

We manufacture seamless gutters on-site to your exact specifications using quality aluminum.

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Proper Drainage Design

We design complete drainage systems that protect your foundation long-term, not just install gutters.

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Professional Installation

Proper slope, bracket spacing, and sealing ensure your gutters perform for 20-30 years.

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Comprehensive Services

Installation, cleaning, repair, guards—we handle everything your gutter system needs.

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Licensed & Insured

Full insurance coverage protects you if any issues arise.

/ FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about eavestroughs and gutters.

How often should eavestroughs be cleaned?

We recommend professional cleaning twice yearly: spring and fall. Fall cleaning is especially critical before winter in Ottawa. If you have lots of trees, more frequent cleaning may help.

What size gutters do I need?

Most residential homes use 5-inch gutters. Large roof areas or areas with heavy rainfall may need 6-inch gutters. We size gutters based on your roof dimensions.

Should I clean gutters myself?

You can, but professional cleaning is safer and more thorough. We have proper equipment, insurance, and can identify problems you might miss.

How far should downspouts drain from the foundation?

Minimum 4-6 feet. Farther (8-10 feet) is better. Never let water drain into areas that slope back toward your foundation.

What should I do about ice dams?

Ice dams indicate attic ventilation/insulation issues. We can address the root cause. Short-term: keep gutters clear. Long-term: improve attic ventilation and insulation.

Can you install gutters on a metal or standing seam roof?

Yes, gutters can be installed on any roof type. Metal roofs require specific fastening methods, which we handle properly.

/ Service Areas

Eavestrough Services Throughout Ottawa

We provide professional eavestrough and gutter services across the National Capital Region.

Ottawa Neighbourhoods

Centretown The Glebe Westboro Hintonburg Alta Vista Vanier Rockcliffe Park

Surrounding Communities

Kanata Barrhaven Orleans Nepean Gloucester Stittsville Manotick Kemptville

Find Your Area

Professional Eavestrough & Gutter Services