How Much Does It Cost to Replace Eavestrough
Replacing your eavestrough is a protection for your home’s foundation, walls, and basement. In Ontario, costs can vary widely depending on material choices, labour, roof size, and extras like gutter guards or heat cables.
In this blog, we’ll break down all the factors that influence the cost so you can budget wisely and choose a reliable contractor for your project.
What Is an Eavestrough and Why Does It Matter?
An eavestrough is also known as a gutter. It is a channel installed along the edge of your roof that collects and redirects rainwater or melting snow away from your home’s foundation. Though it might seem like a small component, it plays a critical role in protecting your property from serious and expensive water damage.
Here’s why eavestroughs are essential:
- Prevents Foundation Cracks: By guiding water away from your home, eavestroughs help stop pooling around your foundation, which can lead to cracks, leaks, or basement flooding.
- Protects Siding and Exterior Walls: Without a functioning gutter system, rain can pour down the sides of your house, leading to rotting wood, peeling paint, or mould growth.
- Stops Soil Erosion: Proper drainage keeps the soil around your home stable, preserving landscaping and preventing erosion.
- Reduces Ice Dams in Winter: In cold climates like Ontario, eavestroughs help control melting snow and ice, reducing the risk of dangerous icicles and ice dams.
- Extends Roof and Fascia Lifespan: A good drainage system prevents water from backing up under shingles or damaging roof edges.
Eavestroughs aren’t optional in every home. They’re a vital part of your home’s water management and structural protection system.
Related Article: Preventing Ice Build Up: Effective Strategies for Commercial Properties
Choosing the Right Eavestrough
Your choice of material has the biggest impact on the price per linear foot. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs in Ontario:
- Vinyl: Cheapest at $4–$8/ft. Easy to install and low-cost, but cold winters can make it brittle.
- Aluminum: Most popular and durable, costing $7–$15/ft installed. Lightweight and rust-resistant.
- Steel (galvanized): Strong and rust-resistant, priced from $12–$20/ft.
- Copper: Premium option at $30–$40/ft. Stunning patina but expensive.
- Stainless steel, zinc, wood: Less common but available, often pricey and used in specialist projects.
Installation vs. Labour Costs
Your eavestrough’s location, roof complexity, and height affect labour:
- Labour typically adds $5–$10/ft for standard installation
- Removal of old eavestrough adds $100–$300, depending on home size and debris
- Complex roofs — multiple stories or intricate angles — drive labour costs higher
On average, labour costs for a typical home range between $1,000 and $2,500.
Seamless vs. Sectional Eavestrough
Seams are potential leak points. Seamless eavestrough systems are custom-made on-site and cost more:
- Seamless: $10–$20/ft installed, better for long-term reliability
- Sectional: $5–$15/ft installed; easier to DIY but more prone to leaks at joints
Add-Ons That Increase Cost and Value
Upgrades may cost more upfront, but often save time, money, and headaches later:
- Gutter guards: $5–$10/ft
- Downspout extensions: $10–$50 each
- Heat cables: $10–$20/ft to prevent ice dams
- Screens for downspouts: Similar to gutter guards — $5–$10/ft
Typical Replacement Price Ranges
To give you an idea of total cost, here are example scenarios:
Small, Single-Storey Home (~150 ft of gutters):
- Aluminum seamless system at $12/ft: $1,800
- Labour ($7/ft): $1,050
- Gutter guards at $8/ft: $1,200
- Removal/disposal: $200
Total: ~$4,250
Larger, Two-Storey Home (~300 ft):
- Material (aluminum): $3,600
- Labour: $2,100
- Gutter guards: $2,400
- Removal/disposal: $300
Total: ~$8,400
Copper or steel could raise this to $12,000+, depending on the material and extras.
Benefits Beyond the Price Tag
A well-installed, high-quality eavestrough system protects your home and saves you money long-term:
- Prevents basement leaks and foundation damage
- Stops attic and exterior wall rot
- Reduces the need for costly repairs later
- Lowers the cost of seasonal maintenance
- In some cases, insurers offer premium discounts for gutter protection
DIY vs. Professional Installation
DIY can seem tempting on smaller jobs, but experience matters:
DIY pros:
- Save on labour
- Good if you’re confident with cutting, sealing, ladder safety
DIY cons:
- Mistakes in slope or attachment can cause major issues
- Risk of falls or damage
- No warranty
- Limited lifespan compared to professional seamless installs
When accuracy matters (multi-storey homes or steep roofs), professional installation is worth every penny.
How to Keep Costs Down
Eavestrough replacement doesn’t have to drain your budget. With a few smart choices and some planning, you can lower your total costs without sacrificing quality.
Here’s how to save while still getting the job done right:
- Get multiple quotes — aim for at least two to three contractors.
- Schedule off-season (spring or late fall) when prices are better.
- Bundle jobs — replace fascia, soffits, or roofing at the same time for labour savings.
- Skip unnecessary extras unless they’re truly needed.
- Choose durable materials — aluminum balances cost and longevity well in Ontario’s climate.
Final Thoughts on Cost
Expect to pay roughly $4,000–$8,500 for a full eavestrough replacement in Ontario, depending on house size and options. Vinyl may offer short-term savings, but aluminum seamless is the smarter long-term choice.
Extras like guards and heat cables add upfront cost, but reduce maintenance and future damage.
Related Article: Home Renovations
Why Green Side Up is a Smart Choice
We’re a GTA exterior contracting specialist known for quality, reliability, and transparency. Here’s what we offer:
- Fully licensed and insured exterior experts
- Premium, Canadian-made materials
- Professional assessments, accurate measurements
- Seamless installation with precise elevation
- Tailored add-ons like heat cables or guards
- Commitment to finished quality and customer satisfaction
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Don’t wait for the next heavy rain or harsh winter. Properly designed, installed, and maintained eavestroughs are essential to a healthy and durable home.
Contact Green Side Up today for a free quote and speak with our exterior specialists about your eavestrough needs. Let’s safeguard your curb appeal and peace of mind starting now.