Replaced all gutters and downspouts on our 1978 Toronto 2-storey detached last spring. Posting the full breakdown including why we went seamless and what it cost.
The Problem
Original gutters were sectional aluminum (K-style, 5-inch). Multiple seam joints had pulled apart over decades - we could see water streaming down the siding during rain, completely bypassing the downspouts. Two downspout connections at the back were also disconnected from underground drainage.
Getting Quotes
3 quotes for seamless aluminum replacement:
- $2,100 (smallest company, no mention of downspout extensions)
- $2,850 (included all downspout work)
- $3,200 (included hangers every 24 inches vs standard 36 inches)
What We Chose
Went with the $2,850 middle quote. Scope:
- Remove all existing gutters and downspouts (190 linear feet of gutters, 6 downspouts)
- Install 5-inch seamless aluminum K-style gutters fabricated on-site
- New downspouts (4x3 inch rectangular, not the smaller 2x3 inch standard)
- Reattach 2 underground downspout connections at back, clean and flush underground lines
- 4 new splash blocks at front
- All aluminum, matching original colour (beige)
What Was NOT Included
Gutter guards. Got an upsell quote for LeafGuard-style at $4,800 additional. Declined - we have two large maples and our experience is gutter guards with those trees need cleaning anyway.
Result
First major rain after installation - no more siding streams. The 4x3 inch downspouts handle heavy rainfall much better than the old 2x3 inch.
Advice for Toronto Homeowners
Do not go with sectional gutters if you’re replacing - the extra cost for seamless is minimal (~15-20%) and eliminates the main failure mode. And specify the larger downspout size - 4x3 inch rather than 2x3 inch for a 2-storey is well worth it.