Eavestroughs are the most cost-effective water management system on any Ontario home. Most homes have undersized or poorly maintained systems. Here’s the complete breakdown for 2026.
Sizing: when to upgrade to 6-inch
Standard 5-inch K-style is adequate for most Ontario homes. Specify 6-inch when: roof pitch exceeds 8:12, drainage area exceeds 1,000 sq ft per gutter run, or the home experienced overflow during previous heavy rainfall. 6-inch costs ~20-30% more but eliminates overflow failures.
Materials:
- Seamless aluminum (0.027" gauge min): $8-$14/linear foot installed – Ontario standard
- Steel (galvanized/Galvalume): $12-$20/linear foot – better snow load performance
- Copper: $35-$65/linear foot – 50+ year lifespan, premium aesthetic
- Avoid vinyl in Ontario – brittle in cold, fails at hangers under snow load
Leaf guards:
- Screen inserts: clog with shingle grit – not recommended
- Micro-mesh (best for Ontario mixed tree canopy): $12-$22/linear foot installed
- No guard is completely maintenance-free – all require periodic inspection
Typical GTA job costs (2026):
- 1,500 sq ft bungalow (80-120 LF gutter): $800-$2,000 for 5" aluminum fully installed
- Downspout per drop: $80-$200
What gutter system do you have? Has anyone tried micro-mesh guards in the GTA?
Ontario eavestrough and exterior contractors at home.renovation.reviews