How Much Does It Cost To Install Eavestrough in Ontario?

Like any other home renovation or custom home building project in Toronto and surrounding areas, eavestrough job costs will depend on various things – material, labour, permits, how fancy and practical materials are, etc. Let’s take a look at a detailed breakdown of prices you will need to consider when starting an eavestrough project.

Price Breakdown

Everyday prices for eavestrough installation consist of:

• Labour – You need to set aside some money to cater for labour costs if you want the eavestrough installation done by a professional. An experienced carpenter can get the work done within a short period. An ordinary contractor will take around 7 hours to complete a 50-foot segment. Therefore, it may take up to three days to complete the job, translating to a total labour cost of $2200.
• Removal and Disposal – You will also incur a cost to remove and dispose of the old eaves. Professional eaves removal and disposal will cost you around $100.
• Cleaning – It’s recommended to have your eaves cleaned at least three times every year. The average cost of professional eavestrough cleaning is around $100 per support. If you decide to get a system, the prices could range between $1000 for a DIY and upwards of $5000 for a specialist/professional set up.
• Screens – You might decide to install downspout screens in addition to utilizing gun guards. Downspout screens allow water to drain out instantly by redirecting floating debris from the downspout opening. While installing eaves, either DIY or professional installation, you might consider installing heating components in areas prone to icing.

Calculate How Much It Costs to Install an Eavestrough in Ontario

The cheapest and best performing options to install eavestrough in Ontario are seamless aluminum gutters which cost about $15 per linear foot. Copper gutters, on the other hand, are more expensive costing more than $35 per foot depending on market value. Eavestrough installation cost depends greatly on the materials you select and the contractor you work with. The installation of 200 linear feet of gutters will cost you about $1,500, if you install the gutter yourself. If you hire a contractor, the cost can go up to $3,000.

Average Cost of Gutters

When working with a contractor, most homeowners spend between $2,500 and $3,500 to install 100 linear feet of gutters. Copper eavestrough installation typically costs between $2,500 and $4,000 for 100 linear feet. While the costs may seem a tad high, it is good to keep in mind the expensive problems that an old or damaged gutter can cause.

• Eroding the foundation
• Rot on the roof
• Mold in the attic
• Flooding in the basement

Any of the aforementioned problems will cost thousands of dollars. Needless to say, gutter replacement is not that expensive a project. The cost of installing a new gutter is approximately $15 per linear foot for basic projects of more than 50 feet. For a multiple story building, high pitched roof, or complex architectural gutter design, the overall cost will be 15-25% depending on the scope of work.

Ranch style houses typically need two gutters: one in the back and another in the front. You will also need a total of 1 downspout on every corner. If your house has a porch, you need gutters along the drip edge of the roof. Downspouts cost about $50 to $100. The cost depends on the materials used.

Factors That Cause Price Variations For Eavestrough Installation

Multiple variations of gutters are available for different uses and preferences. As such, it is common to find prices varying in every location and every type of home. Several factors play a role in such differences, some of them being the materials used in making the gutters and the style. Others include:

Style of the home

Bigger houses require more materials during eavestrough installation, which means higher costs than smaller homes. The same applies to houses with complicated architectural designs that could be perceived as obstacles the gutters will have to navigate. Similarly, a property with multiple storeys will be more expensive than one with a ranch style.

Quality of the gutter

Some gutter materials last longer and can withstand the harshest weather conditions, making them higher quality than others. The kind you choose, therefore, will determine the amount you end up paying. Your roofing contractor can advise you on the one likely to bring you more value.

Additional accessories needed

If you want to add gutter covers or downspout screens, you will end up spending more on the installation, but you will enjoy more long-term cost efficiency because you won’t have to deal with frequent repairs or gutter cleaning.

Installation method

DIY gutter installation costs less than one handled by professionals because you will not pay for labour.

Cost of Different Gutter Materials

There are seven popular options when it comes to gutters. While it may be tempting to go for the cheaper options, you will save a lot more in repair, maintenance, and replacement when you go for the high-quality gutters which are durable. Here are the most popular gutter options:

Aluminum

The aluminum gutters are more expensive than vinyl. The price starts at $15 per linear foot. The price varies mostly because there are various thicknesses of metal (gauge) available. Other than that, aluminum gutters are a great investment because they are durable, lightweight, and quite easy to install.

The drawback is they can be damaged by snowstorms and heavy winds. Aluminum eavestroughs are also prone to cracking in areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations.

Galvanized Steel

If you are searching for the ultimate choice, steel gutters make the best choice. They are durable, irrespective of the climate. As a result of this, galvanized steel gutters are more expensive. The price starts at $16 and may go as high as $26 or even more per linear foot. Steel gutters are ideal for areas with frequent severe weather.

The downside is the high cost. However, when you consider the performance and long life of galvanized steel gutters, the material is worth every penny. Another downside is the high eavestrough installation cost. These gutters are heavy, and they require soldering to be done. Professionals thus charge higher labor costs.

Copper

When it comes to luxuriousness, copper gutters are the best choice. They are mostly installed on luxury properties. They offer a noteworthy boost in curb appeal. However, it is good to note that copper gutters are some of the most expensive options on the market. They cost between $35 and $40 or more per linear foot.

You need to understand that copper gutters are installed simply for their aesthetic appeal. They don’t offer any added value in terms of durability and longevity. The installation cost of copper gutters is also about 15-20% more expensive than other materials.

Just like with most home improvement projects, labor costs attribute to about 50-60% of the total price. When working with a licensed contractor, you can expect to pay between $15 and $30 per linear foot to install a seamless gutter. You will pay more if your house is more than one story high because it is time-consuming and harder to install gutters on tall buildings. While it costs less to work with a handyman, you risk ending with poor installation if you don’t work with a professional gutter installer.

Vinyl

Vinyl is one of the cheapest gutter materials at $3 to $6 per linear foot, but these gutters do not have the same longevity as the other types. They are also easy to install and rarely require the services of a professional. The price you pay usually matches the quality you get. However, once damaged, you will have to replace them. Vinyl gutters are also available in many types and sizes, making them ideal for many homes. However, they tend to get softer when exposed to high temperatures and brittle during the cold season.

Wood

The approximate cost of wood ranges between $18 and $25. This gutter type is not very common, but you can still find one that suits your preferred style from the multiple variations available. Wood gutters are made from different wood species. Ensure you pick a lasting one like cypress, which is resistant to insect manifestation and moisture.

Zinc

Most of the old homes have zinc gutters and for a good reason. Zinc gutters are available in multiple colours that can match your roof or home’s architectural style. They also do not need several maintenance routines, which can reduce the long-term costs. They can also last for decades in perfect shape, thanks to their ability to develop a variegated patina. It keeps them from rusting and other issues related to outdoor weather conditions.

Galvalume

A combination of aluminum, zinc, and silicone makes up galvalume. The process is usually similar to galvanizing, but it provides better results by making the gutters more resistant to corrosion and other moisture-related damages. These gutter types also have a longer lifespan than some of the most durable types in the market, such as aluminum and galvanized steel gutters. You can buy seamless or seamed gutters according to your budget and compare multiple styles that will complement your roof type.

Cost of Different Gutter Types

Gutters are divided into two main categories—seamless, also known as continuous, and seamed, commonly known as sectional or segmental. Seamed gutters are made in fixed lengths and so must be joined if the roof is longer than the available gutter length. Seamless gutters are usually customized on-site, which means you get the exact size you need with minimal to no chances of leaks. Seamed gutters cost $3 – $20 per linear foot, and seamless gutters cost $4 – $30 per linear foot.

Seamless Gutters VS Sectional Gutters

In most cases, segmental gutters are installed as DIY, unlike seamless gutters, which professionals must install. That, and the fact that they are likely to start leaking at the seams with time, makes them less costly.

On the other hand, seamless gutters are made to match the specific length of the house and do not have seams. Unfortunately, their design also makes them more challenging to install, which means you will have to incur labour expenses. Nonetheless, they are more durable and can withstand extreme weather elements like strong winds better. They are also less susceptible to leaks and provide better long-term value.

Cost of Different Gutter Types

Different gutter styles add varying aesthetic appeal to various roofing styles. Some types are built to blend with multiple roof types, while others are made with specific designs in mind. They are also made with varying materials, which means you may have to look harder if you have a particular material in mind. These differences result in varying prices as well.

Victorian Ogee

The Victorian Ogee has distinctive frilled edges that can add tremendous aesthetic appeal to your home. They have limited material choices, which makes them harder to find. However, you can still get the ideal size from the options available. They are priced at approximately $8 to $15 per linear foot.

V-Style Gutters

These gutter types are named after their V-shape, which is more visible when viewed from the side. One of their disadvantages is that they cannot hold a lot of water, making them less effective during a heavy downpour and less superior to the other gutters. They are also made in a few material selections, and they are not as common.

K-Style Gutters

Unlike V-style and Victorian Ogee gutters, K-style gutters are more popular and readily available. They’re effective because of their ability to hold lots of water. Their name comes from the fact that their profile appears like the letter K when sliced. The amount you pay for them will depend on the material used.

U-Style Gutters

One of the oldest gutter styles is U-style gutters, which is why they are easier to find than other types. The U-shaped gutter systems look like half-pipes and are usually joined to the underside of the soffit. Some of the new models have been improved; therefore, they can handle more volumes of water than the older style.

Fascia

The fascia-style gutters appear more decorative than functional. They have a distinguished frilled front edge that is easy to identify, but they do not offer homeowners multiple options in terms of material selections. As such, compared to U-style and K-style gutters, these types are not easy to come by.

European Seamless Gutters

The European seamless gutters can be classified as U-style gutters, with the main difference being their ability to hold more volumes of water. They are larger than the other types, which is one of the reasons why they are becoming a popular option for more homeowners. They are also available in more material options.

What Else You Can Add To Eavestrough Installation

	If you bought a house with an impractical eavestrough system pre-installed by the previous owner, you need to prepare for more costs. It could have become faulty or obsolete over time and may require redesigning. That could add to the gutter installation charges significantly.
	Installing new gutters means removing the old ones, which you can DIY and save some money. Disposing of them may be difficult, which is why some companies include the disposal charges when issuing a quote. Confirm with your preferred contractor before signing the contract.
	Gutter guards are great at eliminating the need for frequent gutter cleaning and can save you a lot of money and time. They also reduce the possibility of suffering accidental falls and unnecessary repairs. They are easily accessible at home improvement stores, and the various types are ideal for DIY and professional installations.
	Downspout screens improve the effectiveness of gutter guards by reducing the chances of clogging in the downspouts. They redirect debris away and allow water to flow smoothly through the downspout openings. That ensures water drains away with ease.
	The weather in Ontario can become unbearable sometimes and can take a toll on some home fixtures, especially the elements installed outside. Heat Tape can be very beneficial during winter by preventing the accumulation of ice inside or on top of the gutters.

Vinyl

Vinyl gutters systems may sound like a better option when you are on a tight budget, but if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you will end up spending more on repairs and possible replacements within short durations. They cost between $3 to $5 per linear foot and can perform the primary function of redirecting water away from your foundation and exterior walls.

However, these materials are less durable and cannot withstand strong natural elements. Both hot and cold weather will take a toll on vinyl, resulting in gutters that degenerate faster. The price of vinyl is their only advantage. If you need a more durable or reliable material that will not need to be constantly checked or replaced, consider other expensive options.

Downspout Cost

Although it is not mandatory, replacing your downspouts when changing gutters is always the best option. Like gutters, downspouts are also available in various styles and materials that you can choose from. The cost of aluminum and vinyl downspouts ranges between $5 and $8, whereas steel will cost $9 to $12 and at least $17 per square foot for copper. You will need to place them at approximately every 35 feet, and you may also need accessories such as flashing, hangers, drains, and splash blocks which could add to the cost.

Gutter Replacement

Replacing a gutter involves removing the old system and disposing of it properly, which costs approximately $100. If you have done some home improvement work, you can remove the gutters on your own and save money. However, remember that if you do not do it correctly, your contractor will charge more for the extra work they will have to do.

Homeowners that remove the old gutter properly will only pay $40 for the disposal, but this amount could be different in some locations. Contractors in various cities charge varying amounts of money and could ask for higher or lower amounts. The price could also depend on the condition of the gutter or roof and how challenging it is to remove the gutters.

Downspout Extension Cost

Downspouts usually need accessories to function optimally, especially those installed above the ground. The type and quality of extension will determine the cost, with the purchase price ranging from $10 to $50. Installing them will cost between $30 and $100. Some contractors give discounts and offer extensions when you hire them to install the gutters. They will include the cost in the estimate, but it is still better to ask them and confirm before signing the contract.

Some of the common accessories used with downspout extensions include:

Drains: These are also called splash blocks, and you can have them at $5 to $10. They channel water away from the foundation.

Hangers: One downspout will need at least two hangers, and each one costs at least $2. They keep the gutters suspended and the water draining, even when there are strong winds and storms.

Flashing: These cost $10 and are used to protect the siding and underlayment from excess moisture.

Rain barrel for downspouts: Are used to collect rainwater and can be bought at $80 to $200.

Rollout extenders: Cost $10 – $20 and redirect water further from the foundation.

Additional Consideration

Additional factors that will contribute to the amount you pay for gutter installation include the location and the risk level involved. Normally, the placement of the gutter depends on the roof design, with some being put in areas that are difficult to reach.

Removing some gutters, especially those on older homes, can also result in other damages and costly repairs. For example, you may end up needing siding replacement or repainting the outside walls, and both are not cheap.

There have also been cases where the downspout is impossible to remove, in which case, keeping the water flowing will require extra funds. Timing the project correctly also matters. Professionals prefer to work when it is convenient for them and will charge more if they have to work when the weather is not conducive.

DIY vs Hiring a Gutter Installer

For most people, the first option when exploring ways to save money is to do the job as a DIY. However, while it might spare you some cash, it increases the chances of mistakes that can end up being too costly. Also, although you get to do the job on your terms, maintaining the schedule and completing it on time may be a little challenging. Other disadvantages of the DIY approach include potential falls and injuries, unprofessional-looking results, and accidental damage to the property.

On the other hand, hiring a professional installer will produce the best results, which is crucial in giving the house the protection it deserves. You may spend some money upfront, but you will save a lot in the long term. The contractors can also recommend the right materials to invest in to reduce the level of maintenance required on the house.

FAQs

What is the lifespan of good gutters?

The longevity of gutters depends on the material used to make them. For instance, steel gutters have a lifespan of 20 years, while copper can remain in perfect condition for up to 50 years with minimal to no maintenance. However, weather elements and cleaning or maintenance routines will play a role in how long each material lasts.

Is there any value added when you install gutters?

Yes, a good gutter system with quality materials and installation will add tremendous value to your property. Many home buyers focus on the condition and age of gutters when searching for properties to invest in. These systems do not just protect the foundation and walls; they also ensure the landscapes remain in perfect condition.

Must a gutter system be installed on a property?

Yes, every real estate property needs a gutter system to maintain its good condition. Without these features, rainwater from the roof will pool near the foundation and cause cracking. In extreme cases, the walls will crumble, and the landscape will lose its visual appeal because of erosion. Gutters provide the cheapest way to maintain the structural integrity of the house and save a lot of money in the long run.

How do I choose the right gutter size?

Gutters are usually available in two shapes, namely half rounds and K-style gutters. Three sizes, namely 4, which is the smallest, 5, which holds approximately 1.5 gallons, and 6, which holds 2 gallons of water, are also available. Choose the right size depending on the steepness of your roof and the amount of rainfall your area receives in a year.