Last winter, John Martinez of Oakville thought his leaking eavestrough was “just one of those things.” By spring, that small leak had rotted his fascia, damaged his foundation, and flooded his basement. Total cost? $42,000.
“I wish I’d known sooner,” John told us. “You don’t think about eavestroughs until they’re a problem. And by then, it’s usually too late.”
Eavestrough leaks are a common issue that can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.
Here in Southern Ontario, where freeze-thaw cycles can be brutal and summer storms can dump a month’s worth of rain in a day, your eavestroughs aren’t just home accessories – they’re your first line of defence against catastrophic water damage.
At T. Simpson Roofing, we’ve seen it all: ice dams that tear gutters clean off houses, basement floods that could have been prevented with proper drainage, and mould problems that started with one tiny eavestrough leak. But we’ve also seen how the right eavestrough system, properly installed and maintained, can protect a home for decades.
In this guide, we’ll share what 30 years of Southern Ontario eavestrough experience has taught us about:
- The warning signs that your eavestroughs are failing (and the one most homeowners miss)
- Why the “cheap fix” often costs more in the long run
- The truth about DIY installation (and when it’s actually a good idea)
- How to choose the right material for our climate
Understanding Eavestroughs
What is an Eavestrough?
An eavestrough, also known as a gutter, is a crucial component of a home’s exterior that collects and directs rainwater away from the foundation of the house. Installed along the edges of the roof, the eavestrough system plays a vital role in preventing water damage, foundation issues, and landscaping erosion. Think of it as your home’s rain management system, channelling water safely away to protect your investment. Without a well-functioning eavestrough system, you risk costly repairs and structural damage that could have been easily avoided.
The Warning Signs Most Homeowners Miss
You know about the obvious signs of eavestrough failure – water spilling over the sides during rain, visible sagging, or plants growing in your gutters. Eavestrough repair becomes necessary when these warning signs are noticed. But in Southern Ontario’s unique climate, there are subtler warnings that could save you thousands if you catch them early:
The “Tiger Striping” Warning
Those mysterious vertical stripes on your eavestroughs? Local contractors call them “tiger stripes,” and they’re not just cosmetic. They indicate water is consistently seeping where it shouldn’t, often due to incorrect pitch or failing seams. In our freeze-thaw climate, these seemingly minor issues can split an eavestrough wide open during a single cold snap. ‘Tiger stripes’ can also be an early indicator of eavestrough leaks.
The Foundation Test
Here’s a simple test our technicians use: After a heavy rain, check your foundation wall about 6 inches below the soil line. If it’s damp, your eavestroughs aren’t doing their job, even if they appear to be working fine above ground. In Southern Ontario’s clay-heavy soil, this hidden moisture can cause foundation problems faster than in other regions.
The Winter Warning: Eavestrough Leaks
If you’re seeing icicles form in the same spots year after year, that’s not just a winter wonderland – it’s a red flag. Those icicles often indicate heat loss and poor drainage, a combination that can tear eavestroughs right off your house during our harsh Ontario winters.
The Material Truth: What Works in Southern Ontario (And What Doesn’t)
After installing thousands of eavestroughs across the region, we’ve learned some hard truths about what materials actually last in our climate:
Aluminum Gutters: The Local Champion
While there are fancier options, we’ve found that heavy-gauge aluminum consistently outperforms in Southern Ontario. Why? It handles our extreme temperature swings better than vinyl (which gets brittle) and costs less than copper while still lasting 20+ years when properly installed.
The Seamless Advantage
Seamless gutters offer significant advantages over traditional seamed gutters, particularly in our climate. Those pretty copper gutters you saw on Pinterest? In our climate, they can actually underperform compared to properly installed seamless aluminum. The reason? Fewer seams mean fewer failure points during freeze-thaw cycles. We’ve seen too many sectional gutters split at the seams after just a few Ontario winters.
Gutter System Components
Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are an essential component of a gutter system that helps prevent debris, such as leaves and twigs, from entering the gutters and causing clogs. Installed on top of the existing gutters, these guards come in various styles, including mesh screens and solid covers. By keeping debris out, gutter guards ensure that water flows smoothly through the gutter system, reducing the risk of clogs and subsequent water damage. Not only do they minimize the need for frequent gutter cleaning, but they also enhance the overall performance and longevity of your eavestrough system.
The Real Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk numbers, specifically for Southern Ontario homes:
Basic Aluminum System (2,000 sq ft home):
- Materials and Installation: $3,000-$4,500
- Potential water damage repair if delayed: $15,000-$50,000+
- Annual maintenance costs: $200-$400
When considering gutter replacement, it’s important to factor in the costs associated with both the removal of old gutters and the installation of new ones. Professional assistance is often necessary to avoid potential challenges and dangers, as well as to manage disposal and installation costs effectively.
But here’s what most contractors won’t tell you: The initial installation cost is often less important than the ongoing maintenance requirements. A poorly installed $5,000 system could cost you more in repairs over five years than a properly installed $3,500 system. While vinyl gutters are among the cheapest gutter materials, their lower initial cost may lead to higher long-term expenses due to a shorter lifespan and the need for future replacements.
Why DIY Usually Costs More (But Not Always)
We’ve fixed plenty of DIY installations, but we’ll be honest – some homeowners do a great job. Gutter installation is a crucial element for maintaining property. Here’s our straightforward advice:
DIY Might Work If:
- You have experience with precise measurements
- Your home is single-story
- You understand proper pitch calculations
- You’re comfortable working at heights
However, for more complex projects, it is advisable to seek professional help to install gutters.
Don’t DIY If:
- Your home has complex roof lines
- You’re dealing with existing water damage
- You have a multi-story home
- You’re not confident about proper pitch calculation
The Next Step: Get a Professional Inspection
If you’re seeing any of these warning signs:
- Tiger striping on your eavestroughs
- Basement dampness
- Recurring icicles in the same spots
- Foundation dampness after rain
Don’t wait until spring’s heavy rains or next winter’s ice dams make things worse. Call T. Simpson Roofing today for an eavestrough inspection. Our expert technicians will:
- Check your current eavestrough pitch
- Inspect for hidden damage
- Provide a detailed report of findings
- Give you a clear, honest quote if eavestrough repair is needed
Why Choose T. Simpson Roofing?
- 30+ years serving Southern Ontario
- Detailed inspections
- Clear, honest pricing
- Local expertise for local weather challenges
- A great warranty
- Emergency service available
Contact Us Today
Don’t let a small problem become a $42,000 mistake. Get in touch with us today and let’s chat about your eaves.
Remember: Your eavestroughs are your home’s first line of defense against water damage. Make sure they’re up to the challenge of Southern Ontario weather.
