Moving & Home Services Ottawa, Ontario
Top Rated Eavestrough Installers in Ottawa
Ottawa eavestrough and gutter companies, why seamless matters in a freeze-thaw climate, and the underground downspout mistake that cracks pipe every winter.
Ottawa punishes eavestrough harder than most Canadian cities, and the reason is not snowfall. It is the number of times a winter crosses zero. Every cycle melts water into the gutter and then freezes it, and every freeze pries at whatever joint or hanger is holding the run up.
That points at two things when you are choosing. Seamless, so there are no joints along the length to work apart. And a hanger system that carries the run continuously rather than at intervals, because an ice-loaded gutter is carrying several times its own weight.
The mistake that costs the most here has nothing to do with the gutter itself. Underground downspout drains in Ottawa sit at 30 to 60 centimetres, comfortably inside the frost line. Water left in them freezes, expands, and splits the pipe. Disconnect them in autumn and you will not be digging up your lawn in April.
The list
Number 1: Eavesthetic Gutter Co.
Forms every system on site to the exact dimensions of the house, so there are no sectional joints to work apart under an ice load. Installs the Alu-Rex DoublePro with continuous hanger technology, which supports the full length of the run rather than every few feet.
Number 2: Top Hat Home Comfort
The exclusive eastern Ontario dealer for Gutter Helmet. Worth the call specifically if the house sits under mature trees and the recurring problem is clogging rather than capacity.
Number 3: Roofmaster
A roofing company that also does eavestrough, which matters more than it sounds. Ice dams start at the roof edge, and a crew that can look at the soffit venting and the gutter in the same visit will find the actual cause.
Number 4: Modern Eavestroughing
Consistently well reviewed on quality of work from quote through to completion. A straightforward choice for a full replacement where you want the job done without an upsell to a protection system.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ottawa require me to disconnect my downspouts?
No. Unlike Toronto, which made downspout disconnection mandatory in 2011, Ottawa has no citywide requirement. The city encourages disconnection from storm sewers to reduce load on the system, but it is your choice.
How far from the foundation does a downspout have to discharge?
At least 1.2 metres, ideally onto a splash pad. If you run it underground, Ontario Building Code Part 9 requires the water to be directed at least 1.8 metres away, and the discharge cannot be aimed at a neighbouring property or at municipal infrastructure. Any connection to the municipal storm or sanitary sewer needs a plumbing permit and a licensed plumber.
Should I disconnect underground downspout drains before winter?
For most Ottawa homes, yes, and this is the one that costs people money. Underground downspout lines are typically buried only 30 to 60 centimetres down, which is inside the frost zone. Water freezes in the pipe and expands hard enough to crack PVC, split corrugated drain tile and pull glued joints apart. You find out in spring.
Seamless or sectional?
Seamless, in this climate. Sectional eavestrough has a joint every few feet, and every joint is a place for water to sit, freeze and work the seal loose. Seamless is formed on a roll former in your driveway to the exact length of the run, so the only joints are at corners and outlets.
What does eavestrough installation cost in Ottawa?
Seamless aluminum generally runs $8 to $15 per linear foot installed, so a typical detached home lands somewhere between $1,500 and $3,500. Gutter guards add roughly $5 to $12 per foot on top. Steel and copper cost considerably more and are rare on residential work here.