Eavestroughs, also called gutters, channel rainwater away from the roof to reduce damage from water runoff. These systems degrade over time due to the effects of equipment, weather and debris. Ontario homeowners needing eavestrough replacement cost have questions about the associated costs and what affects pricing. One of the ways to keep one’s home secure from potential water problems is to know the cost of eavestrough replacement.
Factors Influencing Eavestrough Replacement Costs
A few factors in Ontario dictate how much it’ll cost to replace eavestroughs. The final expense is also affected by materials used, labour costs, and complexity of installation, plus any additional features.
Material Selection and Pricing
The eavestrough system is one of the most significant cost factors. The most commonly used material is aluminium because it is cheap, lightweight and rust-resistant. It costs between $7 to $15 per linear foot and is usually a viable option for most homeowners. Another budget-friendly choice is vinyl, which runs from $4 to $8 per foot. Vinyl gutters can also become brittle in extreme cold, making them less attractive for Ontario’s harsh winters.
Steel eavestroughs are more durable and resistant to damage but cost $12 to $20 per linear foot. Due to their heavier weight, they need more robust support. If you are a homeowner looking for a premium choice, copper eavestroughs have a long life and will develop an attractive patination over time. However, luxury costs $30 to $40 per linear foot in this case, and they are largely available only for high-end or historic properties.
Labour Costs and Installation Complexity
Professional installation fees do not come cheap among all the costs comprising the price of eavestrough replacement. Labour charges average from $5 to $10 per foot linearly depending on the job’s difficulty. The cost will be on the lower end of the spectrum for a single-story house with a simple roofline, while a multi-story home with an elaborate roof will incur additional labour and push the cost up.
Old eavestroughs also need to be disposed of, increasing the total expense. The size and condition of the existing system will determine how much the contractor costs you between $100 and $300. However, the cost may rise further if the old gutters are hard to take off or contain hazardous materials, such as lead paint.
Additional Features and Enhancements
Do you want to increase the efficiency and longevity of the eavestrough system? This may suggest various features that homeowners can add to make their eavestrough system worth the investment. For example, Gutter guards prevent debris from building up, which means cleanup and upkeep wouldn’t need to be done as often. The normal prices run from about $5 to $10 per linear foot. Each downspout extension runs from $10 to $50. Heat cables can also be installed in places susceptible to ice dams to keep the water flowing smoothly and keep the ice from building up in areas like this. Costs range from $10 to $20 per foot.
Seamless vs. Sectional Eavestroughs
Another important cost factor is choosing whether to have seamless or sectional eavestroughs. The gutters will be made custom on-site, reducing the chances of leaks. The system normally costs between $10 and $20 per linear foot with installation. On the other hand, sectional eavestroughs are pre-cut lengths of material that are assembled during installation. Their downside is the lower cost at about $5 to $15 per foot, but they are more vulnerable to leaks and require more care.
Different Home Sizes and Estimated Total Costs
The size of the home and how far it needs eavestrough determine the total cost of eavestrough replacement. For example, a newly constructed single-story 150-foot eavestrough home would be between $1,500 and $2,250 and give you virtually no labour costs. The total estimate for a pro-grade gutter guard and cleanout can be around $3,950.
The costs go up proportionally for a large, two-story house that is expected to require 300 feet of eavestrough. The labour would add another $2,100, but the aluminium material would run you between $3,000 and $4,500. Adding gutter guards and downspout extensions may cost more than $7,800. The installation itself may be complicated by the complexity, roof height, or even problems such as accessibility constraints, which may affect the price even more.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
For homeowners who want to put eavestroughs on the house to save money, you’ll want to consider professional installation. To avoid water leaks and damage that may occur over time, eavestroughs should be installed properly. DIY installation depends on measurable angles, a slope toward the lowest part of the home, and proper attachment to the house.
They also have the necessary tools (like a good vacuum cleaner), experience and safety equipment to do the job properly. Like all dealers, they also give warranties on materials and quality to give homeowners peace of mind. Although this entails an extra expense, watching professionals do the installation ensures your eavestrough system runs smoothly for many years.
Maximizing Value and Hiring a Contractor
Homeowners are advised to go for eavestrough replacement only after getting at least two quotes from reputable contractors, as this would help you get the best value for money. By comparing different service providers, pricing and service quality variations are understood. Other steps for finding a good contractor include checking online reviews, requesting references, and ensuring the contractor is insured.
In addition, scheduling the replacement of the eavestrough in the off-peak season, like the beginning of spring or the end of fall, could result in some cost savings. During these periods, contractors are usually more available, and discounts or promotional pricing might be available.
Conclusion
For homeowners in Ontario, a well-thought-out investment into replacing your eavestrough is of the utmost importance to help protect your property from water damage and maintain your property’s structural integrity in the long run. Like most things, there is a cost to replace eavestrough, which is determined by various factors, including material selection, labour costs, additional features, and the complexity of the installation. However, the price varies from a couple of thousand dollars for a smaller home to over $7,000 for the larger properties, and the benefits offered by a good eavestrough system are worth it.
Selecting the right materials, getting professional, safe fit installation, and adders like gutter guards can make your drain and filtration system long-lived, effective, and low maintenance. Through the breakdown of the cost, the involved can make a rational decision, knowing that the money they are spending is an investment that will protect their investment for the years to come.
FAQs
Is it necessary to remove rust before fixing the hole?
Before applying sealant or a patch, yes, clean the area with a wire brush and sandpaper.
How does one repair a gutter hole with duct tape?
Duct tape is not waterproof and will fail quickly, no.
If the gutter has holes, should I replace the whole gutter?
As long as there is spreading rust or relatively serious damage, otherwise, patching works.
What can I do to prevent future holes?
Cleaning regularly with a protective coat helps.
When is the time when I should call a professional?
This is valid if the hole is large, the gutter is sagging, or you do not want to work at heights.