Eavestroughs & Gutter Guards: 2026 Cost Guide

Eavestroughs & Gutter Guards: 2026 Cost Guide

TL;DR: If your gutters overflow, the fascia is stained or ices up in winter, it’s time. In 2026, typical aluminum eavestrough installs run a few dollars per foot for basic replacements and more for seamless systems or guards. 6″ gutters with 3×4″ downspouts move ~40–50% more water than 5″—ideal for big/steep roofs. Book a fast quote and get scheduled this week.
eavestrough with micro-mesh guard showing maple leaves, light icicles, and the city skyline blurred behind

Seasonal fall leaves + light freeze do you understand why drainage capacity and cold-climate detailing matter?

LF Builders • Eavestrough Division • Renovation.Reviews

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What Counts as an “A+” Eavestrough System in (2026)

  • Seamless aluminum K-style (5″ or 6″) in .027–.032 gauge, color-matched.
  • Correct sizing (6″ + 3×4″ downspouts for big/steep roofs or complex valleys).
  • Continuous hangers or quality hidden hangers @ 16–24″ O.C.
  • Proper slope to outlets and smart outlet placement away from walks/driveways.
  • Downspout extensions to discharge water well away from the foundation.
  • Optional micro-mesh guards to cut cleaning and reduce winter clog/ice issues.
  • Ice-dam thinking: pairing air-sealing/insulation with eave protection.

Signs You Need Replacement

Fascia staining, peeling paint, seams dripping, frequent clogs, heaving ice at eaves, basement dampness, mulch washouts, or visible sagging/“bellies”.

2026 Pricing Snapshot (Southern Ontario)

Rule of thumb: materials, linear footage, story count, roof pitch/complexity, and add-ons (guards/heat cables) drive price.

  • General replacement price anchor: around $4,000+ for a typical eavestrough-only swap on an average home (final pricing varies by linear feet, 5″ vs 6″, # of downspouts/outlets, complexity).
  • Soffit & fascia: priced extra per linear foot (material + labour).
  • Typical full package: a complete eavestrough + soffit + fascia refresh commonly lands near $12,000 for many GTA homes, with premium profiles/repairs adding to that.
Tip: Ask for a line-item quote showing linear feet, number of outlets, downspout size, hanger spacing, and any guard brand/specs so you can compare apples-to-apples.

Choosing 5″ vs 6″ (and Downspout Size)

  • 5″ K-style + 2×3″ downspouts work for many bungalows and modest roof areas.
  • 6″ K-style + 3×4″ downspouts offer ~40–50% more water capacity—recommended for large/steep roofs, long roof planes, or heavy rain exposure.

Gutter Guards (When They Make Sense)

Micro-mesh stainless over aluminum framing keeps out seeds/asphalt granules; good for leafy streets and reduces winter clog risk. Perforated aluminum and screen guards are budget options; foam/brush are easy to add but need more frequent replacement. If you have conifers or helicopters (maples), micro-mesh pays off fastest.

Cold-Climate Notes: Ice Dams & Eave Protection

Ice dams start when warm attic air melts snow, water refreezes at cold eaves, then backs up under shingles. Pair air-sealing + insulation + ventilation with eave-protection membranes and clear drainage to reduce risk. Heated cables can be targeted (valleys/eaves) but aren’t a substitute for building-science fixes.

Seamless aluminum K-style eavestrough run with downspout on a residential fascia
Seamless run: shows on-site formed aluminum without lap seams—fewer leak points and a cleaner fascia line.
Close-up of micro-mesh gutter guard surface
Micro-mesh close-up: explains why seeds and granules don’t enter—useful when you want fewer cleanings.
Installed gutter guard at roof edge with shingles, drip edge, and eavestrough
Installed guard: how the guard meets shingles and drip edge, helping readers visualize your install.
K-style gutter section with drop outlet for downspout
Outlet detail: the “exit point”—proper sizing/outlet count prevents mid-run backups.
Inside miter corner piece for K-style gutter
Inside miter: common leak location—quality miters + sealants = dry corners.
Outside miter corner for K-style gutter
Outside miter: why hanger spacing and slope matter at changes in direction.
Ice dam along roof eaves with icicles indicating refreezing at the eaves
Ice-dam risk: illustrates refreezing at eaves—pair drainage with attic air-sealing/venting.
Downspout discharge and splash area, emphasizing extension away from foundation
Discharge example: shows why we extend outlets away from foundations to keep basements dry.

What to Expect in a Pro Install

  1. Measure, assess roof planes, choose 5″ vs 6″, map outlets to avoid walkways.
  2. Form seamless runs on site; hang with correct pitch toward outlets.
  3. Seal outlets/end-caps; add 2×3″ (5″) or 3×4″ (6″) downspouts.
  4. Extend discharge; verify grade away from foundation.
  5. Optional: fit micro-mesh guards; demonstrate cleaning/maintenance.

Read real homeowner contractor reviews on Renovation.Reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions (2026)

Do gutter guards eliminate cleaning forever?
They reduce it a lot, but you should still visually check spring/fall and after big wind events.

Are 6″ gutters overkill?
Not if you have big roof planes, steep pitches, or heavy tree cover. They’re a small premium for a lot more headroom.

How long do aluminum eavestroughs last?
With proper slope, fastening, and cleaning, decades. Salt spray or impact (ladders!) shortens life.

Will guards help with winter ice?
Guards help keep drainage paths open. For ice dams, address attic heat loss/venting and add eave protection.

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Daniel Eisenberg
Daniel Eisenberg Daniel Eisenberg is the founder of LF Builders with a passion for construction and renovation. With a wealth of knowledge in home improvement, Daniel leads the team in delivering high-quality projects and shares insights on construction, product reviews, and the latest industry trends.
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