If you’re an Edmonton resident, now’s the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for Alberta’s frigid winter. Check your heating system, seal drafts, inspect your plumbing, and make sure your gutters are in tip-top condition.
But how can you tell if your eavestroughs are in good enough shape to handle the upcoming freezing months? By recognizing the signs you need gutter replacement before Edmonton winter, you can act quickly while the weather is still mild.
Why Edmonton Winters Are Hard on Gutters and Eavestroughs
Edmonton winters have daytime highs ranging from -4°C to -10°C and night lows from -13°C to -20°C. Cold snaps are possible, too, with temperatures as low as -30°C to -40°C.
Edmonton experiences significant snowfall as well: around 124 cm (49 inches) of dry snow every year.
Eavestroughs take the hardest hit in Alberta’s tough winters. They’re your home’s first line of defence against heavy snow loads and roof melt-offs. They keep severe freeze-thaw cycles in check and prevent water from leaking onto the fascia boards and soffits.
With a well-maintained gutter system, your home’s foundation, exterior walls, and roof should stay protected from the harsh weather. That’s why a thorough inspection of your eavestroughs is a must before winter begins.
8 Signs You Need New Gutters Before the First Freeze
If you notice any of these signs during your gutter inspection, it may be time to replace your old eavestroughs:
1. Sagging Gutters Pulling Away From the Fascia
If sections of your gutter are pulling away from the fascia board, it means the hangers are failing. As snow piles on the gutters, it’ll be a matter of time before they break away from the fascia board, dumping heavy snow near your walls or doors.
2. Rust, Pinholes, and Corrosion
Inspect every nook and cranny of your gutters for rust, pinholes, and signs of corrosion.
If these parts go unreplaced, the additional moisture from snow and rain will only make the rust worse, causing damage to your gutters and resulting in leaks that could jeopardize your house’s structural integrity.
3. Leaky Eavestrough Seams and Corners
Look carefully at how the seams and corners, which are common weak points, manage water inside the gutter system. Pour water down your gutters and check for leaks.
Then take pictures with your smartphone of the affected spots so you can easily find them again when you need to repair or replace them.
4. Cracks, Splits, and Separated Sections
Cracks and splits encourage leaks near your home’s exterior walls, and with heavy snowfall, you risk entire sections breaking off from your gutters. Separated sections disrupt the smooth flow of melted water, causing blockages and ice dams.
5. Overflowing Water and Poor Drainage
If you’ve noticed that your gutters have experienced overflowing water (spilling over the edges) after a regular rainfall, it spells a drainage problem.
Even if the system looks outwardly clean, there might be an issue with its pitch, or it could be the wrong dimensions for your home.
6. Water Stains, Peeling Paint, and Rotting Fascia
Water stains, peeling paint, and rot along your fascia board are some of the more subtle signs of chronic water overflow or hidden leaks. They’ll let you know what sections of the gutter system need repair or replacement.
7. Pooling Water Around Your Foundation
Do you frequently notice standing water around your foundation or basement leaks? The reason might be that your gutters are doing a poor job of directing the water away from your home.
8. Your Gutters Are Past Their Lifespan
The average lifespan of a standard aluminum gutter system is approximately 20 years. If yours has reached that milestone, it’s best to replace it even if you can’t see any visible signs of wear and tear.
You don’t want to be stuck with a compromised eavestrough in the middle of winter in Alberta. Replacement can be challenging in freezing weather, and the more time it’s delayed, the longer your home will be exposed to the elements without a functioning gutter.
How Long Do Gutters Last in Alberta’s Climate?
Gutters normally last 15 to 25 years in Alberta’s climate, although many factors affect their longevity. Regular maintenance, how harsh the weather is, and the gutters’ material all influence how long you can expect your gutters to last in Edmonton, Alberta.
Vinyl or PVC gutters are the most affordable, but they have the shortest lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Aluminum gutters are more durable, averaging around 20 years, while galvanized steel can last up to 25 years.
Some homeowners prefer copper gutters as a premium choice that could last 40 to 50+ years. While the upfront cost is high, copper gutters save money in the long run as they need less replacement and maintenance.
Winter Warning Signs to Watch for After the Snow Falls
Some additional post-snowfall signs that indicate a necessity for gutter replacement include:
Ice Dams and Ice Build-Up in Gutters
Finding ice dams or ice build-up inside your gutters after snowfalls means there’s a problem preventing melted snow from running uninterrupted down your eavestrough.
Oversized Icicles on Gutters
If you notice oversized icicles on the edges of your gutters, it’s a sign that you’re facing overflowing water that has later frozen with the plummeting temperatures.
Frozen Gutters and Downspouts
Have your gutters or downspouts completely frozen over? This indicates trapped melted snow or water that has turned to ice due to a combination of extremely low temperatures and poor drainage.
Eavestrough Repair vs. Replacement
Sometimes, minor issues call for repairs instead of a full replacement. If your system is mostly functional with some sagging, loose hangers, or isolated leaks, you only have to repair the affected section.
Another rule of thumb is: if the repair cost is less than 30% of what you’d pay for a full system replacement, then go ahead and fix the damaged parts only.
Replacement makes more sense if your gutter system is older than 20 years, has splits, holes, and rusted spots in multiple places, or you’ve already repaired it several times.
It’s also the better idea if your gutters are sagging dangerously away from the roof or are poorly fitted to your home’s dimensions.
Gutter Replacement Cost in Edmonton
The gutter replacement cost in Edmonton depends on the size of your house, which affects the amount of eavestroughing you’ll need installed. Other factors that influence the price are the number of corners and downspouts and whether you’ll be removing an old system.
On average, replacing your eavestroughs costs about $8 per linear foot, with continuous aluminum eavestroughing costing:
- $7 per linear foot for 5″ continuous aluminum eavestroughing
- $9.50 per linear foot for 6″ continuous aluminum eavestroughing
As for gutter guard costs:
- Alu-Rex Double Pro: $6 per linear foot
- Alu-Rex T-Rex: $4 per linear foot
- Gutter Clean: $8.50 per linear foot
Choosing the Best Gutters for Snow and Ice
The best gutters for Edmonton snow are made up of seamless aluminum eavestroughs and heavy-duty gutter guards:
Seamless Aluminum Eavestroughs
6″ continuous aluminum eavestroughing is ideal for Edmonton weather, as it handles heavy snowmelt and rapid runoff volume. It also balances cost-effectiveness, durability, and a seamless installation that limits weak points where freeze-thaw cycles can separate joints.
Gutter Guards
High-quality gutter guards are installed in or on top of gutters to prevent leaves or debris from entering the system and messing with drainage.
Why Fall Is the Best Time for Eavestrough Replacement
Mild fall temperatures provide optimal installation conditions as they allow sealants to cure properly. Early storms or rainfall in fall give you the chance to test a newly installed system before winter fully hits, enabling you to detect hidden issues and make adjustments.
Finally, installing your gutters in the fall lets you avoid emergency repair backlogs and high demand that contractors face in the height of winter.
Why Choose Let It Flow Exteriors for Gutter Replacement in Edmonton
Let It Flow has been providing exterior home services in Edmonton since 2017. With hands-on experience in the area’s challenging weather, our professional staff is ready to tackle your eavestrough replacement project from start to finish.
Take advantage of our 5-Year Workmanship Guarantee (one of the longest workmanship warranties in the industry) and contact us today.
FAQs
How Often Should You Replace Gutters?
You should replace your aluminum gutters every 20 years. Galvanized steel tends to last longer, requiring replacement every 25 years, while vinyl has a shorter lifespan of only 10 to 15 years.
Can Gutters Be Replaced in Winter in Edmonton?
Yes, gutters can be replaced in winter in Edmonton, but it’s not recommended unless it’s an emergency. Winter introduces many challenges: risk of water damage, safety hazards for installation crews, and poor bonding of sealants.
Should Soffit and Fascia Be Replaced at the Same Time as Gutters?
Since gutters are fixed directly into the fascia board, it’s best to replace both together, especially if the fascia’s wood is rotten or significantly damaged. Soffit doesn’t need to be changed if it’s in good condition; replace it separately when needed.