How often should Ottawa eavestroughs be checked?

Ottawa eavestroughs should be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year — once in late spring after tree seeds and debris have fallen, and again in late fall after the leaves have dropped but before the first hard freeze.

Given Ottawa's climate, these two cleanings are the bare minimum. Eastern Ontario's harsh freeze-thaw cycles put significant stress on gutters and downspouts throughout the season. Ice damming is a real concern here — when gutters are clogged and water backs up, it freezes and can lift shingles, damage fascia boards, and cause interior water infiltration. If you have mature trees on your property (especially maples and oaks, which are common in older Ottawa neighbourhoods like the Glebe, Westboro, or New Edinburgh), you may need a third cleaning in early spring to clear out winter debris and seed pods.

What to look for during each inspection goes beyond just clearing debris. Check that gutters are sloped properly toward downspouts (roughly 1/4 inch drop per 10 feet), look for sagging sections where hangers may have pulled away from the fascia, inspect joints and end caps for separation or leaking, and make sure downspouts are directing water at least 4–6 feet away from your foundation. Ottawa's frost line sits at 4 feet deep, and poor drainage near your foundation is one of the leading causes of basement water problems — a costly fix that starts with a clogged downspout.

After major storms, it's also worth doing a quick visual check. Ottawa can see significant wind events and heavy rainfall, particularly in spring and summer, which can shift gutters or deposit large debris loads quickly.

For most homeowners, this is a manageable DIY task if you're comfortable on a ladder and have a single-storey or accessible roofline. A basic cleaning kit (gutter scoop, garden hose, and a stable extension ladder) is all you need. However, two-storey homes, steep rooflines, or homes with significant tree coverage are best left to a professional — the fall risk isn't worth it. A professional eavestrough cleaning in Ottawa typically runs $150–$350 depending on home size and access, and many contractors offer spring/fall packages.

If your gutters are older (15+ years), showing rust, pulling away from the fascia, or consistently overflowing despite being clean, it may be time to consider replacement. Seamless aluminum gutters are the standard in Ottawa and typically last 20–30 years with proper maintenance.

Your next step: Put two recurring reminders in your calendar — one for mid-May and one for early November. If you'd rather leave it to a pro, browse our Ottawa contractor directory to find verified eavestrough specialists in your area.