When it comes to home maintenance, eavestroughs are often overlooked—until there’s a problem. In Ottawa’s climate, where heavy rain, snow, and ice are common, properly functioning gutters are essential for protecting your roof, foundation, and landscaping. Ignoring eavestrough safety can lead to costly water damage, hazardous ice buildup, and even structural issues. In this post, we’ll break down why eavestrough safety matters and how to ensure your system is doing its job all year long.
Protecting your home starts at the roofline—learn the hidden risks of neglected eavestroughs and how to keep your Ottawa property safe year-round.
Cleaning or replacing your gutters might seem like a simple DIY task—but it’s far from risk-free. Every year, thousands of Canadians are injured in falls from ladders, roofs, and other elevated surfaces. In fact, falls from heights remain one of the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry, according to multiple safety boards across the country such as the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA)
In Ottawa, our tough climate adds another layer of danger. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can make even the most stable ladder slippery. That’s why winter gutter prep is not just about function—it’s about safety. Properly installed and maintained eavestroughs protect your home from ice dams and water damage, but doing the work without the right training or gear can put your life at risk.
In Ottawa, our tough climate adds another layer of danger. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can make even the most stable ladder slippery. That’s why winter gutter prep is not just about function—it’s about safety. Properly installed and maintained eavestroughs protect your home from ice dams and water damage, but doing the work without the right training or gear can put your life at risk.
Don’t Risk a Fall – Trust the Pros at Bronson Johnson
If your gutters need cleaning, repair, or replacement, don’t take chances with your safety. Bronson Johnson’s certified technicians are trained to handle Ottawa’s harsh climate using industry-best safety practices. Book your inspection today and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.
Common Risks of DIY Gutter Work
While it may be tempting to grab a ladder and tackle gutter issues yourself, DIY gutter work comes with serious hazards:
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Ladder falls: A major cause of home injury claims. A slip or misstep can lead to fractures, head trauma, or worse.
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Falling debris: Unsecured tools or gutter components can injure you or damage property.
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Electrocution risks: Working near overhead power lines or using conductive materials like metal tools can lead to electrical accidents.The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) of Ontario provides crucial information on staying safe around power lines.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, any work at heights of 3 metres (10 feet) or more requires proper fall protection. Ignoring these guidelines can result in injury, legal trouble, or both.
Required Safety Equipment & Training
Professional gutter technicians don’t just show up with a ladder—they arrive equipped with the full range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and certifications, including:
- Safety harnesses and lifelines
- Non-slip work boots
- Helmets and gloves
- Protective goggles
Working at Heights Legislation
Under Ontario Regulation O. Reg. 297/13, anyone working at heights on construction projects must complete approved Working at Heights training. You can learn more about these mandatory training requirements on the official Ontario government website. Failure to comply can result in fines, liability, and site shutdowns. These laws exist for a reason—because proper training saves lives.
Professional Standards at Bronson Johnson
At Bronson Johnson Seamless Eavestroughs, safety is never an afterthought. Our professional team adheres to the highest safety protocols:
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All technicians are certified in Working at Heights training
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We maintain full WSIB coverage (learn more at WSIB Ontario) and liability insurance
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Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained
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We’re proud of our strong reputation in Ottawa for dependable, safety-first service
We don’t just follow the rules—we exceed them, giving our customers confidence in every job we complete.
Preventing Ice Dams and Storm Damage
Improperly installed gutters don’t just pose safety risks—they can lead to expensive property damage. Ice dams form when water backs up due to poor drainage or slope, seeping under shingles and into your home.
Proper installation by trained professionals ensures:
Proper installation by trained professionals ensures:
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Correct slope for drainage
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Durable, weather-resistant materials
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Fewer clogs and blockages during heavy rain or snow
Home insurance providers often cite poor roof drainage as a major factor in winter water damage claims.The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) offers insights into preventing water damage to your home. Protecting your home starts with a gutter system that’s installed right the first time.
Get Safe, Code-Compliant Eavestrough Installation – Fast
Ontario law is strict for a reason—safety saves lives. Bronson Johnson Seamless Eavestroughs ensures every job is compliant with O. Reg. 297/13, fully insured, and completed by trained experts. Contact us now to book your no-obligation estimate and protect your home the right way.
Conclusion – Safety First
When it comes to gutter work, never sacrifice safety to save a few dollars. The risks are real—but the solutions are simple: hire professionals who are trained, equipped, and insured to get the job done safely and effectively.
Ready to protect your home and stay safe this winter? Schedule your professional inspection or installation today with Bronson Johnson.
Ready to protect your home and stay safe this winter? Schedule your professional inspection or installation today with Bronson Johnson.
Request a Free Quote!
Contact us to learn more about our eavestroughs services and request a free quote.
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Thank you for reaching out to Bronson Johnson, we look forward to assisting you!
Once you hit submit, rest assured we have received your request! There’s no need to resend it — it’s in good hands. A member of our team will review your message and get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for reaching out to Bronson Johnson, we look forward to assisting you!