The Right Eavestrough Size for Lasting Home Protection

If you’re a homeowner in Ottawa considering new eavestroughs, one of the most common questions is: what size eavestroughs do I need? Choosing the right size is crucial because it determines how effectively your system will move water away from your roof and foundation.

The Most Common Eavestrough Sizes

Most residential homes in Ottawa are best suited for 5-inch eavestroughs. This size is generally sufficient to manage rainfall and snowmelt for average-sized roofs, keeping water flowing safely away from your foundation.

While 6-inch eavestroughs are available, they are primarily used on commercial buildings or very large residential properties with expansive or steep rooflines. Their larger capacity allows them to handle significant water flow during heavy downpours.

The Downsides of 6-Inch Eavestroughs on Residential Homes

It may be tempting to think “bigger is better,” but installing 6-inch eavestroughs on a typical residential home can actually cause problems. In our experience, homes with oversized eavestroughs often experience issues in the colder months.

Here’s why:
  • Extra Weight from Snow and Ice – Larger gutters hold more snow and ice. As the weight increases, it puts extra strain on your system.
     
  • Fascia Board Damage – Most residential homes do not have fascia boards designed to withstand the heavy load of a 6-inch system under winter conditions.
     
  • Pulling Away from the Roofline – Over time, the weight causes the eavestroughs to pull away from the fascia board, which can damage both the gutter system and your home’s exterior.
     
For most Ottawa homeowners, 5-inch eavestroughs are the right balance—large enough to handle local weather conditions but not so big that they risk damaging your home.
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Factors That Affect Eavestrough Size


 

 Roof Area and Pitch

 
The larger and steeper your roof, the more water will flow into the eavestroughs during storms. Larger roofs often require wider eavestroughs and additional downspouts.

Ottawa’s Weather

 
Ottawa experiences heavy snowfall and sudden rainstorms. Choosing a properly sized system ensures your eavestroughs don’t clog, sag, or overflow when they’re needed most.

Home Design

 
Homes with complex rooflines, multiple valleys, or additions may need different configurations, including wider gutters or strategically placed downspouts.

Why Professional Sizing Matters

While it may seem simple, sizing eavestroughs is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Bronson Johnson Seamless Eavestroughs can evaluate your home, calculate water flow, and recommend the right system for maximum protection.

The Bronson Johnson Advantage

At Bronson Johnson Seamless Eavestroughs, our team designs and installs custom-fit seamless aluminum eavestroughs for Ottawa homes. Whether you need 5-inch or 6-inch systems, we ensure your eavestroughs are properly sized, sloped, and built to handle our city’s toughest weather.
 

Get Your Free Estimate Today!

 
Not sure what size eavestroughs your home requires? Contact Bronson Johnson Seamless Eavestroughs—your trusted eavestrough installers in Ottawa—for a free estimate and expert guidance.

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