Plastic to Aluminum Downspout Replacement Cost in Ottawa

Replacing plastic downspouts with aluminum is one of the smartest upgrades Ottawa homeowners can make, and the cost is surprisingly reasonable for the improvement in durability and performance you get.

Aluminum Downspout Replacement Costs in Ottawa

For a standard Ottawa home with four to six downspouts, expect to pay $800 to $2,400 for a complete plastic-to-aluminum conversion. Individual aluminum downspout installation runs $200 to $600 per downspout depending on the height of the run, number of elbows needed, and whether existing brackets and mounting points can be reused. The lower end of that range applies to straightforward single-storey replacements where the existing outlet holes align properly, while the higher end covers two-storey runs with multiple elbows and new fascia-mounted outlets.

The material cost difference between plastic and aluminum downspouts is modest. A standard 2x3-inch aluminum downspout costs $3 to $6 per linear foot, while 3x4-inch oversized aluminum runs $5 to $9 per linear foot. Plastic downspouts cost $2 to $4 per foot, so the material premium is small compared to the labour involved. Most Ottawa contractors charge $75 to $125 per hour for downspout work, and each downspout replacement takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on complexity.

The real reason to make this switch is Ottawa's climate. Plastic downspouts become brittle below minus 20 degrees Celsius and frequently crack during winter freeze-thaw cycles. When ice expands inside a plastic downspout, it can split the seam or shatter the elbow connections entirely. Aluminum handles Ottawa's full temperature range from minus 30 to plus 35 without cracking, denting only under significant impact. Homes in older neighbourhoods like Alta Vista, Riverside South, and Manor Park that still have original plastic downspouts from the 1990s are prime candidates for this upgrade.

When getting quotes, ask contractors whether the price includes removing and disposing of the old plastic downspouts, whether they will reuse existing outlet openings or cut new ones, and whether elbows and extensions are included in the per-downspout price. Some contractors quote the downspout run separately from elbows and accessories, which can add $15 to $40 per elbow.

One practical tip — if your eavestroughs are aluminum but your downspouts are plastic, the connection point between the two materials is a common leak source because plastic and aluminum expand at different rates. Switching to aluminum downspouts eliminates this mismatch and creates a more reliable seal at the outlet.

If you are planning this upgrade, browsing eavestrough contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com is a good starting point to find professionals who can assess your current setup and provide detailed quotes.