Should I install eavestroughs on both the front and back of my shed in Ottawa?

Yes, you should install eavestroughs on both the front and back of your shed in Ottawa, especially given our extreme climate conditions and heavy precipitation patterns. A complete perimeter drainage system protects your shed's foundation, prevents water damage to stored items, and extends the life of your structure significantly.

Ottawa receives over 200 centimetres of snow annually plus substantial spring melt and summer thunderstorms that can dump 50 millimetres of rain in an hour. Without proper drainage on all sides, water cascading off your shed roof creates several problems. Pooling water around the foundation leads to frost heave damage during our freeze-thaw cycles, while splash-back from hard surfaces like concrete pads or gravel can rot wooden siding and door frames. If you store valuable items, tools, or equipment in your shed, water infiltration from poor drainage can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

The front eavestrough is particularly important because it protects the entrance area where you'll be walking. Ice buildup from uncontrolled roof runoff creates dangerous slipping hazards during Ottawa's long winter season. The back eavestrough prevents water from pooling against the rear foundation and protects any electrical connections or ventilation systems typically located away from the main entrance.

For shed eavestroughs in Ottawa, 5-inch K-style aluminum is the most practical choice, costing approximately 8 to 12 dollars per linear foot installed. A typical 10x12 shed requires about 44 linear feet of eavestrough plus 2 downspouts, totaling 600 to 900 dollars for professional installation. You'll need downspouts on at least two corners to ensure proper drainage, and each downspout should discharge water at least 1.8 metres from the shed foundation as required by the Ontario Building Code.

Hanger spacing should be 24 inches maximum for Ottawa conditions, compared to 36 inches acceptable in milder climates. Our heavy snow loads and ice formation require this closer spacing to prevent sagging or pulling away from the fascia. If your shed has exposed rafter tails instead of fascia boards, you'll need strap hangers designed for that mounting configuration.

Consider the drainage destination carefully. Downspouts can connect to underground drainage tiles, discharge onto splash pads, or tie into your home's existing drainage system if the shed is close enough. In Ottawa's clay-heavy soil, proper drainage planning prevents water from simply moving the problem to another area of your property.

For a standard residential shed, this is often a manageable DIY project if you're comfortable with ladder work and have basic carpentry skills. However, if your shed is tall, has complex rooflines, or you're uncomfortable working at heights, connecting with an eavestrough contractor through the Ottawa Construction Network directory ensures proper installation that will handle our challenging climate conditions.