Remove Old Eavestroughs Before Installing New Ones? Ottawa Advice

You should always remove the old eavestroughs before installing new ones — installing over top of an existing system is not a legitimate practice and no reputable Ottawa eavestrough contractor would suggest it. The old gutters must come down so the installer can inspect the fascia board underneath, which is the structural mounting surface for the entire new system. If the fascia has soft spots, rot, or moisture damage — which is extremely common in Ottawa after years of ice dam exposure and freeze-thaw cycling — those problems need to be addressed before new eavestroughs go up.

Why Removal Is Non-Negotiable

The fascia board is the foundation of your eavestrough system. In Ottawa's climate, where 50-plus freeze-thaw cycles push moisture into every gap and joint along the roof edge, fascia rot is one of the most frequently discovered issues during eavestrough replacement. Installing new gutters over a deteriorating fascia means the hanger screws are anchoring into compromised wood that will fail under Ottawa's heavy snow loads of 200 to 500 kilograms per cubic metre. Within a season or two, the new eavestroughs pull away from the roofline, and you have paid for an installation that needs to be redone.

Beyond fascia inspection, removing the old system allows the installer to verify and correct the slope to ensure proper drainage. Old hanger holes may not align with the new system's bracket positions, and the installer can fill old screw holes with exterior-grade wood filler or install backing blocks where the fascia is slightly thin. It also ensures the new eavestrough sits tight against the fascia with no gaps where wind-driven rain or snow melt can get behind it.

Removal of old eavestroughs is a standard part of any professional installation quote in Ottawa and typically adds 1 to 2 hours to the job. Most contractors include removal and disposal in their per-linear-foot pricing of $8 to $18 per foot for seamless aluminum. When comparing quotes, confirm explicitly that the price includes removal, disposal, fascia inspection, and any minor fascia repairs. Some contractors quote the new installation separately and charge an additional $2 to $4 per linear foot for teardown and hauling, so make sure you are comparing total project cost.

If the fascia board needs replacing, expect an additional $12 to $25 per linear foot for new fascia installation. On an older Ottawa home with extensive fascia deterioration, this can add $1,000 to $3,000 to the total project — but skipping it to save money virtually guarantees premature failure of the new system. Any contractor who offers to install over old eavestroughs or skip fascia inspection is cutting corners you will pay for later. The Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com is a good resource for finding eavestrough professionals who follow proper installation practices and provide detailed, transparent quotes.