What is the typical cost for adding bird netting to eavestroughs on an Ottawa home?

Bird netting is not a standard eavestrough protection method in Ottawa, and most local contractors don't recommend it for residential gutter systems. Traditional bird netting creates more problems than it solves when applied to eavestroughs, as it can trap debris, collect ice, and actually provide nesting material for the birds you're trying to deter.

Instead of bird netting, Ottawa homeowners dealing with bird issues should consider micro-mesh gutter guards or solid gutter covers that prevent birds from accessing the interior of the eavestrough while maintaining proper water flow. These systems cost $18 to $30 per linear foot installed for premium micro-mesh guards, or $12 to $20 per linear foot for solid aluminum covers with a narrow front slot.

The most effective bird deterrent for Ottawa eavestroughs is actually proper gutter guard installation combined with bird spikes on the fascia board above the gutter. Bird spikes cost approximately $3 to $8 per linear foot and prevent birds from perching on the fascia edge where they typically access gutters. This approach addresses the root cause rather than trying to net off the entire eavestrough system.

Ottawa's extreme winter conditions make bird netting particularly problematic. Ice and snow accumulation can tear netting, and the freeze-thaw cycles we experience 50+ times per winter cause netting to become brittle and fail. Debris like maple keys and pine needles from Ottawa's mature tree canopy get trapped in netting, creating the perfect environment for birds to build nests within the protective barrier you've installed.

If birds are nesting in your eavestroughs, the issue is often poor drainage or standing water that attracts insects, which in turn attract birds. Ensuring proper eavestrough slope (minimum 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspouts) and installing quality gutter guards eliminates the food source and nesting opportunities that draw birds to the system.

For homes in heavily treed Ottawa neighbourhoods like Rockcliffe Park or the Glebe where bird activity is high, a comprehensive approach works best: micro-mesh gutter guards, bird spikes on fascia boards, and regular seasonal cleaning to prevent the conditions that attract birds in the first place.

Professional installation of gutter guards and bird deterrent systems ensures proper water flow and long-term effectiveness. You can browse experienced eavestrough contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com to discuss bird-proofing solutions that work in Ottawa's climate.