Dented Eavestroughs After an Ottawa Hailstorm — What to Do

After a hailstorm in Ottawa, your first step is a thorough visual inspection from the ground and, if safe, from a ladder to assess the extent of the damage. Not all dents require immediate action — minor cosmetic dents in aluminum eavestroughs that do not affect water flow can be left alone without causing long-term problems. What you are really looking for is damage that compromises the system's ability to carry water: cracked seams, punctured metal, crushed sections that restrict flow, or dents severe enough to create low spots where water will pool instead of draining toward the downspouts.

Assessing the Damage and Your Options

Aluminum eavestroughs in the standard 0.027-inch gauge dent more easily than the heavier 0.032-inch premium gauge, so the severity of hail damage depends partly on your material. If the dents are shallow and the eavestrough still maintains its shape and slope, the functional impact is minimal. However, if the hail has caused cracks in the enamel coating, those bare spots will eventually oxidize and corrode — not a crisis in the short term, but something to address within a season or two. A dab of exterior metal primer followed by matching enamel touch-up paint protects the exposed aluminum for a few more years.

For dents that have created low spots or disrupted the gutter's slope, water will pool in those depressions. Standing water in Ottawa is problematic because it accelerates corrosion, breeds mosquitoes in summer, and becomes a freezing point in winter that can expand and crack seams during Ottawa's 50-plus freeze-thaw cycles. A professional can sometimes reshape moderate dents using specialized tools without replacing the section, typically costing $150 to $400 depending on accessibility.

If the damage is widespread — multiple crushed sections, punctures, or cracked seams across a significant portion of your system — replacement of the affected runs may be more cost-effective than patching. Replacing a single run of seamless aluminum eavestrough costs $8 to $18 per linear foot installed in Ottawa, and a contractor can match the colour to your existing system from over 30 factory colours.

One important consideration is insurance. Most homeowner policies cover hail damage to eavestroughs as part of the exterior structure. Document the damage thoroughly with photos before making any repairs, and contact your insurer to confirm coverage. An adjuster may want to inspect the damage in person, so avoid removing or replacing damaged sections until you have clearance. For professional assessment and repair, the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com connects you with eavestrough contractors who can provide written quotes that your insurance company will accept.