Eavestrough — the Canadian term for gutters — and downspouts catch roof runoff and carry it away from the house. On their own they're a minor, inexpensive system, but clogged, sagging, or poorly aimed eavestrough turns into one of the biggest drivers of the water problems buyers actually worry about.
$100–350 cleaning; $1,200–3,500+ full replacementAddress soonExteriorStructure
The quick answer
Eavestrough — the Canadian term for gutters — and downspouts catch roof runoff and carry it away from the house. On their own they're a minor, inexpensive system, but clogged, sagging, or poorly aimed eavestrough turns into one of the biggest drivers of the water problems buyers actually worry about.
Overflowing or misdirected eavestrough sends water straight down the foundation wall instead of away from it — one of the most common causes of wet basements, closely related to negative grading. Sagging troughs or missing sections also let water run down siding and behind fascia, quietly rotting wood over years. It's a cheap system to maintain and an expensive one to ignore.
How to spot it
Sagging or pulling-away sections; visible rust, dents, or missing lengths; plant growth or debris overflowing the trough in listing photos; downspouts ending right at the foundation with no extension; staining on siding below joints.
What it costs
Professional cleaning runs roughly $100–$350 per visit, recommended once or twice a year (gutter guards can cut that to about once a year). Full replacement — most often aluminum — runs about $20–$45 per linear foot, or roughly $1,200–$3,500+ for an average home; larger two-storey homes can run higher.
What to do
Cleaning and downspout extensions are inexpensive DIY-or-handyman fixes worth doing right away regardless of price. If troughs are visibly failing — rust-through, pulling off the fascia, missing sections — price in a full replacement, and check whether water has already caused foundation or siding damage nearby.
Education and triage, not a home inspection. Casaroo flags sagging, clogged, or poorly discharging eavestrough from your photos; a home inspector or exterior contractor confirms condition and any resulting damage. We flag; we don't inspect.
Common questions
What is Eavestrough & gutters?
Eavestrough — the Canadian term for gutters — and downspouts catch roof runoff and carry it away from the house. On their own they're a minor, inexpensive system, but clogged, sagging, or poorly aimed eavestrough turns into one of the biggest drivers of the water problems buyers actually worry about.
Why does it matter for home buyers?
Overflowing or misdirected eavestrough sends water straight down the foundation wall instead of away from it — one of the most common causes of wet basements, closely related to negative grading. Sagging troughs or missing sections also let water run down siding and behind fascia, quietly rotting wood over years. It's a cheap system to maintain and an expensive one to ignore.
How can I spot it?
Sagging or pulling-away sections; visible rust, dents, or missing lengths; plant growth or debris overflowing the trough in listing photos; downspouts ending right at the foundation with no extension; staining on siding below joints.
How much does it cost to fix?
Professional cleaning runs roughly $100–$350 per visit, recommended once or twice a year (gutter guards can cut that to about once a year). Full replacement — most often aluminum — runs about $20–$45 per linear foot, or roughly $1,200–$3,500+ for an average home; larger two-storey homes can run higher.
(replacement cost per linear foot). (cleaning cost and recommended frequency). Casaroo flags, it does not inspect.
Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
This guide is general education, not a home inspection and not advice for your specific property — always
consult the appropriate licensed professional, and get a licensed home inspection before you remove conditions
or buy. Cost ranges are 2026 estimates that vary by region, size, and access; confirm specifics with a
qualified professional.