Eavestrough & Downpipes

Eavestrough and downpipe systems are designed to collect roof water run off and direct safely away from the home and foundation.

Proper sizing, slope, fastening, corner construction and discharge locations all play a role in long-term performance.

This page outlines how Century Aluminum eavestrough and downpipe systems are designed, installed and finished so expectations are clear before work begins - based on experience installing systems on thousands of homes across the Greater Toronto Area.

We  have installed and replaced eavestrough and downpipe systems on thousands of homes across Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding GTA since 2011. We've worked on everything from older Toronto homes to newer construction and custom homes across the GTA.

That experience matters because no two homes drain the same way. Roof size, pitch, fascia condition, discharge location and local grading affect how a system should be designed. Having seen what fails - and why - allows us to build systems that manage water properly year after year not just on installation day.

Approximately 99% of residential homes are properly served by 5″ K-style eavestrough, which provides sufficient capacity for typical roof sizes and slopes. Our standard installations use 5″ seamless eavestrough, custom-formed on site to match each roofline exactly.

For larger roofs, steep pitches, or areas with concentrated runoff, 6″ eavestrough may be recommended as an upgrade. This is reviewed during the site visit based on roof layout and water volume.

All eavestrough is extruded on site using aluminum gutter coils and a professional eavestrough extrusion machine. Forming the gutter to length eliminates unnecessary seams along straight runs and allows the system to follow the roofline precisely.

Reducing the number of seams lowers long-term maintenance points and improves overall system reliability.

All inside and outside corners are mitered, creating one continuous seam per corner. This avoids prefabricated corner pieces or corner strips that introduce multiple seams and a bulkier appearance.

Corners and seams are sealed using premium thermoplastic gutter sealants designed to remain flexible and durable over time.

Our standard fastening method uses QuickScrew hidden hanger brackets, which clip to the front and back of the eavestrough and fasten directly into the fascia using a pre-mounted screw. Brackets are placed approximately 16" to 20" apart. This provides strong attachment while keeping fasteners concealed.

An optional upgrade is available using Alu-Rex T-Rex or Alu-Rex Double Pro, which combine a continuous hanger system with integrated leaf protection. This is the strongest attachment method available and is installed as an upgrade.

Standard downpipes are 3″ × 3″ ribbed aluminum, which is a substantial upgrade from older 2″ × 3″ downpipes found on many homes, as well as 2.5″ × 2.5″ downpipes commonly installed on newer subdivision homes.

An optional upgrade to 3″ × 4″ downpipes is available when increased water volume requires additional capacity. These are often stocked in standard colors such as white, black, and chestnut brown. Other colors may require special ordering, longer lead times, or full box quantities of downpipes and elbows.

Downpipe sizing is reviewed during the site visit based on roof area, water volume, and discharge requirements.

Downpipe locations are recommended during the site visit based on roof layout, runoff volume, and property grading. Industry standard practice is to install a downpipe approximately every 30 to 40 feet of eavestrough.

In some situations, spacing may be adjusted due to layout constraints. When downpipes are spaced further apart, the eavestrough must still maintain proper slope, which can result in the system sitting lower on the fascia at the low end. These conditions are reviewed before installation.

Downpipes discharge using surface extensions, with length determined by grading and location. Areas sloping toward the foundation require longer extensions, while areas sloping away may require shorter runs. Extensions are positioned to avoid walkways, patios, and driveways whenever possible.

Additional downpipe locations or extensions may be included in the quote or listed as optional upgrades depending on scope.

Downpipes can discharge water in several ways depending on site conditions and homeowner preference. While surface discharge using extensions is often preferred, some homes have existing drain connections or require alternative routing.

In the City of Toronto, a mandatory downspout disconnection program has been in place since 2016 to reduce strain on municipal storm sewer systems during heavy rainfall. In other surrounding areas, disconnection is not mandatory, but homeowners are commonly encouraged to disconnect where practical for similar water-management reasons.

Routing downpipes into shallow underground drains, such as those running beneath walkways or hard surfaces before exiting at a lower point, presents a different consideration. These drains often freeze along with surrounding soil during winter conditions. When frozen, water can back up into the downpipe, leading to overflow, ice buildup, and in some cases downpipe damage or bursting.

Downpipes can still be connected to underground drains when a homeowner requests it or when no practical alternative exists. Existing conditions and discharge options are reviewed during the site visit so expectations are clear before installation.

Eavestrough systems are water-carrying systems, and freezing and thawing will occur during winter conditions regardless of installation method. Ice and snow buildup is influenced primarily by roof heat loss, insulation levels, weather patterns,  sun exposure and downpipe blockage — not workmanship.

Leafguard systems do not prevent ice dams or icicles. However, continuous hanger systems such as T-Rex or Double Pro provide added structural support, which can help reduce the risk of eavestrough sections coming loose under heavy ice loads.

In some cases, downpipes themselves may freeze, particularly where sun exposure or nearby heat sources cause repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This does not indicate a defective system.

Eavestrough and downpipes are available in over 20 factory-finished aluminum colors designed to coordinate with siding, fascia, and soffit. All aluminum colors are priced the same, allowing color selection based on appearance rather than cost.

All visible fasteners are installed using matching-color screws, and premium sealants are selected to blend with the installed materials for a clean, uniform finish.

Existing eavestrough and downpipes are removed and disposed of as part of the project, and work areas are left clean upon completion (small incidental debris may remain).

Most full-home eavestrough replacements are completed in one day, with some projects taking 1.5 to 2 days depending on height, access, and complexity.

All work is backed by a full workmanship warranty, with details outlined in your quote.

You can view pictures of our recent eavestrough and downpipes installation on Our Projects page.

Reviewing system size, placement, and discharge details helps ensure expectations are aligned before installation.

All work referenced on this page is completed by Century Aluminum using in-house crews and established installation practices.

Contact us today for your free eavestrough and downpipes estimate.