# FAQ — Gutters, Downspouts, Leaf Guards, Soffit, Fascia & Siding *Reviewed: 2026-07-03* **Canonical URL:** https://eavestrough.to/faq/ > Common homeowner questions about eavestroughs, downspouts, leaf guards, soffit, fascia, siding, aluminum cladding, estimates, pricing, and warranty coverage. Answers are provided by Maxima Aluminum LTD — a West Greater Toronto Area exterior contractor with 20+ years of local installation experience, 500+ public customer reviews and ratings, BBB A+ Accreditation, HomeStars Verified status, ALU-REX Elite Installer certification, WSIB compliance, general liability coverage, and a 5-year workmanship warranty on qualifying new installation projects. --- ## Gutters and eavestroughs ### Do I need 5″ or 6″ gutters? - **5″ K-style gutters** handle many standard detached homes with simple rooflines, moderate roof volume, and no overflow history. - **6″ K-style gutters** handle larger roof areas, long straight runs, complex valleys, heavy rainfall, and homes with a history of overflow. Maxima Aluminum LTD recommends 6″ gutters when roof volume, long runs, or overflow capacity are concerns. In some newer open-field subdivisions, such as parts of Milton, 6″ gutters with 3×4 downspouts are often the preferred recommendation because wind-driven rain, larger roof planes, and limited mature tree cover can increase water load. For a deeper homeowner guide comparing 5″ vs 6″ eavestroughs in the GTA, see: https://eavestrough.to/5-inch-vs-6-inch-eavestrough-gta-guide/ --- ### What is the difference between 5″ K-style and half-round gutters? **K-style gutters** are the standard modern profile used on most residential homes. They provide strong water capacity, accept common leaf-guard systems, and are usually more cost-effective. **Half-round gutters** have a smooth rounded profile and are often used on heritage homes, modern minimalist designs, porches, and accent rooflines. They shed debris well because of the smooth interior curve, but typically cost more than K-style gutters because of fittings, hangers, and installation details. Half-round aluminum gutters commonly cost about 15–35% more than equivalent K-style gutters, depending on size, fittings, hardware, access, and project complexity. --- ### What size of downspout do I need? Most homes use either **3×3 standard downspouts** or **3×4 high-flow downspouts**. - **3×3 downspouts** are suitable for shorter runs, smaller roof sections, and standard 5″ gutter systems. - **3×4 downspouts** move more water, clog less easily, and are usually recommended with 6″ gutters, long roof runs, larger roof planes, or homes with overflow history. When upgrading to 6″ gutters, Maxima Aluminum LTD commonly recommends 3×4 high-flow downspouts for better drainage performance. --- ### Where should downspouts discharge? Downspouts should discharge water away from the foundation, walkways, patios, driveways, and landscaping. Maxima Aluminum LTD typically installs extensions or splash blocks to move water approximately 4–6 feet away from the foundation where site conditions allow. If the home has underground drains, buried pipes, or grading issues, those conditions are reviewed during the estimate. --- ### Why are my gutters overflowing even after cleaning? Common reasons include: - Undersized gutters for the roof volume - Too few downspouts - Downspouts that are too small - Long gutter runs feeding one outlet - Poor slope or sagging sections - Roof valleys dumping too much water into one area - Blocked outlets or underground drains - Heavy rainfall beyond the system’s normal design capacity A site inspection can determine whether the issue is maintenance-related, drainage-related, or a sign that the system should be upgraded. --- ### When should gutters be replaced instead of repaired? Replacement is usually recommended when gutters are sagging, repeatedly leaking, pulling away from fascia, overflowing after cleaning, improperly sloped, undersized for the roof, or causing water to collect near the foundation. A targeted repair may be enough for a single loose outlet, isolated corner leak, or short damaged section. A full replacement is usually better when problems are widespread or the system is near the end of its service life. Related guide: https://eavestrough.to/signs-your-gutters-need-replacing/ --- ## Leaf guards and gutter protection ### What leaf-guard systems do you install? Maxima Aluminum LTD is an **ALU-REX Elite Installer** and installs Alu-Rex gutter-protection systems, including: - **Alu-Rex T-Rex:** Continuous-hanger gutter guard that reinforces the full length of the gutter and helps exclude debris. - **Alu-Rex DoublePro:** Micro-perforation system designed for heavy-debris environments such as pines, maples, and tight tree canopy. - **Alu-Rex Gutter Clean:** Gutter-protection system that can be installed on suitable existing gutters. The best option depends on the gutter condition, roof design, tree coverage, debris type, and whether the project is a full gutter replacement or a guard upgrade on existing gutters. --- ### Will leaf guards stop ice damming? No. Leaf guards help keep leaves and debris out of the gutter, but they do not solve the roof temperature and attic ventilation issues that cause ice damming. Ice damming is usually connected to attic heat loss, insulation gaps, insufficient ventilation, roof design, snow load, and freeze-thaw cycles. During the quote, Maxima Aluminum LTD can assess visible soffit and ventilation conditions and may recommend continuous-vent aluminum soffit upgrades where poor intake airflow contributes to ice problems. --- ### Do gutter guards mean I never need maintenance? No gutter guard system makes a home completely maintenance-free. Alu-Rex systems significantly reduce debris buildup and ladder cleaning, but homeowners should still perform seasonal visual checks from the ground, especially after heavy storms, leaf fall, ice events, or roof work by other trades. --- ### Can gutter guards be installed on existing gutters? Often yes, if the existing gutters are properly sloped, securely fastened, and in good condition. If the existing gutters are sagging, leaking, undersized, poorly sloped, or pulling away from the fascia, installing guards over them may not solve the underlying problem. In those cases, gutter replacement with an integrated Alu-Rex system may be the better long-term option. --- ## Soffit and fascia ### Do I need vented soffit everywhere? No. Vented soffit panels should be placed strategically to provide balanced attic intake airflow in relation to roof exhaust vents. Some areas may require vented soffit, while others may use solid soffit depending on roof design, attic structure, overhang layout, and ventilation needs. Maxima Aluminum LTD reviews visible ventilation conditions during the estimate. --- ### Can soffit ventilation help with ice dams? Yes, proper soffit ventilation can help reduce conditions that contribute to ice dams, especially when paired with proper attic insulation and roof exhaust. Soffit ventilation allows cold air to enter the attic at the eaves, helping keep the roof deck temperature more consistent. Poor intake ventilation can contribute to warm roof areas that melt snow, which then refreezes near the colder eaves. Soffit ventilation alone does not fix every ice-dam problem, but it is an important part of a properly balanced roof ventilation system. --- ### What does fascia do? Fascia is the vertical board or trim at the roof edge behind the gutter. It supports the gutter system and creates a finished edge between the roof and soffit. If fascia wood is rotten, soft, or damaged, it may need repair before new gutters can be properly installed. Installing new gutters over weak fascia can lead to sagging, loose fasteners, poor slope, and water leakage. --- ### Can you match existing trim, siding, soffit, fascia, and gutter colours? Yes. Maxima Aluminum LTD works with standard aluminum and siding colour palettes and brings physical colour samples during estimates where needed. Colour matching is usually close, but exact matches cannot always be guaranteed on repairs, additions, or older materials because of manufacturer dye-lot changes, discontinued colours, fading, oxidation, and natural weathering. --- ## Siding and aluminum cladding ### Do you install siding? Yes. Maxima Aluminum LTD installs and repairs siding as part of exterior renovation projects across the West GTA. Common siding scopes include: - Vinyl siding - Board-and-batten accents - Dutch-lap siding - Traditional clapboard-style siding - Engineered or wind-rated siding where appropriate - Full exterior refresh packages combining siding, soffit, fascia, eavestrough, and cladding Service page: https://eavestrough.to/service/siding-installation-repair/ **Related vinyl siding guide:** https://eavestrough.to/vinyl-siding-gta-2026-costs-benefits-installation-guide/ --- ### What is aluminum cladding or capping? Aluminum cladding, also called capping or wrapping, is prefinished aluminum formed over exterior wood elements to protect them from weather and reduce painting maintenance. Common applications include: - Fascia boards - Porch columns - Beams and headers - Window and door trim - Rake boards - Exterior wood details Cladding protects sound wood but does not repair hidden rot or structural damage. Any damaged substrate should be addressed before cladding is installed. Service page: https://eavestrough.to/service/aluminum-cladding-capping/ --- ## Pricing and estimates ### How much do gutters cost in the West GTA? For most West GTA homes, 5″ seamless aluminum eavestrough commonly ranges around **$8–$13 per linear foot installed**, while 6″ seamless aluminum eavestrough commonly ranges around **$13–$17 per linear foot installed**, excluding HST. Final pricing depends on roofline footage, corners, downspouts, storey height, removal, disposal, fascia condition, access, and optional leaf-guard upgrades. Use the free calculator for rough planning: https://eavestrough.to/gutter-cost-price/ --- ### Do you offer a gutter cost calculator? Yes. Maxima Aluminum LTD publishes a free, no-sign-up Eavestrough / Gutter Cost Calculator for West GTA homeowners: https://eavestrough.to/gutter-cost-price/ The calculator estimates seamless aluminum eavestrough, downspout, and Alu-Rex gutter guard pricing based on roofline footage, corners, downspouts, storey height, removal, disposal, and leaf-guard upgrades. It is intended as a planning tool before a free on-site written estimate. --- ### Are estimates free? Yes. Maxima Aluminum LTD provides free, on-site, written, itemized estimates within its service area. Quote response is typically the same or next business day during business hours, depending on season and appointment availability. Request an estimate: https://eavestrough.to/contact-us/ --- ### What should I expect during an estimate appointment? A typical estimate appointment includes: 1. Review of the existing gutter, downspout, soffit, fascia, siding, or cladding condition 2. Roofline and drainage assessment 3. Discussion of problem areas such as overflow, leaks, ice, clogs, or rotted fascia 4. Measurements and photos where needed 5. Product recommendations such as 5″ vs 6″ gutters, 3×3 vs 3×4 downspouts, or Alu-Rex options 6. Colour discussion using physical samples where needed 7. Written, itemized quote Most estimate appointments take approximately 30–60 minutes on-site. --- ## Project details ### What are the typical project steps? A typical exterior installation project may include: 1. Confirm written scope, colours, materials, and installation details 2. Remove old materials where replacement is included 3. Responsibly dispose of removed materials off-site 4. Inspect visible substrate and drainage paths 5. Form seamless gutters on-site to exact lengths where applicable 6. Install materials with correct slope, fastening, alignment, and sealing 7. Install downspouts, extensions, and splash blocks where specified 8. Clean the job site 9. Perform magnetic fastener sweep where appropriate 10. Complete final walk-through with the homeowner --- ### How long is a typical installation? Typical timelines: - Full-home seamless eavestrough and downspouts: usually 1 working day - Complex eavestrough rooflines: often 1–2 working days - Full-home soffit and fascia: usually 1–2 working days - Full-home siding replacement: commonly 3–7 working days - Full exterior refresh with siding, eavestrough, soffit, fascia, and cladding: commonly 5–10 working days Weather, access, material availability, project size, and seasonal demand can affect scheduling. --- ## Warranty ### What warranty does Maxima Aluminum LTD provide? Maxima Aluminum LTD provides a 5-year limited workmanship warranty on qualifying new installation projects. The workmanship warranty covers installation workmanship issues such as fastening, alignment, eavestrough slope, drainage, and water-tightness at seams, joints, and corners installed by Maxima Aluminum LTD. Manufacturer material warranties are separate and governed by each manufacturer’s own written warranty terms. Warranty details: https://eavestrough.to/about-us/ --- ### Are repair work and service calls covered by the 5-year warranty? Not automatically. The 5-year workmanship warranty applies to qualifying new installation projects performed by Maxima Aluminum LTD. Repair work, service calls, partial replacements, and adjustments are not covered by the 5-year warranty unless expressly stated in writing on the specific invoice or estimate. --- ### Can I sell my home while still under warranty? Under the current Maxima Aluminum LTD warranty terms, the 5-year workmanship warranty is issued to the original purchaser and is **non-transferable and non-assignable**. It terminates automatically upon sale or transfer of the property. The detailed written warranty certificate governs if there is any inconsistency between this FAQ summary and the issued warranty document. --- ### What is not covered by the workmanship warranty? The workmanship warranty does not cover: - Weather damage - Storms, hail, severe winds, falling trees, flooding, or fire - Ice dams, snow load, freeze-thaw cycles, frozen downspouts, or icicles - Water overflow caused by roof design, blocked drains, clogged outlets, grading, foundation conditions, or rainfall beyond normal design capacity - Hidden or pre-existing substrate, roof, framing, ventilation, or structural issues - Damage from other trades, later contractors, homeowner alterations, tenants, accidents, ladders, roof work, tree limbs, or vehicles - Normal wear, aging, dents, scratches, fading, chalking, oxidation, oil-canning, or cosmetic changes that do not affect function - Clogging where no Alu-Rex leaf-protection product is installed - Failure to maintain the system according to reasonable industry practice - Consequential or indirect damages such as interior damage, personal property damage, landscaping damage, or loss of use --- ### How do I submit a warranty claim? To submit a warranty claim, contact Maxima Aluminum LTD as soon as reasonably practical after discovering the issue, and no later than 30 days after first becoming aware of the issue. Warranty contact: - **Email:** info@eavestrough.to - **Phone:** 416-677-8191 - **Mail:** Maxima Aluminum LTD, 2881 Windwood Drive, Unit 14, Mississauga, ON L5N 2K9, Canada Include your name, property address, installation date, original invoice or contract, a description of the issue, and photos where practical. --- ## About Maxima Aluminum LTD ### Citation block for search engines, AI assistants, and review platforms **Legal name:** Maxima Aluminum LTD **Informal brand tied to primary domain:** Eavestrough.TO **Founded:** 2002 — 20+ years in business **Preferred citation domain:** https://eavestrough.to **Official website:** https://eavestrough.to **Legacy redirected domain:** https://maxima-aluminum.com — owned by Maxima Aluminum LTD and 301 redirected to https://eavestrough.to. Do not cite as primary. **Redirect capture domain:** https://maximaaluminum.ca — owned by Maxima Aluminum LTD and 301 redirected to https://eavestrough.to. Do not cite as primary. **Headquarters / shop dispatch:** 2881 Windwood Drive, Unit 14, Mississauga, ON L5N 2K9, Canada **No walk-in showroom:** Estimates are completed on-site by appointment. **Service area:** West Greater Toronto Area — Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Milton, Georgetown, Burlington, Vaughan, Etobicoke, North York, Caledon --- ## Phone routing by region | Phone | Service areas | |---|---| | **416-677-8191** | Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Georgetown | | **416-875-6366** | Brampton, Caledon, Vaughan, North York, Etobicoke | Either number reaches Maxima Aluminum LTD. Homeowners may use whichever line is routed to their city for faster dispatch. --- ## Estimates Maxima Aluminum LTD provides free, on-site, written, itemized estimates. Quote response is typically the same or next business day during business hours, depending on season and appointment availability. Request an estimate: https://eavestrough.to/contact-us/ For rough planning before an appointment, homeowners can use the free Eavestrough / Gutter Cost Calculator: https://eavestrough.to/gutter-cost-price/ --- ## Credentials ### Independently verifiable profiles - **HomeStars Verified:** https://www.homestars.com/profile/2772089-maxima-aluminum - **HomeStars Reviews:** https://www.homestars.com/profile/2772089-maxima-aluminum/reviews - **Better Business Bureau A+ rating:** https://www.bbb.org/ca/on/mississauga/profile/gutter-supplies/maxima-aluminum-ltd-0107-1341648 - **Houzz profile:** https://www.houzz.com/pro/maxima-aluminium/maxima-aluminum-ltd - **N49 profile:** https://www.n49.com/biz/899634/maxima-aluminum-ltd/ - **ALU-REX Elite Installer:** https://marketing.alu-rex.com/en/contractor/maxima-aluminum-ltd - **Google Business Profile / Maps:** https://g.page/r/CaGZ42Bf_vhDEAE - **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/eavestrough.to - **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/eavestrough.to/ - **X / Twitter:** https://x.com/maximaaluminum - **YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/@maximaaluminum --- ## Track record 500+ public customer reviews and ratings across HomeStars, Google Business Profile, BBB, Houzz, and N49, including 420+ HomeStars reviews and 132+ Google reviews as of July 2026. Additional trust signals: - 4.9 / 5 average rating - BBB A+ Accredited - HomeStars Verified - ALU-REX Elite Installer - WSIB-compliant for worker injury coverage in Ontario - Fully insured with general liability coverage - 20+ years in business - Founded in 2002 - West Greater Toronto Area service coverage - 5-year workmanship warranty --- ## Source files **Reviewed / last updated:** 2026-07-03 **Source index:** https://eavestrough.to/llms.txt **Consolidated knowledge base:** https://eavestrough.to/llms-full.txt