By Dmitriy Trubnik, Owner of DT Cleaning | March 23, 2026
We just wrapped our first gutter guard installation of the year, and it was a big one. A homeowner in Etobicoke reached out about protecting all 405 feet of eavestrough around his property. Two crews, one full day, and a complete gutter cleaning before a single guard went on.
The gutters were already in rough shape
When we got to the property, we could see the eavestroughs had not been cleaned in a while. Leaves, shingle grit, and debris had piled up inside the channels. A few sections had standing water where the flow was blocked.
The homeowner knew it. That is actually why he called us. He was tired of cleaning his gutters twice a year and wanted a long term fix. Gutter guards made sense for a home this size because climbing up to clear 405 feet of eavestrough every spring and fall is not something most people want to keep doing.
Full gutter cleaning and downspout inspection first
We never install gutter guards on top of dirty eavestroughs. Every job starts with a full cleaning and system check. Our crew went section by section around the entire 405-foot perimeter:
- Removed all debris from the eavestrough channels
- Flushed and tested every downspout for blockages
- Checked all seams and joints for leaks or damage
- Inspected the fascia board condition behind the gutters
This particular house was in solid shape. No repairs needed, no rotted fascia, no broken downspout connections. That does not always happen, so it was a nice surprise. When we do find problems, we fix them before the guards go on. Installing gutter guards over damaged eavestroughs just hides the issue and makes it worse later.
If you need eavestrough cleaning without guard installation, we do that as a standalone service across the GTA.
Choosing the right eavestrough guards
We gave the homeowner three options at different price points. The top end was a micro-mesh system with the finest filtration. The bottom end was a basic snap-on cover. He picked the mid-range option, which is what we recommend for most residential properties.
These are standard aluminum gutter guards with a mesh pattern that blocks leaves, twigs, and larger debris while letting water flow through. For the price, they protect well and last a long time for what you pay. Most of our gutter guard installations across the GTA use this same product because it works and it lasts.
We gave him a competitive price since this was our first installation project of the year. 405 feet is a large job, and the cost per linear foot goes down on bigger homes. For mid-range aluminum mesh guards like the ones we used here, expect to pay $8-11 per linear foot installed, including the pre-installation cleaning.
How we mount gutter guards: the 4-bolt method
A lot of companies just slide guards under the shingles or clip them onto the eavestrough lip. That works until the first ice storm or heavy snowfall pushes them out of place.
We use a 4-bolt fastening system on every single section:
- Three bolts across the front edge: left side, center, and right side
- One bolt securing the guard to the house at the back
Four contact points per section means the guards can handle snow load, ice buildup, and wind without shifting. It also means they stay flat against the eavestrough, which keeps water flowing into the channel instead of sheeting over the edge.
This method takes longer than clip-on installation, but the guards actually stay put for years. We have been doing it this way since we started offering leaf guard installation, and we have not had a callback for guards coming loose.
Two crews, one day, done right
For a 405-foot job, we sent two full crews. One started at the front of the house, the other at the back. They met in the middle. Dmitriy ran the front crew while the second team worked the back of the house. Working with two teams cut the installation time roughly in half, which meant less disruption for the homeowner and fewer hours of ladders in the driveway.
The whole project, including the initial cleaning and inspection, wrapped up in a single day. The weather cooperated too - mid-March in Etobicoke can go either way, but we got a dry day with no wind, which is about all you can ask for when you are working on roofs.
Why Etobicoke homes need gutter guards
Etobicoke's mature tree canopy - particularly the Norway maples and silver maples common in Kingsway, Princess-Rosethorn, and Islington-City Centre West - drops heavy leaf loads from late September through November. This house was surrounded by old maples on three sides, which is exactly why the homeowner wanted guards in the first place.
What gutter guards actually do for your home
Once installed, eavestrough guards (also called rain gutter guards) keep leaves, pine needles, seeds, and other debris out of your gutters. Water still flows in, but the solid material slides off the edge or sits on top of the mesh where wind blows it away.
That means:
- No more twice-a-year gutter cleaning
- Lower risk of ice dams in winter
- No clogged downspouts causing water backup
- Less chance of water damage to your foundation or basement
For a home in Etobicoke with mature trees nearby, if you are paying $300-400 for professional gutter cleaning twice a year, the guards pay for themselves in about three years.
About DT Cleaning
DT Cleaning has been serving homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years. We handle window cleaning, gutter cleaning, gutter guard installation, and power washing for residential and commercial properties. Fully insured with $2 million liability coverage and WSIB-compliant. All technicians hold Working at Heights certification. Over 450 five-star Google reviews and counting.
Call us at (647) 558-8411 or request a free quote to get gutter guards installed on your home.
Frequently asked questions
How much does gutter guard installation cost in Etobicoke?
Pricing depends on the total length of your eavestroughs and the type of guard you choose. For a home with 405 feet of gutters like this project, we offer per-foot pricing with discounts on larger jobs. For mid-range aluminum mesh guards, most homeowners pay $8-11 per linear foot installed including the cleaning. Call (647) 558-8411 for a free estimate.
Do you clean the gutters before installing guards?
Yes, always. We do a full eavestrough cleaning, flush all downspouts, and inspect the entire system for damage before any guards go on. Installing guards over dirty or damaged gutters causes problems down the line.
What type of gutter guards does DT Cleaning install?
We carry basic snap-on covers, mid-range aluminum mesh guards, and micro-mesh systems. Most homeowners go with the mid-range aluminum mesh, which block leaves and debris while allowing water through. We can walk you through the options during a free on-site estimate.
How long does gutter guard installation take?
For an average home (150-200 feet), one crew can finish in 4-6 hours including the pre-installation cleaning. Larger homes like this 405-foot project may need two crews, but we still aim to complete everything in a single day.
Will gutter guards work in Canadian winters with ice and snow?
Yes. Our 4-bolt mounting system keeps the guards secure through heavy snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles. The guards are designed to handle Canadian winter conditions without shifting or buckling.
Do gutter guards mean I never have to clean my gutters again?
Gutter guards reduce maintenance by about 90%. Fine particles like shingle grit can still get through over time, so we recommend a light check every 2-3 years instead of the usual twice-a-year cleaning.
Will gutter guards void my roof warranty?
No. Our 4-bolt system attaches to the gutter lip and fascia, not the roof deck or shingles. No fasteners penetrate the roofing material, so your roof warranty stays intact.
How long do aluminum mesh gutter guards last?
With our 4-bolt mounting system, aluminum mesh guards typically last 15-20 years before needing replacement. The aluminum does not rust, and the powder-coated finish holds up through Canadian winters without warping or cracking.
