Aluminum is the default for residential work in Canada and it deserves to be: it does not rust, it is light enough to hang easily, it can be rolled seamless on site, and it comes in a wide range of baked-on colours. Most homes should use it.
| Aluminum | Galvanized steel | Copper | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Moderate | Slightly higher | Very high |
| Lifespan | 20–30 yrs | ~20 yrs | 50+ yrs |
| Rust | Never | Eventually | Never (patinas) |
| Dent resistance | Lower | Higher | Moderate |
| Seamless on site | Yes | Usually | Specialist |
When steel makes sense
- Hail-prone areas — much of Alberta — where dent resistance is worth the rust trade-off.
- Roofs that shed heavy snow and ice loads onto the gutter.
- Commercial and agricultural buildings where impact is routine.
The catch is that galvanized steel will eventually rust, especially at cut ends and fastener holes, and especially near the coast. In salt air, aluminum is the clear choice.
Written by the Eavestroughing.ca team. Prices are indicative national ranges for planning, not quotes, and vary by province, roof and access. We connect homeowners with independent local contractors and do not perform work ourselves.