Roof and eavestrough upkeep business

Clear eavestroughs, moss and roof snow, and do light roof access jobs for local homes.

Arborist working at height in a tree using ropes and a harness.
Startup costC$1.5k to C$7k
Monthly revenueC$1k to C$6k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • C$1.5k-7k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

Seasonal work at height on houses and small buildings: eavestrough cleaning, moss and debris removal, roof snow and ice clearing, and basic roof access for inspections or small fixes.

Your first three steps

  1. Take a fall protection or working at heights course that meets your provincial requirements
  2. Buy ladders, a harness and anchor kit, and a gutter cleaning setup, then price a standard house
  3. Leaflet a few streets with a fall and spring cleanout offer and ask happy clients for reviews
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords, property managers and small commercial building owners.

How it makes money

Fixed price per visit or per job, plus repeat seasonal visits such as spring and fall cleanouts and winter snow clearing.

Skills that help
  • Comfort working on ladders and roofs
  • Fall protection know-how
  • Reliable scheduling
  • Basic home maintenance skills
Watch out for
  • Commercial general liability insurance, and check WCB/WSIB rules for you and any helper in your province
  • Provincial working at heights rules and training requirements, check your regulator
  • Roofing repairs may need a licensed trade in some places, so check before offering them
  • Winter ice and snow make roofs very dangerous, and revenue can be uneven through the year
  • Check whether your municipality requires a business licence

🔒 Full research report for Canada

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a roof and eavestrough business in Canada?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your ladders, fall protection gear, tools and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price out your own equipment list before you commit.

How much can a roof and eavestrough business earn?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many jobs you take and the season. Revenue can be uneven through the year, and winter ice and snow make roofs very dangerous.

What insurance and rules should I check before starting?

Check commercial general liability insurance, WCB/WSIB rules for you and any helper, your province's working at heights rules and training, and whether your municipality requires a business licence. Also check whether roofing repairs need a licensed trade where you live.

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Photo: HansLinde on Pixabay

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