What’s the Cost of Installing Gutters?

Gutter installation keeps your basement from flooding. Gutter replacement costs are lower. Yet, ignoring early damage signs could cost you more. Signs of gutter damage include rust spots, cracks, and gutters separating from the roof.

How Much Does a Gutter Installation Cost?

Materials like downspouts and end caps contribute to the gutter installation cost. Hiring a professional instead of DIY also affects the final price.

Why Gutter Installation Matters

Gutters protect your roof from damage during heavy rain seasons. They protect your home’s foundation from cracks and prevent water stains on the walls. The siding material on your home’s exterior is prone to water damage.

It will deteriorate if your home doesn’t have gutters. Channeling rainwater to the downspouts reduces soil erosion. Gutters prevent mold growth inside your basement and control insect breeding cycles.

Average Gutter Installation & Replacement Costs

The typical gutter installation costs are around $617-$1,665, with a national average of $1,120. High-end gutters like copper can average up to $25 per linear foot.

Gutter replacement cost varies depending on the accessories and gutter material. Labor expenses, your home’s square footage, and the number of stories contribute to the final cost.


Factors Influencing Gutter Installation Costs

There are 6 main considerations besides labor costs and the roof’s square footage.

1. Gutter Material

The gutter material is a significant factor in the final installation cost. Cheaper options like vinyl or aluminum can cost from $3 to $12 per linear foot. These cost estimates don’t include accessories and labor.

2. Gutter Style

The most common gutter styles are k-style and half-round. Half-round gutters are pricier due to their manufacturing criteria. They need more accessories such as hanger brackets and threaded rods during installation. Other gutter styles include fascia, victorian ogee, v-style, and more.

3. Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are sturdier than sectional gutters. Seamless gutters don’t have joints, making them low maintenance and less prone to leaks. Seamless gutters are more expensive. They also take longer to install but have a longer lifespan.

Sectional gutters last up to 20 years but need sealing every 5 years. They’re available in 5-, 10-, and 15-foot pre-cut sections, costing between $2 and $20 per linear foot. Depending on the length of the material, seamless gutters cost anywhere from $4 to $30.

4. Labor Costs & Location

The cost of labor depends on your location. You’ll pay more if your area’s living costs are higher. Your labor costs depend on your roof’s pitch and size.

Hiring a professional reduces the chances of leaks. Aluminum and vinyl gutters are ideal for DIY installation. They’re cheaper and save you on labor costs.

5. Home Size

Professionals charge per linear foot of guttering. Your home’s square footage affects the final installation cost. Homes with a larger footprint incur more in gutter installation costs.

They also need more downspouts. The number of stories affects gutter complexity and cost. Taller buildings need more workers, safety equipment, and insurance.

6. Climate Conditions

If you live in an area with extreme climate patterns, it’s worth investing in sturdy gutters. Zinc gutters are expensive but are among the most durable. Plastic and vinyl gutters aren’t ideal for colder regions as they tend to break. Galvanized steel gutters are a better option but are prone to rust.


Gutter Installation Costs by Material

Vinyl

Vinyl gutters are cheaper than most options. They’re not ideal for extreme climates. Vinyl gutters cost from $3 to $6 per linear foot. You can install them yourself since the material is easy to cut and drill. Vinyl gutters are heavier than aluminum gutters. When filled with water and debris, they’re more prone to sagging.

Aluminum

Aluminum gutters are lightweight, rust resistant, and come in 8- or 10- foot pre-cut sections. The sections join using screws and sealant. Being lightweight makes them more prone to bending and cracking. The average aluminum gutter cost is $5 to $15 per linear foot. You can DIY or hire a professional during installation.

Copper

With proper maintenance, copper gutters last up to 50 years. They’re among the most expensive gutters since they don’t rust. Copper gutters cost from $30 to $45 per linear foot, including installation.

Galvanized Steel

The average cost of galvanized steel gutters is $5 to $15 per linear foot. Galvanized steel gutters are sturdier than aluminum. They’re heavier, making them ideal for heavy rainfall areas, but they need professional installation. Galvanized steel gutters can last up to 30 years, but poor maintenance makes them prone to rust.

Zinc

Zinc gutters cost between $10 and $25 per linear foot. They need little maintenance and have a long lifespan. When installed by a professional, zinc gutters can last for decades. Its distinct appearance is due to the oxidized patina that forms over time.


Gutter Installation Costs by Style

Gutter installation costs may vary depending on the style you’re installing. The main gutter styles are k-style and half-round.

Half-Round

Half-round or U-style gutters are common in traditional architectural styles. The architectural designs include Georgian, Cape Cod, Colonial, Victorian, Tuscany, and more. They don’t hold as much water as K-style gutters but are more expensive.

The cost of half-round gutters is from $5 to $25 per linear foot. Half-round gutters require brackets for proper installation. Their front features a decorative element, while the back attaches to the fascia.

K-Style

K-style gutters cost between $9 and $15 per linear foot. They’re the most popular style in the U.S as they’re easy to customize. K-style gutters hold more water, have decorative elements, and are less likely to leak. These gutters come in different materials, including steel, copper, and aluminum.


Other Gutter Styles

V-Style

V-style gutters cost between $9 and $25 per linear foot. They have a V shape from the edge, hence their name. During installation, they don’t need lots of supplies. V-style gutters are not widely used because they cannot hold as much water as other gutter styles.

Victorian Ogee

The decorative frilled front edge of Victorian ogee gutters is notable. Installation materials cost between $6 and $13 per linear foot. Victorian ogee gutters don’t need a lot of materials to set up. Their average cost per linear foot installed ranges between $9 and $20. Zinc and aluminum gutters often have the Victorian ogee style.

European Seamless

European seamless gutters have a U-style that accommodates more water than other models. They’re less prone to corrosion and standing water.

Most come in durable materials like copper. European seamless gutters cost between $12 and $50 per linear foot installed. Installation materials range from $10 to $16 per linear foot.

Fascia

Fascia gutters are larger than k-style and half-round gutters. They’re common in homes with a high roof pitch as they can handle overflowing problems. Fascia gutters are decorative and are custom-built to suit your roof’s architectural design. Fascia-style gutters cost between $5 and $20 per linear foot.


Other Cost Considerations

  • Downspouts: A downspout is a vertical attachment that moves water from your gutters and away from your home’s foundation. Downspouts vary by material but cost between $6 and $15 per linear foot.
  • Gutter Guards: They prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters. Depending on design and material, gutter guards range from $1 to $10.
  • Heat Tape: Heat tapes prevent ice dams from forming inside the gutters when the temperatures are freezing. Gutter heating tapes also prevent roof damage during the winter months. They cost between $1 and $6 per linear foot.
  • Wire Mesh Screen: Like gutter guards, wire mesh screens prevent debris from blocking your gutter system. They cost between $1 and $10 per foot, while gutter cleaning services charge an average of $150.
  • Gutter Repair: The average cost of gutter replacement ranges from $180 to $568. Other factors like accessories, labor costs, and roof design contribute to the final repair cost.

Should I DIY or Hire a Professional?

Improper installation leads to costly repairs. Hiring a professional or DIY depends on the type of gutter you pick and the complexity of your roof’s design. Gutters made of vinyl or aluminum are easier to install DIY than copper.

Labor makes up part of the cost if your home is larger. Larger and taller homes need more gutters, downspouts, and materials. For safety reasons, hiring a professional is worth it. They also help inspect your home’s siding and foundation for water damage.

With DIY, there’s flexibility since you don’t have to do the repairs all at once while hiring a professional keeps you from amateur mistakes. If you have the right tools and have someone to help you, DIY is much cheaper.

Unlike DIY gutter replacement, a pro can guarantee quality and offer a warranty. Hiring a professional is safer if you don’t mind the labor costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What size should gutters be?

The standard gutter size for residential homes is 5 inches. 5-inch gutters are common, but 6-inch gutters can hold more water. They’re ideal for extensive roofs and areas with heavy rainfall. Larger gutters prevent overflowing and debris buildup.

Which is better, vinyl or aluminum gutters?

Both are lightweight, but aluminum is easier to install since it has fewer seams. Vinyl gutters are rust resistant. Vinyl gutters can’t withstand extreme weather, so their lifespan is shorter.

Aluminum gutters can hold more water but need regular maintenance. Both are inexpensive, but vinyl might cost more in repair costs.

What gutters have the longest lifespan?

Copper gutters last upwards of 50 years. They’re better than aluminum or steel gutters but are expensive to install.

How do I calculate linear feet for gutters?

Measure the length of all the gutters around your house to determine their linear foot. The linear foot method is the same length as all your walls.

Final Thoughts

The cost of installing gutters relies on some factors. You can keep the installation costs low using cheaper gutter materials and DIY. While you might cut down on the labor costs, hiring a professional helps maintain your home’s curb appeal. Pick a durable gutter material if you live in an area with harsh weather.