Vinyl Gutters Installation Cost
Vinyl gutters are molded Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) gutters. They’re low-cost, reliable gutters. Most manufacturers coat the plastic with resin to resist UV degradation. Resin also gives them a long-lasting glossy appearance. Homeowners looking to install gutters at a low cost should consider vinyl gutters.
Why Choose Vinyl Gutters?
- Affordable: Vinyl gutters are cheaper than metal gutters. They cost between $2 and $6 per linear foot.
- Easy installation: Since they’re lightweight, plastic gutters are easy to handle. Most homeowners install these gutters DIY.
- Color range: Vinyl gutters are painted during the manufacturing process. You can also paint them to suit your home’s aesthetic. White and brown vinyl gutters are the most common. These neutral colors take longer to fade.
- Durable: Vinyl gutters are non-corrosive and rust-free, unlike metal gutters. They last up to 20 years in mild climates.
Cost of Installing Vinyl Gutters
The average cost of installing vinyl gutters is $1,100 for a 1,500-square feet home. On the higher end, you could pay $1,400 for installation. The total cost varies depending on the material costs and labor fees for professional installation.
Vinyl Gutters Cost by Type
Vinyl gutters are available in both seamed and seamless types. Seamed rain gutters come in pre-cut sections joined together during installation. Seamless designs are continuous lengths custom-fit for each roof.
Seamed Vinyl Gutters
Seamed vinyl gutters come in 10-foot sections. A linear foot costs between $2 and $5. You can also get them as a DIY kit, including hangers, end caps, elbows, and other accessories. They attach to the fascia boards using lag screws.
Seamless Vinyl Gutters
Seamless vinyl gutters are extruded on-site to lengths of up to 40 feet. Most seamless gutter companies do not recommend vinyl gutters. Their plastic nature may not be strong and durable as aluminum, steel, and copper. Installation of seamless vinyl gutters costs between $4 and $12 per linear foot.
Vinyl Gutters Cost by Style
Vinyl gutters are available in two main gutter styles: half-round and k-style. Both styles come in 4-, 5- and 6-inch diameters.
Half-Round Vinyl Gutters
Half-round vinyl gutters cost between $3 and $6 per linear foot. They resemble a tube that’s cut in half. They attach to the roof using brackets. This style of vinyl gutters may not be readily available in big-box stores.
K-Style Vinyl Gutters
K-style is a modern gutter design. A linear foot of k-style vinyl gutters costs between $2 and $5. They have a flat back, which attaches to the fascia board using screws. K-style vinyl gutters are easy to install and are available in most stores.
Cost by Number of Stories
Tall houses need more guttering material, which increases the total project costs. Professional installers will also charge more since the installation takes longer. Installing plastic gutters on a single-story house costs between $200 and $1,300. For a two and three-story home, you could spend $700- $2,200.
Vinyl Gutters Cost by House Size
Your house size and roof design determine the size and lengths of gutters you need. Small rain gutters will be effective in a small house. You need to install 5- or 6-inch vinyl gutters for large roofs. Most homes in the US are 2,000 square feet and above, so the cost of installing vinyl gutters would be $400- $2,200.
Cost of Replacing Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters need replacement after 15-20 years. Replacing vinyl gutters comes with an extra cost aside from the installation cost. Contractors charge $1 per linear foot for removing and disposing of old gutters. With labor costs ranging from $2 to $4, you would spend between $5 and $11 per foot for gutter replacement.
Other Cost Factors
- Vinyl Downspouts: You’ll need a downspout after every 30-40 feet of gutters. Vinyl downspouts cost $5- $8 per linear foot.
- Downspout Elbows: Elbows connect a gutter to its downspout and channel water to the extension. Each cost around $3.
- Hangers: $3 to $6 per piece.
- Downspout Screens: Screens protect the downspout from clogging with debris and leaves. Each screen costs $10.
- Heat Tape: Gutter and downspout heat cables prevent the formation of ice dams. It’s helpful if you live in snowy regions.
- Gutter Guards: Vinyl gutter guards snap onto the gutters. Guards make gutter cleaning easy and prevent clogging. They cost $1-$3 per foot.
- Repairs: There are simple DIY fixes for restoring your vinyl gutters. Repair costs vary depending on the damage.
Cost of Vinyl vs. Aluminum Gutters
Plastic guttering costs less than installing aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters cost between $6 and $20 per linear foot. Nonetheless, aluminum gutters outlive PVC gutters. Aluminum gutter systems last for 20-30 years.
You can paint either material using acrylic paints for aesthetics. They also need regular maintenance and cleaning at least twice a year. It is preferable to install aluminum gutters if you live in a rainy region.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
DIY installation is common as vinyl gutters are lightweight and easy to cut and bend. Suppose you lack experience installing gutters, it’s best to hire a professional.
A professional installer helps you choose your house’s best gutter quality and style. Proper installation results in a well-functioning and durable rain gutter system.