Gutter Installation Cost
Typical cost range:
$2,300–$6,000
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On average, gutter installation costs $3,900. While this price tag may seem steep, gutters are a good investment in your home’s maintenance. “Gutter installation is valuable for protecting your home, particularly if you have a basement in a humid area,” says Thomas Ballestero, Ph.D., the director of UNH Stormwater Center.
“While homes can function without gutters if properly designed, gutters are a cost-effective form of preventive maintenance—essentially serving as one of the cheapest insurance policies for your home. Prevention through proper gutter installation is always less expensive than reacting to water damage after the fact.”
The cost of gutter installation is influenced by the gutter length of your home and the type of material used. The most common material types are vinyl, aluminum, and steel, which can be more affordable. Premium materials, such as copper and zinc, can cost upwards of $10,000 but are long-lasting and add an aesthetic element.
In this guide, we will detail the factors that affect gutter installation prices and the necessary considerations for planning a professional or do-it-yourself (DIY) install.
*Cost information in this article was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.
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Gutter Installation
New gutters added to your home cost an average of $1,700-$3,100
Gutter Guard
Gutter guard installation costs an average of $600-$1,500
Gutter Repair
The majority of gutter repairs cost $143-$604
How Much Will Gutter Installation Cost for Your Home?
The square footage of a home can also provide a general estimate of the total cost of a gutter installation. If you divide the square footage of your home by 10, you will receive the estimated linear feet of material that you will need for new gutters. A typical 2,000-square-foot home, will need 200 linear feet of material. The table below provides the cost range by the size of a home.
| Home Size (sq feet) | Linear Feet of Gutters | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 100 | $1,300–$3,400 |
| 1,200 | 120 | $1,560–$4,080 |
| 1,500 | 150 | $1,950–$5,100 |
| 2,000 | 200 | $2,600–$6,800 |
| 2,500 | 250 | $2,925–$7,650 |
How to Estimate Gutter Installation Cost
Once you’ve determined what gutter material you want, you can estimate the cost of gutter installation by following these steps
- Measure the area you need gutters for. Be sure to get the length and width every portion of roof you want gutters on.
- Multiply the measurement in square feet by the cost per linear foot of the gutter material you want to install. If you haven’t settled on a material yet, the average price for gutter installation is $22.50 per linear foot.
Gutter Installation Cost by Type of Material
| Gutter Material | Cost per Sq Foot | Cost for 200 Linear Feet | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $1.20-$2.90 | $2,400–$5,800 | $12–$29 |
| Aluminum | $1.30-$3.40 | $2,600–$6,800 | $13–$34 |
| Steel | $1.60-$3.70 | $3,200–$7,400 | $16–$37 |
| Copper | $2.90-$5.10 | $5,800–$10,200 | $29–$51 |
| Zinc | $3.60-$6.10 | $7,200–$12,200 | $36–$61 |
The biggest cost factor for gutter replacement is the chosen material. The type of gutter material you choose sets the baseline cost per linear foot and impacts labor rates. The following table breaks down the cost of gutter installations by material based on linear foot, square footage of your home, and total installation cost for a typical 200-linear-foot system.
Learn more about the most common gutter materials below, including how they perform in various conditions and how long they last.
Vinyl and PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
While PVC and vinyl are different materials, they are used interchangeably in gutter installations. They are also the most fragile and may crack, break, or warp in severe temperature changes. You can only expect PVC or plastic gutters to last 10 to 20 years in moderate climate conditions.
Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to install. Aluminum typically lasts 20 years or more under ordinary conditions.
“Material choice is crucial, with aluminum being the current industry standard due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability,” says Karl Seelbach, carpentry department head at Laney College. “While copper and stainless steel offer elegance and longevity, they come at a premium price point.”
The downside to these gutters is their tendency to dent from impacts such as hail or falling tree limbs.
Galvanized steel
This material is coated in zinc to improve its resistance to rust and corrosion. It’s stronger than aluminum but also heavier and more difficult to install. Galvanized steel gutters and the system will last 20 years or more.
Copper
This material is uncommon but carries an old-world, regal look and has a long life span. Copper gutters last more than 50 years with regular gutter cleaning and maintenance.
Zinc
Zinc is a low-maintenance but expensive, high-end material that doesn’t rust. It forms a self-healing patina that obscures scratches and scrapes. These gutters can last 80 years or more.
What Other Factors Impact Gutter Installation or Replacement Cost?
In addition to material, other factors that affect the cost of your gutter installation include gutter style, gutter size, and even your home’s landscaping and the number of stories on your home.
Gutter Type
The type of gutter impacts both material and labor costs. Less common types carry a higher price tag and typically require specially trained installers.
K-style
K-style gutters are the standard option for most modern homes. These gutters are easy to install and can withstand heavy rainfall. K-style gutters look similar to crown molding and match many architectural styles. Their steep trough and simple design make them reliable and easy to install.
Half-round
As their name suggests, these gutters appear similar to a barrel cut in half. Half-round gutters are elegant and popular on historic or upscale homes, especially as they’re often made of copper. They’re more difficult to install and hold less water than comparably sized K-style gutters.
Box Gutters
These are an older style of gutter used more frequently in the 1800s and 1900s. Today, they’re more commonly seen in industrial buildings but are occasionally used in residential homes. They have a wide and deep design that can handle heavy water flow but lack the decorative look of other contemporary styles.
Sectional Gutters
Sectional gutters are the standard option for most homes. These gutters come in pre-cut lengths that attach using connectors (also called joiners). The gutter installer must seal seams between sections with a waterproof caulk. Sun, weather exposure, and debris weight can deteriorate the caulk over time and cause leaks.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are made from single pieces of guttering attached at the corners. Installers measure and custom-fit each piece of the gutter system to your home’s roofline, using a rolling machine to cut the gutters on-site. Seamless gutters cost more but are less prone to leaking.
Gutter Size
Gutter size typically refers to a system’s width, measured from the back (facia-facing) side to the front of the gutters. The wider the gutter, the more you’ll pay in material costs. The most common gutter width is 5 inches, but homes in rainy regions may require a 6-inch or 7-inch system.
Additional Cost Factors
While your gutter system’s style, size, and material determine the baseline price range for its installation, other factors play a role in total installation cost, including the following:
- Additional parts: Your installation estimate will include the material cost for components such as brackets, downspouts, elbows, gutter end caps, hangers, and splash blocks.
- Landscaping: If your landscaping makes installing gutters on your home difficult, expect to pay increased labor rates.
- Local labor rates: The availability of services, local taxes, and regional income levels impact general labor rates, which in turn affect the price of your professional gutter installation.
- Service fees: Expect to pay service fees if your installer has to carry materials a long way, repair roof sections, dispose of materials, or undertake additional work.
- Height of your home: Your home’s height can directly impact your labor costs. Two-story homes are more difficult and dangerous to work on and require specialized tools.
Seamless vs. Traditional Gutters
Gutters come in one of two distinct designs: traditional or seamless. Traditional gutters are a series of guttering sections joined together at connectors (also called joiners). Seamless gutters are a single piece of custom-fit guttering cut onsite at your home. Seamless gutters last much longer, are more durable, and look better than traditional gutters. This increased functionality and appearance come with a higher price tag. Seamless gutters cost between $1,800 and $7,000 or more.
DIY vs Professional Gutter Installation
Homeowners can choose DIY or professional gutter installation. Each method has its benefits and downsides, but the main differences come down to cost and quality.
“DIY gutter installation is possible, especially with sectional gutters, and can save on labor costs. However, hiring a professional is often worth the investment for a precise fit, particularly with seamless gutters,” says Amna Salman, Ph.D., assistant professor at the McWhorter School of Building Science. “Professionals bring expertise in correct gutter pitch, alignment, and secure attachment, and they also have the right equipment for safe roof access. Professional installation is typically recommended to ensure long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance needs.”
The do-it-yourself route will always cost less because you’re bypassing labor rates and other fees charged by gutter companies. However, gutter companies offer professional services, materials, and techniques unavailable to even highly-proficient homeowners.
For example, homeowners can’t install seamless gutters themselves because they require a rolling machine and special training to create them. Many materials, such as copper, zinc, and steel, are also off the table because their weight makes them unwieldy and dangerous for one person to install alone.
Other benefits of choosing a professional gutter company include access to additional services, such as gutter repair, downspout installation, or debris disposal. They may also provide long-lasting workmanship warranties.
As helpful and convenient as hiring a gutter professional is, you will pay a premium for their services. As noted, on average you can expect to pay $2,400 for gutters to be professionally installed on your home. It is cheaper to install your own gutters, with an average DIY installation costing between $1,100 and $1,300 for 200 linear feet of a 5 or 6-inch K-style aluminum gutter system.
Quick Tip
- We advise checking a contractor’s licensing status using your state’s license lookup. Each state has one, typically run by the Department of Labor or State License Board. For example, North Carolina has a licensing board for general contractors.
Don’t choose an installer before reviewing multiple quotes. By requesting free quotes, you can compare each company’s services, prices, and customer service to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Signs That Your Gutters Need To Be Replaced
Before scheduling a gutter replacement, consider whether your system is at the end of its life or just requires a quick gutter repair. “Key signs that it’s time to replace your gutters include visible cracks, rust spots, sagging or pulling away from the home, and frequent clogs,” says Salman. “Water pooling around your home’s foundation, leaking at the seams, or mildew growth can also signal gutter wear.”
The following signs indicate it may be time to replace your gutters:
- Broken or disconnected downspouts
- Disconnected gutter sections
- Frequent basement or crawl space flooding
- Foundation cracks, chips, or shifting
- Mold, moss, or mildew growth
- Multiple cracks, gaps, or breaks in gutter sections
- Rust or chipped paint on gutters
- Sagging of one or more sections
- Standing water and saturated soil on your property
- Streaks along siding
- Water damage to siding, fascia, soffits, or other roof sections
If your existing gutters sustained damage from a hailstorm or have loose hangers, you’ll likely be able to repair them rather than invest in a new system. However, if your old gutters are nearing the end of their life, small repairs or patch jobs will be temporary fixes at best.
How Can You Extend the Life of Your Gutters?
Like most home systems, the best way to extend the life of your gutters is with routine maintenance. Clean gutters function better than clogged gutters, allowing them to filter debris and water more efficiently. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice per year at the end of fall and spring. You’ll remove the most debris at once during these times of year.
“Several maintenance steps can help extend the lifespan of gutters,” says Mohsen Goodarzi, Ph.D., assistant professor of construction management at Ball State University. He suggests “regular cleaning, especially in fall and spring, installing gutter guards like mesh screens or covers, inspecting joints and seams regularly, and resealing them if needed.”
The same sentiment was echoed by Neil Grigg, Ph.D.: “You can extend the life of your gutters in the same way that we manage other infrastructure, by proven maintenance methods like inspection, condition assessment, cleaning, and preventive care. It’s especially important to clean gutters of leaves and other debris so they will work well and not corrode.”
Regular inspections are also essential in keeping your gutter system functioning at peak performance. Have your system inspected once every one to three years to spot minor damage before it leads to more expensive problems. You can inspect and repair your gutters yourself or hire a professional.
We recommend installing top gutter guards to extend your gutter system’s life. Gutter guards are protective installations that block debris buildup and keep pests out of your gutters. While gutter guards won’t eliminate the need for gutter cleaning and maintenance, they allow you to reduce the difficulty and frequency of cleaning to once a year or so.
Purchasing gutter guards with a full gutter system is common for homeowners who want to get the most out of their home drainage system. We surveyed 1,000 gutter guard customers nationwide. Our survey shows that 68% of respondents purchased their gutter guard system alongside a gutter installation.
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Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
Gutter guards can make future cleaning and maintenance of your gutter system easier. However, gutter guard installation can cost as much as new gutters. Our survey of customers of the top five professional gutter guard installers revealed an average cost of $5,649 for a 200-linear-foot gutter guard system.
Like many home improvement add-ons, gutter guards can be worth the investment if you choose the best product for your needs. Some gutter guards perform better than others, and not all brands are suited for every gutter design or climate. For example, reverse curve guards can self-clean and block oak leaves but can’t handle heavy rainfall. Brush guards are inexpensive and easy to install but do anything against pine needles.
We recommend stainless steel micro-mesh guards for homeowners because they’re the best-performing product overall. These guards block most debris types in various climates. We tested more than a dozen DIY brands and LeafFilter. Micro-mesh guards performed the best. We also recently surveyed 1,000 homeowners and 84% of them responded that they were satisfied with how they perform.
Our recommendation for the best professionally installed gutter guard is LeafFilter and Raptor is our pick among DIY products.
Which Type of Gutters are Recommended?
Aluminum seamless gutters are a safe choice for a reliable, long-lasting rain gutter system at a mid-range price. Consider a heavier gutter system such as stainless or galvanized steel if you live in an area with extreme weather or high winds. Copper gutters may be worth the investment and add to your resale value if you live in a historic home.
Whatever kind of gutter system you choose, we recommend researching local installation companies and requesting free quotes to find the best gutter installation company for your budget. It is also helpful to receive quotes from gutter guard installers who can provide you with new gutter installation and long-term protection from debris that can clog your gutters.
Expert Insights and Tips
FAQ About Gutter Installation Cost
Do gutter alternatives work?
Gutter alternatives don’t work as well as gutters in most situations. For example, rain chains and drip paths overflow in moderate rainfall. However, if your home’s landscaping has gradation that slopes away from your foundation, alternatives may be enough to protect your foundation.
How long do gutters last?
Gutters have different lifespans depending on the material. Plastic gutters last 10 to 20 years, aluminum and steel last up to 20 years, and zinc and copper last 50 years or more.
What is the most common problem with gutters?
The most common problem with gutters is their constant debris buildup and clogging issues. As plant debris falls or is blown by wind, it lands inside your gutters and causes clogs and overflow. This spillage can eventually lead to water damage, soil erosion, and foundation shifting.
Can not having gutters cause foundation problems?
Yes, not having gutters can cause foundation problems. Without gutters, water is free to flow from your roofline right onto your foundation. This hydrostatic pressure will lead to foundation cracks and shifting and other expensive problems.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We reinforce this research with thorough firsthand product testing, assessing each gutter guard’s durability, quality, filtration, and cleanability. To date, we’ve tested more than a dozen professionally installed and DIY gutter guard products. We then score each provider against our review standards for gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
