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Dan Simms is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront specializing in home repair, renovation and renewable energy. While working as a property manager for one of the largest real estate management firms in New York, Dan worked alongside contractors and renovation specialists to prepare homes for sale. He is an avid DIYer and has completed a shed construction and a bathroom renovation in his own home and investment properties. He lives on Long Island, New York. Reach out to him on LinkedIn.
Total gutter installation costs generally range from $1,700 to $2,600.
Vinyl gutters start at $2 per linear foot, whereas more expensive copper gutters start at $9.
Seamless gutter labor costs fall between 40% and 60% of the total installation price.
Gutters are pivotal in protecting your home from leaks and water damage. Without them, water can soak into the soil next to your foundation, wick through the concrete, and potentially create problems with moisture that lead to mold or structural damage.
Gutter installation costs vary based on the material used. According to Erik Swain, owner of Frontgate RPD — a full-service home renovation company in Willoughby, Ohio — aluminum gutters are one of the most common gutter materials in the U.S., and they range from $1,700–$2,600 for every 200 linear feet installed. On the other hand, copper gutters can cost more than double, with a price tag between $3,800 and $11,600.
In most cases, gutters are necessary for your home. Understanding gutter material costs and differences in their functionality, curb appeal and longevity can help you make informed decisions when you speak with a gutter installation company.
Gutter installation costs vary widely and are mostly driven by gutter materials. In addition, you’ll want to factor in labor costs, as these can change depending on whether you’re installing standard or seamless gutters. Seamless gutter labor costs can fall between 40% and 60% of the total installation price, Swain confirmed. This is mostly because labor is more intensive and specialized.
Our experts report the following ranges for gutter installation costs for a 5-inch K-style gutter. Costs are accurate as of March 2024.
Vinyl seamless gutters are not usually an option, as the PVC material is not pliable like metals such as copper, aluminum and steel.
“Vinyl gutters are only available in sections, and as a result, they are more likely to leak,” said Chris Hock, president of Earth Saving Solutions, a home improvement company in Denver.
Hock also pointed out that vinyl gutters are not durable for hail. The material is also less resilient to UV rays and other inclement weather.
Aluminum is the most common material for gutters. Its popularity, especially for seamless gutters, stems from its balance of affordability and durability.
“Aluminum gutters are typically less expensive than other materials like copper or steel, making them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners,” Swain said.
In most cases, aluminum gutters have a life span of 20 to 25 years.
Although more expensive, stainless steel gutters should last 50 years with minimal gutter repair. Stainless steel is durable when handling severe weather, snow storms and even hurricanes. This material will also withstand extreme temperatures without warping or cracking.
Copper seamless gutters are known for their rosy hue that patinas into a bright teal green over time. This gutter material is considered a premium option.
Its cost varies based on your installer and location. “Copper is a pricier material for gutters, potentially costing twice as much as other gutter types,” Swain said.
Most gutters are 4, 5 or 6 inches wide. Wider gutters are good options for roofs with excessive runoff.
“A larger roof typically does not justify larger gutters,” said Niki O’Brien, operations manager at Custom Exteriors in Berthoud, Colorado. “In residential applications, 99% of gutters are 5 inches.”
Your roof’s size also affects gutter installation cost, as a two-story home’s roof area is smaller than a one-story ranch’s roof area.
“On average, roofs are 25 squares or 2,500 square feet for the median home,” Hock said. “The average amount of gutter and downspout [material required] is around 250 to 300 [linear feet].”
Based on our experts’ ranges per linear foot, prices for gutters, downspouts, fascia hangers and labor on a standard-size roof start at $1,500 for vinyl gutters and go as high as $13,500 for copper gutters.
Determining how many linear feet of gutters you need and how much it’ll cost to install them will depend, in part, on your roof size — but this isn’t a standalone metric to estimate the cost of a professional installation. Here is why:
The gutter style you choose will affect the pricing as well. Style options can refer to the profile of the gutters. Common options include K-style gutters (also called ogee) and half-round gutters.
You can also choose between traditional and seamless gutters. Traditional gutters — called sectional gutters — are less expensive because they’re easier to install.
“Seamless gutters are more expensive because they are custom-made on-site to perfectly fit your home,” explained O’Brien. The installation company must have specialty equipment that forms large metal sheets into a perfectly measured gutter. “Seamless gutters often require two people to install,” O’Brien continued. “That can increase pricing.”
However, you may save money in the long run with seamless gutters, as the lack of dirt buildup will minimize the need for frequent and laborious gutter cleaning. “Because the bottom is smooth, a gutter scoop can just slide along the bottom and easily remove debris,” O’Brien said.
Steeper roof pitches often drive up gutter installation costs because a greater slope means the roof will dump water into your rain gutters more quickly than a low-slope roof.
In some cases, a steeper pitch could translate to needing wider gutters. Swain said upgrading from 5-inch seamless gutters to 6-inch gutters can increase installation costs by $200–$400 per 200 linear feet.
Hiring a professional to install new gutters is advised over DIY installation, as the experts can calculate the gutter width that will serve you best. They’ll consider roof size, roof pitch, roof material and your area’s weather.
According to Hock, slick roof materials such as slate tiles usually demand 6-inch gutters, as do roof pitches higher than 9/12 — meaning the roof rises vertically 9 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
Depending on where you live, you might need to file for a gutter replacement or installation permit. You can call your local building department to ask what, if anything, is required for the work to begin. Or, you can ask your gutter professional to double-check permits before they start work.
“In Colorado, permitting is not required to install gutters,” said O’Brien. She noted that roof permitting is typically based on the price of a project, and should a permit be necessary for a gutter installation, it will likely be calculated similarly.
Depending on the location, permit fees for gutter installation could range from $50 to a few hundred dollars, said Dylan Manale, president of Lone Wolf Renovations in Metairie, Louisiana.
Gutters have a life span of 10 to 80 years before needing replacement. However, your gutters’ life span depends on several factors, including the material you choose.
While gutters can last for decades, it’s important to watch for common indicators that you need to consider repair or replacement.
Gutter blockages are the most common reason for sagging gutters. When water and debris back up your gutter, it eventually results in a heavy gutter that pulls away from the roof. Cleaning your gutters at least twice per year is a straightforward solution to prevent these clogs.
Exposure to the elements can cause your gutters to deteriorate over time. The same is true for the fasteners or hangers responsible for holding your gutters to your roof. Watch out for any signs of rust or corrosion on the fasteners, and replace them as soon as you spot the deterioration.
Fortunately, you may be able to fix sagging gutters without a professional if you notice the issue soon enough.
A small crack in your gutters likely doesn’t necessitate a full replacement. However, cracks tend to grow longer and wider over time. As the crack grows, the larger the risk of damage to your fascia boards and soffits. If you notice any small cracks, we recommend repairing them yourself or hiring a professional for repairs or replacement.
An overflowing gutter is a sign that the gutter isn’t working properly. Large clogs, incorrect installation or an improperly sized gutter are the main reasons water can overflow during rainstorms.
If overflows only occur during heavy downpours, this may not be a sign that you need to replace your gutters. But if this is a consistent problem any time there’s rain, you should call a professional to replace your gutters.
A professional will tell you whether you need to replace your gutters or if there’s another solution to remedy the overflow situation.
While gutter installation can be a DIY project in some cases, we often recommend hiring a local professional to handle the project for you. Though professional installation is more expensive, here are the top reasons to hire a professional.
Damaged gutters can hurt the appearance of your home, but poor aesthetics aren’t the only issue with old gutters that need to be replaced. You can avoid these problems by replacing your gutters as soon as you notice any of the signs mentioned above.
Now that you know gutter installation costs are based on roof size, material cost and style, you can contact a local gutter installer to discuss your options and ask for add-ons, such as the best gutter guards for your house.
Ask the technician if they recommend seamless gutters to reduce clogs, should your house be surrounded by trees, for instance. Or, they may recommend extra wide gutters to accommodate extreme rain and snowstorms.
If you like the look of your existing gutters, ask for the same material. Otherwise, inquire about gutter materials options from at least three gutter installers. Ask each company about the timeline, warranty coverage and any additional costs you might incur throughout the process.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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