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How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost? (2024 Update)

gutter installation

Gutters act are vital components for protecting your home. They redirect water from rain and snowmelt away from your house and prevent soil erosion in your yard. They are crucial to maintaining the integrity of your roof and warding off water damage, especially if you live in a region with stormy conditions.

Installing gutters is an important investment, but you’ll need to know your options in order to find the best value for your money. Gutter installation ranges in price depending on the size and features of your home, landing anywhere between $880 and $4400.

We’ll review the factors that impact the cost and help you make the best choice for your roof—and your wallet.

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The Importance of Gutter Installation

Gutters are designed to safeguard your roof and walls against water damage, but they provide other benefits as well. Downspouts that divert water away from your yard and onto a concrete surface will prevent soil erosion and damage to your lawn.

You may already have a gutter system protecting your home. Even once you have gutters installed, you will need to pay careful attention to the upkeep to ensure they remain in adequate condition. Older gutters or systems with heavy damage may need to be repaired or replaced.

house exterior showing the gutter and downspout
Image Credit: Zachary Keimig, Unsplash

You’ll know when it’s time to have a new system installed when your gutters suffer from any of the following problems:

Signs:
  • Separation from the roof and downspouts
  • Severe rusting, cracking, rotting, or mold
  • Water collecting inside the gutters or poor drainage

Repairing flaws in a gutter system may be more expensive than installing a new one, so it’s critical to know the costs of both and what’s best for your home.

Consult a gutter installation expert

Find a gutter specialist in your area, and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.

How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost?

tThe average cost for a professional gutter installation on a house of 2,400 square feet costs around $3,000, or $20 per linear foot. That number can vary widely, depending on a few factors.

Factors:
  • Square footage of your house: It goes without saying that the larger your house, the more gutters you’ll need. That will increase the cost of the materials and the installation price.
  • Materials and style: Gutters come in a range of different materials and styles, which are associated with their own costs, as well as benefits and drawbacks.
  • Geographic location: – the price of materials and installation can fluctuate based on where you live.
  • Professional vs. DIY: The price of a professional installation can give you sticker shock, but it might be the more cost-effective choice depending on how confident you are in your do-it-yourself skills.
man cleaning gutter
Image Credit: Rob Bayer, Shutterstock

Cost of Gutter Installation by Materials

Let’s take a closer look at the primary materials used for gutters and how much they cost. The most common gutter components are vinyl, aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. They also come in different widths, usually 4, 5, and 6-inch widths, which can change the price.

Materials & Cost:
  • Vinyl gutters are the most frequently used and often the cheapest. Made from PVC plastic, they aren’t the most durable option, which is why they’re only recommended for regions with consistently fair weather.
  • Aluminum gutters are popular due to their light weight, resistance to rust, and ability to be painted. However, they’re more susceptible to damage.
  • Steel gutters last longer and can take more damage than aluminum or vinyl, making them an ideal choice if you live where inclement weather is routine. They are prone to rust and heavier in weight, which means you will likely need a professional to install them.
  • Copper gutters are rarer, thanks to their more expensive price tag. They are extremely durable and last up to 50 yearsbut will require a higher investment and regular polishing.
  • Zinc gutters, like copper, are a higher-end choice often selected for their patina. They have a weathered look favored by homeowners with older houses.
installing plastic roof gutter
Image Credit: Radovan1, Shutterstock
Material Price per linear foot Lifespan in years
Vinyl $3–6 10–20
Aluminum $5–15 20
Steel $6–12 20–30
Copper $18–30 50+
Zinc $20-40 80+

Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/22454426/gutter-installation-cost

Cost of Gutter Installation by Style

There are two options when it comes to picking the style of your gutters.

K-style gutters are the most common. The “K” in their name refers to the appearance of the gutter’s cross-section. They are known for their capacity to hold water and work well with sloping roof angles. U-style gutters are also known as “half-rounds” due to their shape and have a more traditional look.

The prices of these two styles are comparable, from around $3 to $25 per linear foot. More expensive types are out there, such as fascia and V-style, but they are more difficult to find.

man installing roof gutter
Image Credit: Jasmine Sahin, Shutterstock

Cost of Professional vs. DIY Gutter Installation

You hire a professional to install your gutter system or, if you’re handy, you can do it yourself.

DIY may sound tempting, as the materials needed are available at any home improvement store, and you may have all the tools to install your system already in your garage. However, if you aren’t entirely confident in your ability to install your gutters successfully or your roof has a high level of complexity, you’re running the risk of making a mistake that can cost you more in the long run.

It’s also inherently dangerous to climb on your roof and do complicated work on a ladder. If you aren’t used to it, you may need to turn to a professional.

Having your gutters professionally installed will be a higher cost upfront but will save you paying for amateur mistakes down the road. The price will depend largely on how much labor will be involved and how many pieces need to be installed.

The average labor cost per linear foot of guttering lands between $1 and $7. Contact local businesses in your area to get  an exact quote for your house.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

Beyond purchasing the length of gutters needed for your home’s square footage, you’ll need to acquire some extras for your new gutter system.

These include hangers and brackets to attach the gutter to your roof every 2–3 feet, several downspouts for drainage, and enough elbows to link the gutter to the downspouts. You may also need end caps, gutter guards, and flashing to direct the flow of water and heat tape if you live in a colder climate.

man installing gutter
Image Credit: Kuchina, Shutterstock
Extra Cost
Hanger/bracket $2–32 each
Downspout $3–20 per linear foot
Elbow $5–7 each
End cap $1.50–4 each
Gutter guard $8 each
Flashing $0.40–2.50 per linear foot
Heat tape $0.55 per linear foot

Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/22454426/gutter-installation-cost

Again, these additional costs will vary depending on the material you’ve chosen for your gutter system.

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How Often Should I Replace My Gutters?

Gutter systems need to be replaced towards the end of their lifespan, which can vary between 10 and 80 years based on the material. Ensure that you know what your gutters are made of and learn the signs that indicate when you may need to start thinking about replacement.

Keep an eye on your gutters for any unusual damage and ensure you look at them both on a fair-weather day as well as a rainy one to get the best understanding of how well they’re functioning. Some issues may not require full replacement.

How to Maintain Your Gutters After Installation

Performing vigilant maintenance on your gutters will extend their lifespan and prevent unexpected damage. Clearing the debris from your gutters every few months will keep rainwater flowing and keep clogs from becoming too serious. Clogs can occur in the downspouts, so make sure to inspect those when cleaning your gutters.

If you spot any damage during your inspections, such as a crack or a hole, you may be able to fix it with a gutter seal. Patching up your gutters can delay the need for replacement and keep the whole system functional.

man cleaning gutter
Image Credit: Skorzewiak, Shutterstock

Does Home Insurance Cover Gutter Installation?

Standard home insurance policies don’t typically cover gutter installation, repair, or replacement. These services are considered maintenance-related and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

However, there are some instances under which your home insurance might cover gutter-related issues. This includes damage from an unexpected storm or a fire. Study the ins and outs of your policy to ensure maximum coverage.

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Conclusion

Gutters are critical for protecting your home and yard. They safeguard against water damage and erosion. The various materials and styles available are associated with different costs as well as individual benefits.

Your choices will depend on your location and what kind of house you have. These factors, as well as whether you choose to install, replace, and maintain your gutters yourself or hire a professional to do so, will ultimately determine the cost of gutter installation.


Featured Image Credit: ronstik, Shutterstock

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