How Much Do Gutters Cost?
To get a rough idea of how many feet of gutters your home might require, calculate the linear footage of your roof.
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The national average cost of gutters including materials and installation for an average-sized home is just under $4,000, with an average range of about $1,000 to $6,600. Your individual costs will depend on the size of your home and the type of gutters you choose.
What will gutters cost me?
Although the total average price for gutter installation is $3,900 (about $4 to $40 per linear foot), the size of your home has a significant influence on your specific price range.
Size of home | Average gutter cost | Typical gutter cost range |
|---|---|---|
1,000 sq. feet. | $1,900. | $500 – $3,300. |
1,500 sq. feet. | $2,875. | $750 – $5,000. |
2,000 sq. feet. | $3,800. | $1,000 – $6,600. |
The height of your home also matters when it comes to gutter installation prices. This is because it’s more dangerous to work on upper floors, and it requires extra tools and safety equipment.
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How many feet of gutters will I need?
To get a rough idea of how many feet of gutters your home might require (if all roof edges truly need gutters), calculate the linear footage of your roof. If your home isn’t a strict rectangle or square, you may have to do this in sections and add them up. Then measure the distance from each roof corner to the ground where downspouts will be installed.
Because gutters are usually priced by linear foot, you can use your total linear footage to get a rough idea of what you might pay for particular types of gutters you’re considering.
Not every home needs gutters around the entire roof. You may need substantially fewer feet of gutters than your initial rough estimate. Roofs that have only one or two slopes may only require gutters on the sides of the home corresponding to those slopes. Having a pro evaluate your roof can help you determine which roof edges need gutters.
» MORE: How much roof installation costs
Types of gutters and what they cost
A number of gutter materials are available, each with its own set of advantages and concerns. In addition to a variety of materials, gutters are available in different styles such as half-round and K-style, which are comparably priced, and custom-built fascia style, which tends to be more costly.
Aluminum
Price: $4 to $14 per linear foot.
Life: About 20 years.
Pros and cons: Lightweight, rust-resistant and easily replaceable. The downside is that aluminum gutters are vulnerable to cracking, dents and damage from falling debris.
Aluminum gutter.
Copper
Price: $25 to $40 per linear foot.
Life: About 50 years on average (sometimes up to 100 years).
Pros and cons: Weather-resistant and won’t warp or rust, but copper gutters may require regular maintenance and are vulnerable to dents.
Copper gutter.
Galvanized steel
Price: $6 to $14 per linear foot.
Life: 20 to 30 years.
Pros and cons: Highly resistant to damage from impact and winds, and handle heavy rainfall well. Galvanized steel gutters are vulnerable to rust if not properly maintained. They are heavy, difficult to install and aren’t suitable for climates with high salinity in the air.
Galvanized steel gutter.
Vinyl
Price: $3 to $6 per linear foot.
Life: 10 to 20 years.
Pros and cons: Lightweight, easy to install and very resistant to corrosion. Vinyl gutters don’t last as long as many other options, and wetter climates shorten their lifespan. They are also vulnerable to cracking and leaks.
Vinyl gutter.
Wood
Price: $21 to $32 per linear foot.
Life: Up to 100 years if maintained properly.
Pros and cons: Without annual treatment to protect their interior and exterior, wood gutters will rot.
Wood gutter.
Zinc
Price: $15 to $40 per linear foot.
Life: 50 to 80 years.
Pros and cons: Low-maintenance, rust-resistant and form a self-sealing patina that helps prevent cracks and scratches. Zinc gutters are also softer than other metals, however, and are very heavy.
Zinc gutter.
» MORE: Is a metal roof worth it?
How often should gutters be replaced?
Your gutters might last anywhere from 10 to 100+ years, depending on the material you select. Here’s the lifespan you can expect from some common gutter materials:
Aluminum: About 20 years.
Copper: 50 to 100 years.
Galvanized steel: 20 to 30 years.
Vinyl: 10 to 20 years.
Wood: Up to 100 years.
Zinc. 50 to 80 years.
Here are some warning signs that it’s time to clean, repair or replace your gutters:
Cracks.
Fallen fasteners and/or nails.
Holes.
Mildew around your foundation.
Rust.
Orange flecks on and around your gutters (signs of new rust forming).
Peeling paint.
Sagging gutters.
Water leaking into your basement or foundation.
Water pooling around gutter downspouts.
Are gutters worth the money?
In general, gutters are recommended for most homes. Gutters help protect your home and surrounding property from water damage.
Gutters are especially important if:
Your home sits at the bottom of a hill or slope.
Your home is built on clay-rich soil, which drains water more slowly than other soil types.
Your house has a basement.
Your house has no roof overhang or a very small overhang.
There are a few situations, however, where gutters may not be necessary:
Your home is completely surrounded by concrete, which could be in the form of patios, streets, sidewalks, driveways or other concrete structures.
Your home is at the top of a hill, and the land slopes downward, away from your house.
Your roof has a large overhang.
You live in a dry climate that receives very little rain or snow.
Is gutter installation a good DIY project?
Installing gutters yourself isn’t generally recommended unless you’re highly experienced. Here’s why:
You may get injured from working on the roof and on ladders.
You may have to rent special equipment.
The work usually requires more than one person.
The job can be more complex than anticipated, and you have to be very careful with the measurements, pitch, installation and inspection.
Improper installation can damage your home.
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Even if DIY installation isn’t a reasonable option for you, if you’re comfortable up on a ladder and use the proper safety equipment, you may be able to do some of the necessary gutter cleaning and maintenance yourself, reducing your total costs over the lifespan of your gutters.
Can I get financing for a home repair or improvement?
Your contractor may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — and maybe better — financing options available.
Which financing option is best for me?
The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what project you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back. If it’s something that’ll add value to your home, a HELOC or home equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan.
On the flip side, if it’s a less expensive repair, a credit card is probably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards. Personal loans can apply to both small and large repairs or renovations, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your home.
Some home improvement contractors offer their own financing options. Before taking this option, shop around and see how their offer compares with other loans.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering. This will ensure you get the best deal.
