How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost?

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Gutters damaged, leaking, and in need of replacement? Gutter installation cost ranges from $622 to $1,677, with the national average at $1,135.

Highlights

  • The typical range for gutter installation cost is $622 to $1,677, with a national average of $1,135.
  • The style and material of the gutters as well as the home size, labor costs, climate and region, and number of downspouts can all affect the cost of gutter installation.
  • Homeowners may need to install new gutters if their current gutters are damaged or if they are experiencing basement flooding, peeling paint, rotting and mildew, eroded landscaping, or pooling water.
  • In most cases, it is advised that homeowners hire professional gutter installers for this project. Incorrect installation can cause severe damage to a home, and working high on a ladder poses a significant risk of injury to a homeowner.

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Gutters protect a home from water damage and stave off soil erosion. When considering gutter installation cost, homeowners will want to know the cost factors and considerations, some of which might not immediately come to mind. So how much does gutter installation cost? According to HomeAdvisor, most homeowners pay between $622 and $1,677, with the national average at $1,135. Gutter material directly affects the price, and vinyl is the most budget-friendly option at $3 to $6 per linear foot. Aluminum ranges from $4 to $14, and steel runs from $9 to $20. Homeowners can expect to pay from $25 to $40 or more per linear foot for copper gutters. Labor costs are usually included with the price of materials. The exact cost to install gutters also depends on the home’s architectural style and the number of stories as well as gutter size, labor cost, and the difference in cost between seamed and seamless gutters. To get the best prices in a specific area, homeowners can search online for “gutter installation near me.”

How to Calculate Gutter Installation Cost 

According to Angi, the first step in calculating gutter installation cost is to find the square footage of the roof. To do this, the homeowner will multiply the length times the width of each section of the roof. These products can all be added together to find the total square footage of the roof.

To calculate how much material is needed, the homeowner will first need to divide the square footage of the roof by 10. For example, a 2,000-square-foot home getting vinyl gutters costing $5 per linear foot will need at least 200 linear feet of gutter material. The homeowner will then take that number and multiply it by the price of the gutter material.

2,000 square feet / 10 = 200 linear feet of material x $5 = $1,000

The other necessary measurements are the pitch of the roof, the current gutter width, and the gutter length in linear feet. Pitch can be calculated using a level by holding it with one end on the plane of the roof—it’s recommended that a homeowner leave this to a roofing professional unless they have experience on roofs or have no qualms about being up high. The homeowner or roofing pro will measure a foot from the base of the level, then from that point to the top of the level—this length is the pitch. Professional installers may ask for these measurements ahead of time or calculate them themselves.

Factors in Calculating Gutter Installation Cost

Calculating gutter installation cost depends on several factors. Gutter installation cost per foot can differ from the national average due to labor costs in an area; removal of old gutters; gutter type, size, style, and material; the home’s size; location and climate; and the number of downspouts needed.

Gutter Style

There are several types of rain gutters, and each style has its own price considerations. K-style gutters are the most common. They hold the most water and work well with sloped roofing materials. Depending on the material, these K-shaped gutters average $3 to $25 per linear foot. U-style, or half-round, is a more traditional gutter shape. They don’t hold as much water as K-style gutters, and they need brackets to be held in place. They cost between $4 and $25 per linear foot. European seamless gutters are similar, but they hold even more water. They cost between $12 and $25 per linear foot. Decorative fascia-style gutters are custom built with limited material types. They average $5 to $10 per linear foot. Another visually appealing option is Victorian ogee gutters, which have a traditional look that works well on period homes. This style costs between $8 and $15 per linear foot and may be hard to come by. Finally, V-style gutters are typically custom built to a home, often in wood. This means they come at a high price point of $9 to $32 per linear foot. Among these various styles, gutters come in 4-, 5-, and 6-inch widths, and some are adjustable.

Visual 2 - HomeAdvisor - Gutter Installation Cost - Cost per Style - May 2023e
Photo: bobvila.com

Gutter Material

Some of the most common gutter materials are copper, steel, aluminum, vinyl, and zinc. The material type will also affect the overall price of gutter installation. Vinyl is one of the most affordable options, costing about $3 to $6 per linear foot. Mid-range options like aluminum and galvanized steel can cost anywhere from $4 to $14. The most expensive gutter materials are wood and copper, with the latter reaching as much as $40 per linear foot. Gutter materials are covered in more detail below.

Home Size and Number of Stories

The larger the home, the more the gutter installation project will cost. The exact number of linear feet of material needed depends on how many stories the home is, the architectural style, and the number of downspouts needed. A one-story home averages $1,200, and a two-story home can cost $2,000. The average costs per gutter length are shown in the following table.

Gutter Length in Linear Feet Cost
50 $250 to $750
100 $500 to $1,500
150 $750 to $2,300
200 $1,000 to $3,000
250 $1,250 to $3,800
300 $1,500 to $4,500

Labor

Labor costs can differ for sectional and seamless gutters. Sectional gutters cost $2 to $6 per foot for labor, while seamless gutters cost $3 to $10 per foot for labor. Installing gutters on multistory homes also costs more, since it takes more time and effort to install them; homeowners can expect to add about $1 to $3 per linear foot for each additional story. To get a cost estimate, homeowners can go online and search for “gutters near me” to find a local installation company.

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Climate and Region

The climate and region where the home is located have a direct effect on the type and cost of gutters needed. Homes in regions that get a lot of rainfall need to have high-capacity gutters with flashing to accommodate the amount of water. For homeowners who live in an area that experiences freeze-thaw cycles, certain materials like vinyl aren’t recommended because they will crack and cause leaks. In regions where wildfires are a threat, metal gutters are needed. In some cases special add-ons are necessary; for instance, homes that are located in densely wooded areas may require the best gutter guards for pine needles. Some regions may also require homeowners to pay for permits before their gutter project can begin.

Downspouts

The cost of downspouts varies due to the construction material and the height of the home. The taller the house, the longer the downspout. Downspouts can be rectangular or round and seamed or seamless. Seamless downspouts cost a bit more than their seamed counterparts. Vinyl downspouts cost about $5 to $8 per foot, and aluminum downspouts cost $9 to $12, while copper downspouts can cost $17 per foot and up.

Gutter Installation Cost
Photo: istockphoto.com

Additional Costs and Considerations

When homeowners are budgeting to cover gutter installation costs, there are usually additional price factors and considerations to keep in mind. These can include the addition of garage gutters, gutter guards, gutter painting, cleaning and maintenance, wire mesh screens, heat tape, downspout extensions, and home repairs.

Seamless vs. Sectional Gutters 

There are two types of gutters: seamless and sectional. Sectional gutters come in lengths of 5-, 10-, and 15-foot precut sections joined on-site. Seamless gutters are cut on-site to fit the home, and because they’re custom and take longer to install, they’re more expensive. Seamless gutters can cost between $800 and $5,000, depending on the material and the length needed. Some benefits of seamless gutters are their ability to resist leaks, last longer than sectional gutters, and create a sleek visual line on the home.

New Installation vs. Replacement 

Gutter replacement costs around $0.65 to $0.85 per linear foot to remove and dispose of the old gutters—this will be on top of the price for installing new gutters in place of the old ones, which can drive up the total project costs. Gutter replacement is usually a job for a pro, but some homeowners may be able to remove the old gutters themselves to save on costs. If the gutters are challenging to remove or the material is troublesome to recycle, the project may cost more.

Home Repairs

Before gutters are installed, any related home repairs will need to be completed. If the roof or siding is damaged, the gutter installation will need to be postponed. Roof repairs can add an additional $360 to $1,550 to the project cost depending on the type of damage. Repairing flashing is a common need that falls on the lower end of this scale. If gutters need to be moved, siding may need to be replaced or painted. Damaged and old gutters can cause water damage, an eroding foundation, roof rot, and mold growth. Gutter repair costs less than replacement initially, but paying for frequent repairs may quickly eclipse the cost of having new gutters installed.

Gutter Guards

Gutter guards can help prevent leaves and other debris from blocking the gutters, and this can help the system run more efficiently. Some homeowners may know how to install gutter guards themselves to save on labor. Otherwise, gutter guard installation costs $7 to $12 per linear foot. Homeowners will want to consider installing one of the best gutter guards, since they won’t rust or erode.

Downspout Extensions

Downspout extensions direct water away from the home and can cost between $10 and $50, depending on the type and length. Homeowners can expect to pay an additional $30 to $100 for installation costs. Some professionals may include the price of any additional accessories in the estimate, but homeowners will always want to ask to make sure.

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

Gutter cleaning costs between $125 and $225. It’s essential to clean and maintain gutters to prevent blockage and extend the gutter system’s life. How often to clean gutters varies based on a home’s location, but generally homeowners are advised to do this task once or twice a year. Homeowners who prefer to do it themselves may consider investing in one of the best gutter cleaners to make doing this chore easier and more efficient.

Wire Mesh Screens

Wire mesh screens fit over the top of the gutter and prevent debris and bugs from getting into the gutter. Without this protection, a homeowner may find themselves dealing with an insect infestation in their gutters. It usually costs around $1 per linear foot to install wire mesh screens on a gutter.

Heat Tape

For those who live in colder regions, heat tape, also known as electric de-icing wire, is a good option. Freezing can cause considerable damage to gutters, and heat tape will prevent them from icing over. A watertight outdoor outlet is needed to use heat tape. Heat tape costs around $1 to $6 per linear foot.

Downspout Screens

A downspout screen blocks leaves and other debris from getting into the downspout opening and causing clogs. On average, downspout screens cost about $8 apiece.

Gutter Foam

Gutter foam is another addition that prevents gutter clogging. Pieces of foam are fitted around the opening of the gutter so that water can be filtered through but leaves are blocked. Gutter foam costs $1.50 per linear foot.

Rodent Guards

Rodents are known to make nests in downspouts, blocking the gutters and causing them to overflow. Rodent guards fit on top of downspouts to block critters and prevent pest infestations; the guards cost about $5 each.

Gutter Flashing

Gutter flashing is made up of thin pieces of metal designed to prevent leaks and prevent water in the gutter from damaging the roof. Gutter flashing costs about $20 per length but can help homeowners save on major water damage repairs down the road. It may also be worth it for homeowners to consider applying one of the best gutter sealants for further leak prevention.

Splash Blocks

Splash blocks, which can be placed underneath a downspout, keep water from pooling around the foundation of the house by guiding the flow away from the building. Each splash block will cost around $10.

Gutter Installation Cost Additional Costs
Photo: istockphoto.com

Gutter Installation Cost by Type of Gutter Material

The type of gutter material will affect the cost of installation. Each material has its benefits, and some materials are more suited to certain climates than others. The following are the most common gutter materials.

Gutter Material Cost per Linear Foot
Aluminum $4 to $14
Copper $25 to $40
Galvanized $6 to $14
Stainless steel $9 to $20
Vinyl $3 to $6
Zinc $10 to $29

Aluminum 

Aluminum is one of the most popular materials. It’s lightweight, comes in a variety of colors, and can be painted. However, aluminum gutters are not as sturdy as steel and will damage easily. This material runs about $4 to $14 per linear foot.

Copper 

Homeowners can expect to pay $25 to $40 or more per linear foot for copper gutters, and downspouts start at $17 per foot. This is the most expensive gutter material, and it’s valued for its changing patina. It’s important for homeowners to keep in mind that copper gutters are at risk of being stolen due to the value of the material.

Galvanized

The average price of galvanized gutters is between $6 and $14 per linear foot. They are a budget-friendly option, but they can crack and expand in extreme heat. Galvanized gutters are available as a seamless option and can be painted to match the home’s exterior.

Stainless Steel 

Steel gutters can cost from $9 to $20 per linear foot. Steel is durable, long lasting, and recommended for homes in regions with severe weather. When properly maintained, stainless steel gutters can last for the life of the home.

Vinyl 

Vinyl is a budget-friendly option at $3 to $6 per linear foot. While it’s suitable for homes in mild climates, it’s not recommended in locations with extreme weather or risk of wildfires. Vinyl gutters typically need to be replaced more frequently than gutters made from other materials.

Zinc 

Zinc gutters cost an average of $10 to $29 per linear foot to install. This material is commonly used in historic homes and will develop an attractive patina over time.

Do I Need to Install New Gutters?

Gutters protect a home from flooding, water damage, and potential mold growth. If a homeowner isn’t sure how old their gutters are, there are several signs that a home needs new gutters that they can watch out for. If there are any signs of damage, basement flooding, peeling paint, rot, mildew, eroded landscaping, or pooling water, chances are the gutters need replacement.

Need gutter installation?
Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.

Find Pros Now

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