Gutter Installation Cost And Repair Cost - Average Cost In 2024

Vinyl gutter cost $1.5 to $2.5 plf
Aluminum gutter cost$7 to $13 plf
Galvanized gutter cost$14 to $22 plf
Copper gutter cost$25 to $35 plf
Updated: 09/14/2024

Is it time to replace the gutters on your home?

To understand if it's time to replace your home's gutters, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Have you noticed leaks at the gutter joints?
  • Is the gutter or downspout fastening system loose or damaged?
  • Were your gutters damaged by ice or snow over the winter?
  • Are your gutters clogging quickly and not functioning properly?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, it might be time to invest in a new gutter system. Replacing gutters is not just about aesthetics—it’s essential for protecting your home from water damage. Let's explore what you need to know about gutter replacement, costs, materials, and important considerations when choosing a gutter system.

How much does it cost to install new gutters?

The cost to install a gutter system is influenced by two key factors: the price of the materials and the cost of labor. Here’s a breakdown of the options and their respective costs:

Gutter System Elements and Prices

Gutters:

Gutters come in various diameters, shapes, and lengths, which impact their capacity and price. The most common gutter shapes are K-style and half-round, and they come in diameters of 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. Larger diameters can handle more water, which is ideal for homes in regions with heavy rainfall.

Vinyl Gutters: $1.50 - $2.50 per linear foot. Length: 10 to 20 feet sections. Popular in DIY stores due to ease of installation.

This is the most affordable material. In addition to the price, the indisputable advantage is that it can be installed independently—this does not require special equipment or tools. This means that in the end, you will pay less The disadvantages of vinyl gutters are the effects of temperature and the sun on them. With temperature, they become more fragile and subject to deformation, and with sun, they can fade and lose their color. In terms of cost, the average home with 150 linear feet of gutters will be in the $225 to $375 range including downspouts.

Aluminum Gutters: $7 - $13 per linear foot. Available in lengths from 10 feet to seamless installations (custom lengths made on-site). Accessible in DIY shops but high-quality options come via professional installers.

This gutter system is not susceptible to rust like vinyl, but it's more durable in the sun and durin temperature changes.

Installation can be done in different ways, which is also an advantage. However, the material itself is relatively soft and can suffer damage from tree branches or ice dams. Aluminum gutter installation will cost a homeowner roughly $ 1,050 to $ 1,950 for a 150-foot project, depending on the gutter size, quality, and other job specifics.

Galvanized Steel Gutters: $10 - $22 per linear foot. Available in 10-foot lengths. Often requires professional installation.

Gutters and downspouts made of galvanized steel are stronger than aluminum, which means you won't have to worry about damage from tree branches or ice as much. They tolerate harsher weather better and last longer. The disadvantages include their weight and complexity of installation; soldering of the troughs is often required. For professionals, this is not a problem, but for DIY projects, it is not the most suitable option. The material costs for installing a galvanized steel gutter will be $2,100 to $3,300 for a 150-foot gutters and downspouts system.

Copper Gutters: $25 - $35 per linear foot. Typically available through contractors due to the complexity of installation and high cost.

Anything beautiful and of high quality is expensive, and copper gutters are no exception.

While copper is a very durable material, its cost is often a barrier. Expect to pay between $3,750 and $5,250 for material alone for a 150-foot project and its downspouts.

Downspouts:

Downspouts typically come in round or rectangular shapes, with diameters ranging from 2 inches to 4 inches or more, depending on the gutter size.

  • Vinyl: $1.50 - $2.50 per linear foot. Lengths: 10 feet, with various diameter options.
  • Aluminum: $7 - $13 per linear foot. Lengths: Usually 10 feet, available in round or rectangular shapes.
  • Galvanized Steel: $10 - $22 per linear foot. Length: 10 feet, comes in round and rectangular shapes.
  • Copper: $25 - $35 per linear foot. Lengths: Custom lengths are available from professional installers.

Gutter Hangers/Brackets:

There are various types of gutter hangers that affect both the price and the strength of the gutter installation:

  • Spike and Ferrule: $2 - $3 per bracket. A traditional method but less secure over time.
  • Hidden Hangers: $2.50 - $5 per bracket. Hidden hangers provide better aesthetics and stronger support.
  • Bracket Hangers: $3 - $6 per bracket. Often used in heavy-duty installations, including copper and steel systems.

Gutter Guards:

Gutter guards can be mesh screens (sold at DIY stores) that attach to the top of the gutters. Depending on the product you choose, they can cost as little as $200 to $600 for a 150-linear-foot project. The next option is specially fitted gutter covers, which will cost about $1000 to $1,500.

Of course, when installing gutters with built-in protection, keep in mind that the installation work and materials will cost more than a simple gutter system

There are several types of gutter guards, which vary by material and design:

  • Mesh Screens: $200 - $600 for a 150-foot system. Typically made from plastic or metal.
  • Foam Guards: $200 - $400 for a 150-foot system. Simple foam inserts that sit inside the gutter.
  • Reverse Curve Guards: $1,000 - $1,500 for a 150-foot system. Installed by professionals, curved covers direct water in and keep debris out.

Popular Gutter Brands

Some gutter brands are more commonly available in DIY shops, while others are sold exclusively through contractors:

  • LeafGuard: Specializes in seamless gutters with built-in gutter guards. Available only through professional installation.
  • Amerimax: Offers vinyl and aluminum gutter systems that are widely available at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.
  • Gutterglove: A popular brand for high-quality gutter guard systems. Gutterglove products can be found in DIY stores and installed by contractors.

Comparison Table of Gutter Materials

Material Cost per Linear Foot Warranty Service Life Reliability Suitable Climate
Vinyl $1.50 - $2.50 10-20 years 15-20 years Moderate Mild, low temp swings
Aluminum $7 - $13 20-30 years 20-30 years High Most climates
Galvanized Steel $10 - $22 20-30 years 30-40 years Very High Harsh weather
Copper $25 - $35 50+ years 50-100 years Extremely High All climates

Table of Costs for Gutter Installation in Major Cities

The following table includes the gutter lengths, number of corners, and downspout information for a standard 150-linear-foot installation in six major cities. Costs include both materials and labor.

State City Length (feet) No. of Corners No. of Downspouts Downspout Length (feet) Total Cost
WA Seattle 150 4 4 40 $1,800 - $3,000
CA Los Angeles 150 4 4 40 $1,500 - $2,500
TX Austin 150 4 4 40 $1,200 - $2,200
NY Buffalo 150 4 4 40 $2,000 - $3,500
FL Miami 150 4 4 40 $2,100 - $3,600
OR Portland 150 4 4 40 $1,800 - $3,100

Gutter installation cost - labor cost.

For the price example, we will use the same 150 linear feet of 5" gutters, 4 house corners, and 4 downspouts for a single-story house.

The cost of installing a system averages $505, if the dismantling of old gutters is necessary, add another $190. The cost of installation work can vary significantly and depends on factors such as:

  1. Location
  2. Materials and dimensions
  3. Home size and height
  4. The complexity of the work and whether additional work is required

Recently, the most popular option is the seamless aluminum gutter. In this case, the contractor brings in a special machine that makes a seamless gutter of the required length on site. This avoids unnecessary connections, which looks nice and reduces the potential for gutter leaks.

Additional Labor Costs for Gutter Installation

Besides material and basic labor, homeowners may face additional fees for gutter installation:

  • Dismantling and Removal: If old gutters need to be removed, this can cost an additional $150 to $300.
  • Custom Gutter Fabrication: Seamless gutters require on-site fabrication, which can add $100 to $200 depending on the project size.
  • Fascia or Soffit Repairs: If your fascia board or soffits are damaged, repairs or replacements can add $300 to $1,000 to the project.
  • Gutter Slope Adjustment: Improper gutter slopes or sagging gutters may need re-aligning, costing $50 to $200.

Conclusion

Gutter replacement involves many factors, from material selection to additional labor fees. To get an accurate estimate for your home, consult a local contractor, or use online tools to generate project bids. Remember that selecting the right material and professional installation will ensure your gutter system protects your home for decades to come.

Related Projects