How to Choose the Best Gutters for Your Home (2025 Guide)

By Shane Sentelle Updated April 4, 2024

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Choosing new gutter system for your home is not an easy decision. There are many factors to consider, including the gutter material, design, and required installation process. We’ve reviewed these factors and several more to help you weigh your options.

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A building contractor is installing rain gutter system, fitting brackets on the top of fascia board, setting up a level line string for the correct positioning of the rain gutter.
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Gutter Installation

Gutter installation can range anywhere from $1,000 to $6,600.

Half round gutter system in a grey silver color. Textured modern concrete tile roof.
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Gutter Guards

The average cost of gutter guard installation is typically between $1,000 and $2,000.

(C)2011 Pat Harry

Gutter Repair

The average cost of gutter repair can range from $150 to $630.


Gutter Customization Options

Gutter suppliers offer several options to customize your home’s gutter system for aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Material

First, consider the gutter material before committing to a purchase. Aluminum gutters are the most common material and benefit from a lightweight construction, making for an easier installation. This material lasts for around 20 years, but note that it can be susceptible to denting and warpage from falling debris.

Other gutter materials include the following:

Style

Residential gutter systems come in several styles, but K-style and half-round gutters are the most common choices. 

Design

Size

Gutters come in multiple widths. You will most commonly see 5-, 6-, and 7-inch gutters. The larger the gutter, the more heavy rain flow it can handle. However, large gutters cost more and are often only necessary for homes with steeply pitched roofs. You may also consider a larger gutter if inclement weather is common in your area.


What to Consider When Choosing a Gutter System

Climate

In an area that frequently experiences severe weather conditions, it’s important to purchase gutters that are large enough to withstand heavy precipitation. This will help prevent water damage to your home. You might also want to consider a more durable material, such as galvanized steel or copper, to avoid rust and corrosion developing on your gutters. In mild to moderate climates, aluminum gutters are a reliable option.

Installation Method

Modern homes tend to look aesthetically pleasing with most gutter styles. However, an older, more rustic home may benefit from the elegant appearance of copper gutters and a half-round design. This is ultimately up to you, but if you live in a historic neighborhood, you may want to consult local zoning regulations before purchasing a gutter system.

Style of Home

Modern homes tend to look aesthetically pleasing with most gutter styles. However, an older, more rustic home may benefit from the elegant appearance of copper gutters and a half-round design. This is ultimately up to you, but if you live in a historic neighborhood, you may want to consult local zoning regulations before purchasing a gutter system.

Cost

In an area that frequently experiences severe weather conditions, it’s important to purchase gutters that are large enough to withstand heavy precipitation. This will help prevent water damage to your home. You might also want to consider a more durable material, such as galvanized steel or copper, to avoid rust and corrosion developing on your gutters. In mild to moderate climates, aluminum gutters are a reliable option.


Additional Considerations

One additional thing to consider when purchasing a gutter system is whether you intend to sell your home in the future. Certain styles of gutters, such as half-round gutters, tend to be more pleasing to the eye. High-end materials, such as copper and zinc, also have an appealing aesthetic quality. These factors can boost curb appeal and potentially increase the value of your home.

You should also consider the gutter’s warranty before committing to a purchase. Some manufacturers and installers may provide long-term warranties, while others only provide limited warranty coverage.


Our Recommendation

We recommend considering the gutter material, style, size and cost when deciding on the best gutter for your home. You should also decide whether you want to install the gutters yourself or hire a professional. Regardless of which gutter type you choose, you will need to clean your gutters at least twice per year.

To reduce gutter cleaning frequency and the chance of damage caused by falling debris, you can install a gutter guard. These products offer gutter protection by allowing water into the gutter while shedding debris to the surrounding ground. LeafFilter is the
best gutter guard provider in our rankings, offering a durable micro-mesh design that blocks large and small debris to prevent gutter clogs.

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Best Gutters FAQ

Are gutters necessary for a home?

Yes, gutters are a necessary home component to prevent water from running down your home’s siding and foundation. This helps prevent structural damage, landscaping damage, mold and mildew, and pest infestations.

Can half-round gutters withstand heavy rainfall?

Half-round gutters can withstand heavy rainfall. However, it’s important to note that a half-round gutter can not handle the same amount of water flow as a K-style gutter of equal width.

How do I make my home’s gutter system as low-maintenance as possible?

To make your home’s gutter system as low-maintenance as possible, you should install a high-quality gutter guard. This will reduce the amount of debris that accumulates in the gutter system.


How We Chose the Top Gutter Guard Providers

We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies to create an in-depth review methodology. We formulated a rating system based on the factors homeowners find most important. We evaluated each provider’s gutter guard design and aesthetics, service offerings, customer service and communication, quote process, warranties, and financing options. 

We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. We evaluated these guards based on their quality of materials, aesthetics, communication, warranty, customer reviews, and cost.

We evaluated each provider’s reputation using independent, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business pages. For products, we analyzed the customer reviews on whichever online retailer primarily hosts the product.