How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost? | 2024 Prices
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Gutter installation costs typically range from $1,450 to $2,970, but on average, homeowners will pay around $2,200. Breaking this down further, the average cost range for gutter installation is $5 to $33 per linear foot of material or $0.50 to $3.30 per square foot of a home. Higher-end gutters carry a bigger price tag—zinc and copper gutters cost as much as $8,000 to install. You’ll pay more if you require additional services, such as fascia repair, downspout replacement, or gutter guard installation.
Gutters are an essential part of your home’s drainage system. They prevent foundation erosion, water damage, soil saturation, and other costly problems. That’s why it’s important to invest in quality gutters and professional installation. The primary factors that affect gutter installation costs are the total linear feet of guttering and your chosen material. This detailed guide will break down everything you need to know about the cost of gutter installation, plus recommend the best gutter guard companies.
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Gutter Installation
Gutter installation can range anywhere from $1,000 to $6,600.
Gutter Guards
The average cost of gutter guard installation is typically between $1,000 and $2,000.
Gutter Repair
The average cost of gutter repair can range from $150 to $630.
How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost in 2024?
Gutter installation, including labor, can range anywhere from $1,000–$6,600, depending on the type of material you choose and the size of your home. For the average home, gutter installation costs $3,900. Translating this cost by the square footage of a home, the range would be $0.50 to $3.30 per square foot for a full gutter installation. Low-end options, such as vinyl, cost around $4 to $6 per linear foot, while high-quality options, such as copper, may cost $25 to $40 per linear foot.
Here is how much it costs to replace gutters around a house:
| House Size | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $500–$3,300 | $1,900 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $750–$5,000 | $2,875 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $1,000–$6,600 | $3,800 |
Another important cost factor is your home’s height. It’s less expensive to install gutters on one-story homes compared to two-story or taller homes. There’s more risk associated with working on taller homes. Contractors will add extra fees to your total cost if your home has multiple stories to account for extra materials and safety equipment. The additional cost per story varies between contractors, but you can expect to pay between $1 and $3 more per linear foot for a two-story gutter installation versus a one-story installation.
How to Estimate Gutter Installation Cost
The biggest factors that impact gutter installation cost are the size of your home, the number of stories, the complexity of your roof, and the gutter material you choose. To get an accurate estimate, measure the needed linear feet of guttering and request quotes from several installers. In addition, factors such as your fascia condition, roof design, and even surrounding landscaping can impact your gutter installation cost. For a rough estimate, you can multiply how many linear feet of guttering you need by the $5-$33, which is the typical cost range for gutter installation. For a more exact measurement, see the gutter material cost table below. Having some idea of what your gutter installation should cost can be helpful when speaking with gutter providers.
Gutter Installation Cost by Gutter Material
One of the most significant factors for the cost of gutter installation is the type of gutters that are chosen. Gutters come in various materials to accommodate different home needs. When choosing a gutter material, cost is a factor, but you should also consider the climate around your home. Sturdier gutters may be less necessary in areas that rarely storm, but in climates with heavy winds and storms, more expensive options may be important for preventing damage to your home. The following table breaks down what you can expect to pay for gutters of each material. We provide more information on each material below.
| Gutter Material | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) | Average Cost (200 Linear Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Gutters | $3–$6 | $600–$1,200 |
| Aluminum Gutters | $4–$14 | $800–$2,800 |
| Steel Gutters | $6–$14 | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Zinc Gutters | $15–$40 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Wood Gutters | $21–$32 | $4,200–$6,400 |
| Copper Gutters | $25–$40 | $5,000–$8,000 |
Vinyl Gutters
Made from PVC and plastics, vinyl gutters are one of the most common types of gutter and are the most budget-friendly. These gutters typically cost between $3 and $6 per linear foot, and they are easier to self-install than other types of gutters. Vinyl gutters are lightweight, easy to use, and highly corrosion-resistant. However, they are not durable, with an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years depending on your local climate. In wetter climates, vinyl gutters tend to deteriorate faster. They are also prone to cracking and leaking.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are an excellent option for your gutter system. They tend to cost from $4 to $14 per linear foot with an average lifespan of up to 20 years. In addition to being lightweight, aluminum gutters are rust-resistant and easy to replace. However, aluminum gutters are more susceptible to cracking than other metal gutters because they are lightweight. They are easily dentable and prone to damage from falling debris.
Galvanized Steel Gutters
Galvanized steel gutters function well with heavy rainfall and are more durable than aluminum, featuring a longer average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Steel gutters resist damage from impacts and high winds better than almost any other gutter type.
Because they are heavier than other metals, they typically require a professional installer to solder them. However, they may experience rust if not correctly maintained. Steel gutters are unsuitable in some climates. For example, they can rust faster in seaside areas due to the salinity in the air. On average, galvanized steel gutters cost between $6 to $14 per linear foot.
Zinc Gutters
Pre-weathered zinc gutters are an excellent choice if you are looking for a low-maintenance gutter system. These gutters do not rust, and they feature a self-sealing patina to avoid the formation of any scratches or cracks. This feature means you get better-looking gutters for longer, as zinc gutters can last 80 years. The downside of zinc is its high cost, heavy weight, and relative softness compared to other metals. Zinc gutters cost around $15 to $40 per linear foot.
Wood Gutter
Wood gutters can add character to your home, especially if you live in a historic home. With proper care, wood gutters can last up to 100 years, making them one of the longest-lasting gutter systems. However, wood gutters will rot if not maintained adequately. As a result, they require yearly treatment with wood stain or paint on the exterior. In addition, the interior should be treated with water-resistant oil. Wood gutters tend to cost around $21 to $32 per linear foot.
Copper Gutters
These long-lasting gutters can add a unique style to your home. Copper gutters are weather-resistant and durable and develop an aesthetically pleasing green-silver patina. With an average lifespan of 50 years, copper gutters tend to cost around $25 to $40 per linear foot. Copper gutters also require fairly routine maintenance, so they do not develop a patina, or a thin film, from a lack of polishing. These gutters can be prone to bending or denting, so care must be taken when working with them.
| Gutter Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | ✔ Light ✔ Low-cost ✔ Weather-resistant | ✘ Fragile ✘ Easily blown away ✘ Shortest lifespan |
| Aluminum | ✔ Light ✔ Weather-resistant ✔ Rust-resistant | ✘ Prone to bending ✘ Easily blown away ✘ Not impact-resistant |
| Steel | ✔ Durable ✔ Long-lasting ✔ Impact-resistant | ✘ Heavy ✘ Difficult to install ✘ Prone to rust |
| Zinc | ✔ Durable ✔ Long-lasting ✔ Pleasant aesthetic ✔ Protective patina | ✘ Expensive ✘ May react to metals ✘ Heavy |
| Wood | ✔ Long-lasting ✔ Durable ✔ Historic character | ✘ Prone to rot ✘ Yearly treatments ✘ Expensive |
| Copper | ✔ Durable ✔ Long-lasting ✔ Pleasant aesthetic ✔ Green-silver patina | ✘ Expensive ✘ Prone to dents/damage ✘ Upkeep required |
Other Gutter Installation Cost Factors to Consider
Below, we have listed some additional cost factors to consider when looking into gutter replacement and installation.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
You can elect to install your own gutters depending on the type you choose. Lighter-weight gutters like vinyl and aluminum are easy for a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. However, these gutters feature shorter average lifespans, and they require routine maintenance and cleaning. If you are looking for the most straightforward and most efficient system, DIY options are not the best.
Working on a roof or gutter system is technical and difficult. Only experienced homeowners with the proper tools should attempt DIY gutter installations. Improper installations can result in expensive damage to your roof and other home systems. Furthermore, roofing work carries a serious risk of personal injury. If you undertake a DIY installation, always follow proper gutter installation safety procedures and work with a spotter.
Higher-quality and more stylish gutters—like wood, steel, copper, and zinc—are more challenging to install and should be installed by a professional technician. Often a professional gutter installer can also assist with other gutter services, such as installing gutter guards, downspouts, and downspout extensions. Additionally, a full-service gutter contractor is more likely to include a warranty on the materials and the workmanship. Although a professional installation adds labor costs to your gutter project’s total cost, it tends to provide higher-quality gutters and more curb appeal.
Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters
Gutters fall into two main styles: sectional and seamless. The traditional style of gutters is sectional. They come in pre-cut lengths of 5, 10, or 15 feet and are linked to line up with the edge of your roof. A significant downside to sectional gutters is that the attachment points between pieces become weak over time, leading to leaks or corrosion. Sectional gutters tend to cost less, with an average price of $3 to $20 per linear foot.
Seamless gutters provide a more appealing look and are typically aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper. Seamless gutters require specialized training and equipment to install and can only be installed by a professional. Seamless gutters are made using a rolling machine. This industrial tool creates a single length of guttering that is custom-fit to your home. Because seamless gutters are a single piece of material with no joiners, they are less likely to leak. Seamless gutters cost between $3 to $25 per linear foot, depending on the material used.
Downspouts and Other Gutter Materials
When you purchase new gutters or replace old ones, you will most likely need to get downspouts. Vinyl and aluminum downspouts cost about $5 to $8 per foot. Steel downspouts cost from $9 to $12 per foot, and copper downspouts cost $17 or more per foot. Other metals you may need to pay for include flashing, splash blocks, drains, and structural hangers.
Gutter Protection Systems
A new gutter installation provides an excellent opportunity to invest in gutter guards. Gutter guards help you avoid clogs and limit the need for gutter cleaning.
The average cost for gutter guard installation is between $1,000 and $2,000. High-end, professionally installed gutter guards cost more, typically between $5,000 and $7,000. However, you may self-install gutter guards in materials such as PVC or plastic for around $2 per linear foot.
We recommend LeafFilter for homeowners in need of new gutter guard systems. LeafFilter also provides gutter and downspout installation services.
Here’s a more comprehensive look at LeafFilter:
LeafFilter
Best Overall
Material: Stainless Steel micro-mesh
Warranty Length: Transferable lifetime
Get a Quick Quote: Visit LeafFilter site
Read More: LeafFilter Review
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 275-micron screen filters smaller debris than competitors
- The low-profile design is barely visible from the ground
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Product still needs routine maintenance, despite some advertising suggesting otherwise
- Inconsistent customer service, according to some customer reviews
What We Like
LeafFilter offers a three-piece micro-mesh gutter guard system. This guard utilizes surface tension to pull water through your gutters but push debris off. LeafFilter’s design can even catch small debris, such as pollen and shingle grit. In addition, LeafFilter also pitches the gutter cover so that it is flush with your roof. This installation leads to a more visually appealing gutter guard.
LeafFilter will also install gutters, which come in multiple colors to match your home’s scheme, such as off-white and beige.
In addition to LeafFilter, we also reviewed Leafguard, All American Gutter Protection, HomeCraft, and Gutter Guards America. Each of these companies provides a high-quality gutter guard system alongside gutter installation services. The following table compares these popular professional gutter guard installers:
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | ||
| A+ | ||
| A+ | ||
| A | ||
| B |
Cost-Saving Tips for Gutter Installation
Installing gutters can be an expensive project. The cost of your gutter guard installation can range as high as $8,000 or more, depending on the brand, material, design, and length of your gutter system. Follow the steps below to reduce the cost of your gutter installation.
- Shop smart: The best way to save on gutter installation is by shopping for multiple quotes to find the best company for the most reasonable price. We recommend getting at least three quotes before making a final decision.
- Clean gutters before installation: Difficult, dirty installations result in steeper labor rates. Clutter, tall grass, or other debris around your gutters and roofline can result in a higher price tag.
- Practice consistent gutter maintenance: This helps increase the longevity of your system and provides a higher return on investment on your gutter installation. Clogged and overflowing gutters will wear down more quickly due to the increased weight on their seams and hangers. You can keep your gutters functioning at peak performance by consistently cleaning and repairing them as needed. This upkeep will help avoid damage to your fascia and soffits, which can result in more expensive future installations.
Real-Life Gutter Installation Examples and Lessons Learned
Our team installed a small section of guttering and attended a training session with a gutter installer to better understand gutter installation and maintenance.
We constructed a small gutter model with a roof, siding, and fascia board. We then installed a real section of guttering to the model, installed gutter guards, and applied various debris types. Through this process, we learned more about gutter installation, gutter materials, and the most effective types of gutter guards.
Our training session with a gutter installer covered topics such as gutter types, installation, seamless gutter rolling machines, and common problems that can occur with a gutter system.
Key insights from this process include the following:
- 6-inch gutters perform well across climates: 5-inch gutters may be effective in some areas of the United States, such as in arid climates that don’t receive heavy rainfall. However, 6-inch gutters will almost always be a better choice because they hold more water and are less prone to overflows.
- Avoid vinyl, except on your beach house: Vinyl is a weaker material with a shorter lifespan compared to aluminum or steel. However, due to its inability to rust, it’s a good option for homes in seaside climates.
- Cost doesn’t always equate to quality: Some DIY gutter guards are expensive and ineffective. Brush, foam, and plastic guards cost nearly as much as higher-end DIY brands but perform much more poorly, according to our firsthand testing.
- Hidden hangers look sleek but can provide logistical problems: Hidden hangers, attachments that are within your gutter rather than outside of it, will present problems if you opt for a DIY gutter guard or use an extension wand for gutter cleaning. These hangers sit inside your gutter sections, which makes installing some gutter guards difficult and from-the-ground extension wands unusable.
- Micro-mesh gutter guards perform the best: Micro-mesh gutter guards outclassed every other type of gutter protection system we tested. LeafFilter is our top-recommended professional installer, and Raptor is the best DIY brand.
What Questions Should You Ask Your Gutter Installer?
When working with a gutter installation professional, we recommend asking the following questions during the initial consultation:
- Are you licensed in my state?
- Do you offer a warranty on your materials and installation?
- Do you recommend a gutter guard? If so, what kind?
- Have you worked with a system like this before?
- How long will this installation take?
- What insurance company are you bonded through?
- What problems do you foresee with this project?
Our Recommendation
You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for professional gutter installation on average, but more expensive materials such as copper and zinc may cost $8,000 or more. The exact cost of your gutter system will depend on its design, material, and total length in linear feet. A well-installed gutter system will protect your home from costly water damage and is an investment in the long-term value of your home. While gutters will not directly improve a home’s value, the damage they prevent can prevent a loss of home value. We recommend choosing your gutter material based on your local climate and aesthetic preferences. Shop around for a reliable installer, and request a personalized quote to start your gutter project. The following gutter guard providers will also install new gutters.
Gutter Installation Cost FAQ
Is it cheaper to install my own gutters?
Yes, it can be cheaper to install your own gutters. Budget-friendly sectional gutters, such as vinyl or aluminum, tend to be easier to install, and it can be cost-effective to tackle the job yourself. High-end gutters such as metal and wood options can involve complex processes, including soldering, and are better left to a professional contractor to install.
Will gutters increase the value of my home?
Gutters will not actually add value to a property, though properly maintained gutters and gutter guard systems can improve curb appeal. Conversely, having poorly maintained gutters or none at all will detract from your home’s value because they are an integral part of your home’s structure. Significant water damage to your home’s siding or foundation from malfunctioning gutters could even lower the value of your home.
Why are gutters necessary?
While gutters can improve the look of your home, they are necessary for their function rather than their form. Gutters are indispensable components that protect your home from costly water damage and structural compromise. If you don’t have a gutter system to control runoff from your roof and route it safely away from your building, it will fall straight down to the ground near the foundation. Over time, this will erode the soil, seep into the foundation, and even leak into your basement if you have one. It can also cause problems above the foundation, such as rotting fascia boards and roof leaks.
How long does gutter installation take?
Most gutter installations take one workday or less to install. Complex or lengthy gutter installations may take as much as two days.
What time of year is best to install gutters?
The best time of year to install gutters is typically in the spring. This allows installers to avoid snow in the winter and the heavy debris of fall.
What should I look for when hiring a gutter installer?
When hiring a gutter installer, we recommend looking for the following quality indicators:
- Positive customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp
- Proper licensing and generous warranties
- Recommendations from family or friends
How do I maintain my gutters after installation?
You can maintain your gutters after installation by doing annual inspections and twice-yearly cleaning. When inspecting your gutters, look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, gaps, sagging, or pests. If you spot any of these problems, remedy them immediately. The best time to clean your gutters is at the end of spring and fall, respectively. Cleaning your system at these times removes the most debris at once.
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.
*All pricing information in this article is based on HomeAdvisor and Fixr’s average cost data.
