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The average cost of a full gutter installation is $2,200, but the average range a homeowner can expect to pay is anywhere between $1,450 and $2,970.* Higher-end gutters carry a bigger price tag—zinc and copper gutters cost as much as $4,000 and $6,600 to install, respectively. You’ll pay more if you require additional services, such as fascia repair, downspout replacement, or gutter guard 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.
The Cost of Gutter Installation
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. 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. A 2,000-square-foot home typically requires 200 linear feet of gutter material. If you would like to view this cost based on the square footage of a home, the range would be $0.50 to $3.30 per square foot for a full gutter installation.
If you have existing gutters, an additional cost of 65 cents to 85 cents per linear foot will be incurred to remove and dispose of the old gutters before installing the new ones.
Read the breakdown below of the average cost for each gutter type per linear foot for a standardized 200-foot project on a single-story home.
Gutter Material | Average Price Per Linear Foot | Average Price for 200 Linear Feet |
---|---|---|
Vinyl |
$5 |
$1,000 |
Aluminum |
$9 |
$1,800 |
Steel |
$10 |
$2,000 |
Zinc |
$20 |
$4,000 |
Wood |
$27 |
$5,400 |
Copper |
$33 |
$6,600 |
In order to provide a more personalized estimation of your gutter installation cost, please enter your preferred gutter material and the square footage of your home into our calculator.
Gutter Guard Cost
When installing gutters it is also an excellent time 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 totaling 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.
When Should I Replace My Gutters?
There are a number of signs that you may observe that tell you it is time to replace your gutters:
- Peeling paint: In addition to being an eyesore, peeling paint is a sign that water isn’t emptying from your gutters quickly enough.
- Pooling water: Noticing pools of water around your home’s foundation is a sure sign you need new gutters. Pooling water may lead to mildew, mold, and settling in your foundation.
- Sagging and warping: If you notice that some of your gutters are sagging or warped into an odd shape, you should get them replaced.
- Cracking: Small cracks can eventually turn into bigger cracks. This issue leads to possible damage to your home’s fascia boards and shingles.
- Replacing roof: It is often necessary to replace all or a portion of your gutters when you receive a roof replacement.

Types of Gutter Materials
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. Read over the major types of gutters and their average cost below.
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. But vinyl gutters 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.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are an excellent option for your gutter system. They tend to cost around $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. However, aluminum gutters are more susceptible to cracking than other metal gutters because they are lightweight.
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. 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. 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. Zinc gutters cost around $15 to $40 per linear foot.
Wood Gutters
Wood gutters can add character to your home, especially if you live in a historic home. 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. 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.
Other Gutter Installation Cost Factors to Consider
We have listed some additional cost factors to consider when looking into gutter replacement and installation below.
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.
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. However, they tend to require professional installation, which will require a piece of machinery that folds metal sheets to create a seamless gutter that matches your home’s dimensions. Seamless gutters cost between $3 to $25 per linear foot, depending on the material used.
Downspouts and Other 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.
Our Recommendation
We recommend you consider the information above to determine which type of gutter is best for you based on your home’s needs. We also recommend that homeowners look into gutter guards to improve their gutter system‘s efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Below are some of our top recommendations for gutter guard services that also assist with gutter installation.
Read More: LeafFilter Review
Read More: HomeCraft Gutter Protection Review
Additional Gutter Guard Companies to Consider:
- LeafGuard – Best Reverse Curve
- Gutter Guards America – Best Customer Reviews
- All American Gutter Protection – Best Customization Options
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.
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?
Properly maintained gutters and gutter guard systems can improve curb appeal, but gutters will not actually add value to a property. 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.
*All pricing information in this article is based on HomeAdvisor and Fixr’s average cost data.