Gutter Cost Guides

Costs for installation vary depending on your location, the size of the job and the materials. Average installations cost from $548 to $1,303 (for labor and materials), with an average of $914. Large jobs using the most expensive guttering can cost as much as $10,000.

When you choose a type of guttering, you should also consider maintenance. How easy will they be to clean? Do they require regular treatments to preserve them? Do you need a professional cleaning service? The cost to clean gutters usually ranges from $101 to $189, but prices could be as low as $60 for small jobs or as much as $310 for big jobs. Using gutter guards and regular maintenance are ways to reduce these costs.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install and come in the widest range of colors. They are not as durable as other materials. They may become brittle or crack in hot weather.  Cracks, expansion, and twisting at the rubber joints eventually cause leaks between the sections. Vinyl is suitable for low-cost installations in locations that don't experience extreme weather conditions.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Gutters

Costs and Considerations for Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters range in price from $4 to $8 per linear foot, including the costs of hangers and other fittings. Vinyl downspout extensions range in price from $6 to $15 each.

The least expensive vinyl gutters are very thin, so they are susceptible to sagging and becoming brittle in extreme temperatures. If possible, use the highest quality within your budget to reduce the risk of such issues.

Bear in mind that leaks make it necessary to repair and replace vinyl guttering more frequently than other types, so while vinyl is a cost-effective option for the initial installation, there can be increased maintenance costs over time. Repairs cost an average of $326, and sometimes could cost as much as $900.

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters are almost as inexpensive as vinyl. They're also lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy to install, which is why they're so popular. Aluminum guttering is available with a baked-on enamel finish in a variety of colors, making it simple to pick something that matches your home's aesthetic.

On the downside, low-gauge aluminum is prone to buckling so it is not particularly suitable in areas where there are high winds and harsh weather conditions. Aluminum is an excellent option for low-cost installations, offering improved durability over vinyl without adding a significant cost.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Gutters

Costs and Considerations for Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters range in price from $6 to $12 per linear foot, including the costs of hangers and other fittings. Aluminum downspout extensions range in price from $6 to $15 each.

The overall installation cost works out to be more expensive than vinyl, but it's still less expensive than other types of metal guttering. Additionally, the improved durability reduces overall maintenance costs in the long term compared to vinyl.

Steel Gutters

Steel gutters are stronger and more durable than aluminum, but they cost more, are harder to install due to the increase in weight and rigidity, and lack the color options available with vinyl and aluminum. Stainless steel kicks up the price even higher, but this material holds up to years of heavy rains without rusting. As steel is stronger and heavier than aluminum, it's a good option for homes in areas subject to persistent harsh weather conditions.

Pros and Cons of Steel Gutters

Costs and Considerations for Steel Gutters

Steel gutters range in price from $11 to $33 per linear foot, including the costs of hangers and other fittings. Steel downspout extensions range in price from $12 to $30 each.

The initial installation is considerably more expensive than aluminum or vinyl but is often a worthwhile investment in harsh climates, where weather can take its toll and may cause significant damage to weaker materials.

Copper Gutters

Copper gutters are incredibly expensive. They're also fairly durable; however, durability is not the reason people choose them. Homeowners who install copper gutters are looking for elegance and beauty. Regularly treated with sealer, copper can keep its rich look for years. Alternatively, you can let the copper oxidize and develop an Old World patina over time.

Pros and Cons of Copper Gutters

Costs and Considerations for Copper Gutters

Copper gutters range in price from $40 to $100 per linear foot, including the costs of hangers and other fittings. Copper downspout extensions cost upwards of $90 each.

Homeowners typically choose copper guttering for aesthetic reasons rather than durability, but maintenance costs are relatively low for those who let the copper develop a natural patina. Unfortunately, copper is a valuable metal, and the material can be attractive to thieves. Make sure your home insurance covers you for such thefts or you could face the expensive job of replacement later on.

Wood Gutters

Wood is another material often selected strictly for its looks. It's considerably less expensive than copper and is usually less expensive than steel, but it does require a good deal of maintenance to keep it water resistant. In the long run, expect a lot of headaches.

Wood has a beautiful aesthetic that is ideal for traditional and historic homes, but the level of maintenance involved makes it a time-consuming option. Expect regular maintenance bills or be prepared to ascend a ladder frequently to apply quality wood stain or paint on the outside and water-resistant oil on the inside.

Pros and Cons of Wood Gutters

Costs and Considerations for Wood Gutters

Wood gutters range in price from $18 to $27 per linear foot, including the costs of hangers and other fittings. Wood requires regular treatment every year. If you don't mind the work, then it's possible to keep costs down by treating the gutters yourself. In many cases, it's safer and more practical to hire a professional to complete the work. Failure to maintain the wood's finish may result in rotting, which means additional costs when the damaged sections need to be replaced.

Gutter Guards or Covers and Other Accessories

During installation, you may have the choice of purchasing new gutter-and-cover units. Alternatively, it's possible to place covers over existing gutters. Gutter covers are sometimes more expensive than the gutters themselves. Their purpose is to keep leaves, twigs and other debris out. Well-made models work effectively, saving you hours of labor and reducing your overall maintenance bills.

With the costs of cleaning gutters averaging $145, finding ways to minimize the frequency and difficulty of cleaning is a good way to reduce household bills; however, few covers are 100 percent maintenance free. If you think installing covers means you never have to climb on the roof again, then you could be setting yourself up for more damage than if you'd never installed the covers.

Plastic Gutter Guards

Plastic gutter guards are meshes that snap-fit inside to prevent leaves and other debris from causing a blockage. They are relatively inexpensive — typically less than $1 per linear foot — and are easy to install on existing gutters. Some gutter guards are solid, with a single channel to allow water through, but they work in the same manner.

Steel Mesh

Steel micro-mesh is a more durable alternative to plastic guards. The mesh is capable of filtering out everything from leaves to grit to keep the gutters flowing freely. They are more expensive than plastic guards — approximately $2 per linear foot — but they are also stronger.

Gutter Foam

Gutter foam is a quick and simple solution for keeping your gutters free of debris. The foam sections sit inside the gutter, allowing water to soak through but keeping out leaves and other elements. The foam is not visible from ground level, and installation is rapid. The cost is around $1.50 per linear foot.

Rodent Guards

Rodent guards are plastic or metal meshes that fit over the end of your downspout. They usually screw into place to prevent rodents from climbing into the downspout to build a nest, and they have a snap-fit design for easy maintenance. Rodent guards cost approximately $5 each.

Downspout Screens

Downspout screens are wedge-shaped or dome-shaped meshes that sit in the top opening of the downspout. The mesh allows water through, while lifting dirt and debris so they blow away in the wind or fall over the side of the guttering. This prevents clogging, which reduces overall maintenance costs. Downspout screens cost around $8 each.

Heat Tape

In cold climates, ice is particularly damaging to gutters. Water in the pipes freezes and expands, weakening or cracking vinyl gutters and causing blockages. When the ice melts, the sudden deluge of water may overflow, causing slippery conditions below.

It's possible to minimize the impact of cold weather conditions by installing heat tape in your gutters. The tape has a heating element running through it, which prevents ice from forming, minimizes damage to the roof and ensures the water continues to flow. Installation is a simple DIY project, and the heat tape costs less than $1.50 per linear foot, making it a cost-effective way to keep your gutters in good working condition.

Gutter Flashing

Gutter flashing is a metal strip that runs behind the gutter and up underneath the eaves of the roof to create a waterproof barrier to prevent moisture damage. Installation is a relatively simple process, and considering that the flashing usually costs no more than $20 per length, it's a good way to reduce future maintenance bills for a small upfront expense.

Splash Blocks

Splash blocks direct water away from the building, reducing damage to the foundation. They cost up to $10 each.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Choosing to install your own guttering may seem like a cost-effective way to improve your home, but it's not a simple process. To start, you must measure your property to determine how much material you need. Guttering for DIY projects is usually available in 10-foot lengths, and where the sections join, there is an increased risk of leaks. Buying pre-cut sections increases the amount of waste, and you may end up buying a lot more than you actually use.

Professionals often use seamless guttering. To do this, they measure your property and roll out the exact amount of material required to get the job done. This reduces waste, ensuring you only pay for what you need. In addition, the job is done quickly. Seamless guttering is less likely to leak as there are no joins to weaken over time. Fortunately, professionals have years of experience to draw on and are in a good position to tell you which type of guttering is most suitable for your home.