Galvanized gutters costs between $5 and $20 per linear foot
Polished, sophisticated gutters can make your home shine while also guiding water away from your foundation. Galvanized gutters can do just that. Made of steel and coated in zinc, this type of gutter material is resistant to corrosion and rust, giving them a shiny, sleek look. Due to their durability, galvanized gutters can withstand harsh elements, such as snow, heavy winds, and rain. And these gutters can last 20 to 30 years on average, with some lasting more than 50 years in less harsh climates.
Galvanized gutters cost between $800 and $3,200, which comes out to about $5 to $20 per linear foot, including materials and labor. Most homeowners will end up paying an average of $1,500 to install galvanized gutters on a 1,600-square-foot home. Our guide will show you the ins and outs of installing galvanized gutters for your home so you can plan your budget accordingly.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $800 | $1,500 | $3,200 |
Galvanized Gutters Cost Breakdown
When choosing galvanized gutters, you’ll need to factor in the costs for replacement, type, size, style, materials, and labor. We’ll cover the common costs for galvanized steel gutters below:
Replacement
Before installing new gutters on your home, you’ll need to remove your existing gutters. You can expect to pay between $0.65 and $0.85 per linear foot to have a pro remove your old gutters. Your overall cost will depend on how difficult it is to remove them, their condition, and whether you need to replace your roof or fascia at the same time.
Type
Galvanized gutters come in two types—seamed and seamless. Seamed gutters require multiple attachments, whereas seamless gutters are custom-made from one continuous piece of steel.
Seamed
Seamed galvanized gutters average between $5 and $13 per linear foot. Seamed gutters come in pre-cut sections, typically in 5-, 10-, or 15 feet. Each section is soldered together, leaving visible lines between each section. In addition, the lines can weaken and have blockages, leading to leaking and corrosion. Yet, they are much easier to install and less cost-prohibitive than seamless styles.
Seamless
Seamless galvanized gutters average between $12 and $20 per linear foot. A pro will need to tackle this job because it requires special machinery. Seamless gutters have one long, continuous gutter without lines or seams installed around your home. While they cost more than seamed gutters, seamless styles offer better maintenance with fewer blockages and leaks.
Size
The average cost of galvanized gutters runs between $5 and $20 per linear foot—with factors such as width, color, and style impacting your overall cost. Typically, your home size will determine how many linear feet of galvanized gutters you’ll need (with larger homes needing more linear feet).
Here are the average costs for common galvanized gutter project sizes:
| Size | Average Install Cost |
|---|---|
| 50 Linear Feet | $250 – $1,000 |
| 100 Linear Feet | $500 – $2,000 |
| 150 Linear Feet | $750 – $3,000 |
| 200 Linear Feet | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| 250 Linear Feet | $1,250 – $5,000 |
| 300 Linear Feet | $1,500 – $6,000 |
Style
When updating your gutters, you’ll want to consider gutter style. The most common and cost-effective galvanized gutters are k-style. Half-round gutters are next, and they come in at a slightly higher price point.
K-Style
K-style gutters are the most popular choice, and you can expect them to cost between $5 and $14 per linear foot. Like the name, the flat back of this gutter is shaped like the letter K, making the outside look aesthetically clean and smooth.
Half-Round
Half-round gutters are slightly pricier, costing an average of $6 to $20 per linear foot. Half-round gutters have a u-shape that was popular in historic homes. Yet, they also work well on modern homes due to their durability and resilience to leaks.
Extra Materials
In addition to galvanized gutters, you’ll need to attach enhancement materials to prolong the lifespan of your gutters. These extras include:
Downspouts: $3–$20 per linear foot
Flashing: $0.40–$2.50 per linear foot
Hangers and brackets: $2–$32 each
Elbows: $5–$7 each
End caps: $1.50–$4.00 each
Gutter rain chain: $50–$210 each
Heat tape: $10–$25 per linear foot
Wire mesh screen: $9 per linear foot
Labor
Hiring a gutter installer near you will cost an average of $1 to $7 per linear foot for labor. In addition to galvanized steel being a heavier material to work with, your labor costs will depend on the following:
Whether your home has one-story, two-stories, or more
The pitch of your roof
The number of corners your roof has
The number of enhancements you choose
The accessibility of your roof
Additional Costs to Consider
Although galvanized steel gutters are highly durable, you’ll need to properly maintain them and keep up with repairs to ensure they last for the long run.
Maintenance
To keep your galvanized gutters fresh, clean, and clog-free, you should have regular gutter cleanings from a professional gutter cleaner in your area. You can expect to pay $160 for a thorough cleaning.
Repairs
If you spot leaks, you’ll want to take care of the problem immediately. A professional gutter repair contractor can repair caulking, end caps, corrosion, and rust. You can expect to pay between $1 and $7 per linear foot for labor—or around $75 per hour to replace damaged gutters.
Cost to Install Galvanized Gutters Yourself
While challenging, you can install DIY gutters for around $100 to $500, including materials and supplies. The entire project will take about eight hours, and you’ll need quite a few tools and supplies. But, if you’re up to the task, you’ll save $75 per hour on labor. However, we recommend only experienced DIYers with roofing and ladder knowledge take on this project, especially for homes larger than one story.
Pro tip: galvanized gutters are very heavy. So, you’ll need another helping hand if you attempt to install them yourself.
Cost to Install Galvanized Gutters Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
If you install galvanized gutters yourself, you’ll only have to pay for supplies and materials—with galvanized gutters averaging between $5 and $20 per linear foot. If you hire a gutter installation pro near you, you can expect to pay $75 per hour for labor, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that a pro will install your gutters properly so that you won’t have damage to your roof or foundation and leaks to worry about down the line.
Cost of Common Galvanized Gutter Installation Add-Ons
You'll want to invest in preventative care to keep your galvanized gutters in tip-top shape. Here are common add-ons to help keep your gutters clean and free of debris:
Gutter guard costs: $1–$10 per linear foot
Professional tree trimming cost: $200–$760
Roof cleaning costs: $300–$600
Metal painting costs: $200–$6,000
Tips to Reduce Costs While Installing Galvanized Gutters
There are ways you can save while installing your galvanized steel gutters. We’ll share some ideas below:
Choose seamed instead of seamless gutters.
Remove your old gutters, replace rotting fascia boards, and prep your roof for installation.
Opt for installation during a slow time of the year—such as summer or winter, when you may get a lower price.
Don’t choose an unusual gutter size. Instead, stick with the most common dimensions—4-,5-, or 6-inches in width.
Get at least three to five estimates before committing to a gutter contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, you’ll want to remove rust stains with a scouring pad. Next, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the galvanized gutters with hot water and mild dish soap—once dry, wipe down the gutters with turpentine (available for around $10). Finally, apply metal primer followed by a coat or two of high-quality exterior latex paint. You can also hire a painting company near you to tackle painting galvanized gutters.
The best way to install galvanized gutters is by assembling as much as you can on the ground. Then, you’ll want to start at the most accessible point on your roof, connect the seamed pieces together with a sealant, and secure them with screws or rivets. You could also call in a seamless gutter company near you to handle the construction and installation.
When you need to repair your galvanized gutters from leaks and caulk isn’t doing the job, you can solder your gutters with a roofer’s soldering iron. First, you’ll need to clean your gutters thoroughly with a wire brush and remove rust and oxidized paint. Next, you’ll make weld points on the gutter and solder over the connection until it’s completely smooth. You can also hire a roofing company near you to tackle this project.
