Gutter installation cost guide

Different parts of a home need repair or replacement at one time or another. However, some of them require more thorough and frequent care than others. One of such parts is the roof. It comprises several components responsible for its health, but gutters are probably the most important of those. It's gutters that prevent rot from eating away the structure of the roof and water from gradually destroying the foundation of the home. Even if you keep them in order and clean them regularly, though, time comes when new gutter installation is necessary to stay dry.

Here you will learn about:

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The main function of gutters is to divert water away from a building. Otherwise, it will get into the siding, between the windows, or accumulate on the ground near the walls, eventually leaking into the basement. Uncontrolled water will also lead to mold growth, wood rot, and metal corrosion. When gutters have been neglected for a long time, they get out of order, fail to do their job properly, and will have to be replaced. The total cost of a gutter installation project depends on the gutter material and type, as well as on the roof pitch and size plus additional features such as gutter guards or wire mesh screens, downspouts, and others. You should also factor in professionals' fees and the cost of the old gutters removal. On average, expect to pay in the range from $550 to $1,370. The highest reported price is $10,100, the lowest is $210.

Price-related questions

What gutter materials are available on the market? How do they compare and how much do they cost?

You can purchase gutters in pieces of fixed length: five, ten, or fifteen feet.

Vinyl
Benefits
  • Low price: from $4.50 to $8.50 per piece.
  • Good at diverting water away from a building.
  • Weigh little.
  • A varied collection of colors.
  • Can be installed by homeowners themselves.
  • Not prone to denting, corrosion, or rust.
Drawbacks
  • Bad for areas where weather conditions are extreme, especially where it's very cold (may crack when the temperature is around 10 degrees Fahrenheit).
Aluminum
Benefits
  • Low cost: $5.50-$9.50 per piece.
  • Weighs little.
  • Simple in installation.
  • Can be used under harsh weather conditions.
Drawbacks
  • Prone to denting.
  • Can break when the temperature changes abruptly and significantly.
Wood
Benefits
  • Looks aesthetically appealing.
Drawbacks
  • Expensive: $13-$22 per piece.
  • Big weight, hard to install.
  • Susceptible to rot.
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Galvanized steel
Benefits
  • Excellent option for locations with inclement weather.
  • Sturdy and long-lasting: good for homes with trees growing close.
  • Easy to clean.
Drawbacks
  • Costs more than vinyl or aluminum: $11-$28 per piece.
  • Susceptible to corrosion.
  • Considerable weight.
Copper
Benefits
  • Looks attractive from the aesthetic point of view, developing a greenish outer layer as time goes by.
  • The most long-lasting material among the rest.
  • Drawbacks
  • Extremely expensive: $45-$105 per piece.
  • A popular material among colored metal thieves.
  • Heavy.

How much do other gutter system components cost?

Downspouts
Depending on their material, downspouts are sold at the following prices (for one piece):
  • Galvanized steel: from $11.50 to $32
  • Aluminum: from $6.50 to $12
  • Copper: from $45 to $105
  • Vinyl: from $4.50 to $8.50
Wire mesh screens

This is one way to protect gutters from various objects clogging them, starting from small birds and ending with leaves. They cost around $1.1 for one square foot.

Gutter guards

This is a more expensive gutter protection cover. For one piece of an ordinary gutter guard three feet in length, expect to pay between $3.50 and $5.50. A more advanced variety can be purchased starting from $15.50 for a piece of the same length.

Heat tape

Ice is one of the gutters' worst nightmares, as it may cause cracks and complete destruction of these essential roof elements. There is a good solution to prevent ice from forming inside gutters, though: heat tape. This is a heating element running through the gutters that can be turned on by homeowners when the thermometer shows a below-freezing value. That will turn ice and snow into water. Then, it flows into a downspout just like in summer. Paying around $80 for a hundred-feet long heat tape is normal.

Downspout screens

These don't allow twigs, leaves, and other objects to block downspouts. For one downspout screen, prepare to spend $8.50 or a little less.

Drains

By installing drains, you direct water farther away from the walls of your house, preventing soil erosion or foundation flooding. One drain, also called a splash block, will cost you from $5.50 to $10.50.

What's the average cost of labor?

Every job that's performed on a roof is risky and should be entrusted to contractors. The fees of the gutter installation professionals depend on several factors, including the size and type of the roof, its pitch, the height of the house, and even the area where you live (homeowners in large cities typically pay more). Commonly, roofing contractors charge approximately $5.20 for one square foot. For this money, you get the work done as required and quickly. The duration of an average gutter installation project is 7-8 hours, although a contractor may need from 2 to 3 days to finish a large-scale job.

How much can I expect to pay for the removal and disposal of old gutters?

A gutter installation pro will most likely charge you in the vicinity of $110. If you decide to climb up onto your roof to dismantle the old system yourself, you can save $65. Note, however, that removing old gutters require skills and knowledge. If something goes awry, the professional may have to correct your mistakes for an additional fee.

Information to check

Contractor

Find seasoned professionals for the job. Although it's not necessary to obtain a license to perform this service, make sure the contractor is insured since falls and traumas are common.

Warranty

While gutters come with a manufacturer's warranty (sometimes up to half a century), a warranty for workmanship from a contractor is customary too (up to 5 years is typical).

Other frequently asked questions

How can I save on new gutter installation?

  • Hire a contractor in spring instead of summer or fall. You can expect some discounts at these times as companies are not overloaded with orders then.
  • Talk to your neighbors and ask them if they need new gutters too. Many companies charge less for performing work for several homes in the same residential area.
  • If you know what contractor installed your old gutters, consider hiring them again. There could be discounts for regular customers.

I've heard that rain chains popular in Japan can be used instead of downspouts. Are they expensive?

It depends on a specific model. The price can range from $20 for simple rain chains and up to $210 for more elaborate varieties.

Bottom line

Installing new gutters can help homeowners avoid many serious problems in the future. This service is provided by general or roofing contractors and its cost depends on the gutter material, roof size, home height, additional features such as gutter guards, heat tape, or drains, and other factors. On average, be prepared to pay from $550 to $1,370.

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