How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost? (2024 Pricing)
Typical Cost Range: $1,700 – $3,100
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The cost of replacing gutters is primarily determined by the gutter length of your home and the type of material used. The most common material types are vinyl, aluminum, and steel. Premium materials, such as copper and zinc, can cost upwards of $10,000 but are long-lasting and add an aesthetic element.
The exact price depends on several additional factors, such as installation method, roof pitch, and gutter size and style. In this guide, we will detail the factors that affect gutter installation prices and the necessary considerations for planning a professional or do-it-yourself (DIY) install.
All cost data was sourced from HomeAdvisor unless otherwise noted.
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How Much Does Average Gutter Installation Cost by Material?
The biggest cost factor for gutter replacement is the material. The type of gutter material you choose sets the baseline cost per linear foot and impacts labor rates. The following table breaks down the cost of gutter installations by material based on linear foot and total installation cost for a typical 200 linear foot system.
| Gutter Material | Cost per Linear Foot | Cost per Sq Foot | Total Cost (200 linear feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3–$6 | $0.30-$0.60 | $600–$1,200 |
| Aluminum | $5–$14 | $0.50-$1.40 | $1,000–$2,800 |
| Steel | $6–$14 | $0.60-$1.40 | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Copper | $25–$40 | $2.50-$4.00 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Zinc | $10–$29 | $1.00-$2.90 | $2,000–$5,800 |
Learn more about the most common gutter materials below, including how they perform in various conditions and how long they last.
Vinyl and PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
While PVC and vinyl are different materials, they are used interchangeably in gutter installations. They are also the most fragile and may crack, break, or warp in severe temperature changes. You can only expect plastic gutters to last 10 to 20 years in moderate climate conditions.
Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to install. Aluminum typically lasts 20 years or more under ordinary conditions. The downside to these gutters is their tendency to dent from impacts such as hail or falling tree limbs.
Galvanized steel
This material is coated in zinc to improve its resistance to rust and corrosion. It’s stronger than aluminum but also heavier and more difficult to install. Galvanized steel gutters and the system will last 20 years or more.
Copper
This material is uncommon but carries an old-world, regal look and has a long life span. Copper gutters last more than 50 years with regular gutter cleaning and maintenance.
Zinc
Zinc is a low-maintenance but expensive, high-end material that doesn’t rust. It forms a self-healing patina that obscures scratches and scrapes. These gutters can last 80 years or more.
The table below provides a more detailed breakdown of the cost as it outlines the typical labor and component costs for installing 200 linear feet of K-style gutters on a one-story home.*
| Component | Vinyl Cost | Aluminum Cost | Steel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gutter Material** | $391–$512 | $604–$766 | $840–$976 |
| Additional parts (downspouts, elbows, end caps, and hangers) | $359 | $274–$529 | $423–$663 |
| Flashing (200 linear feet) | $120 | $182 | $475 |
| Splash blocks (6 count) | $54 | $54 | $54 |
| Labor cost | $800 | $900 | $1,000 |
| Total gutter installation cost | $1,720–$1,850 | $2,000–$2,450 | $2,800–$3,150 |
*Material costs in the table were sourced from Gutter Supply and The Home Depot; labor costs were sourced from HomeAdvisor.
**Low- and high-end gutter prices are for 5- and 6-inch K-style gutters.
What Other Factors Impact Gutter Installation Cost?
In addition to material, other factors that affect the cost of your gutter installation include gutter style, gutter size, and even your home’s landscaping and the number of stories on your home.
Gutter Style
Gutter style impacts both material and labor costs. Less common designs carry a higher price tag and typically require specially trained installers.
K-style gutters are the standard option for most modern homes. These gutters are easy to install and can withstand heavy rainfall. K-style gutters look similar to crown molding and match many architectural styles. Their steep trough and simple design make them reliable and easy to install.
As their name suggests, these gutters appear similar to a barrel cut in half. Half-round gutters are elegant and popular on historic or upscale homes, especially as they’re often made of copper. They’re more difficult to install and hold less water than comparably sized K-style gutters.
These are an older style of gutter used more frequently in the 1800s and 1900s. Today, they’re more commonly seen in industrial buildings but are occasionally used in residential homes. They have a wide and deep design that can handle heavy water flow but lack the decorative look of other contemporary styles.
Sectional gutters are the standard option for most homes. These gutters come in pre-cut lengths that attach using connectors (also called joiners). The gutter installer must seal seams between sections with a waterproof caulk. Sun, weather exposure, and debris weight can deteriorate the caulk over time and cause leaks.
Seamless gutters are made from single pieces of guttering attached at the corners. Installers measure and custom-fit each piece of the gutter system to your home’s roofline, using a rolling machine to cut the gutters on-site. Seamless gutters cost more but are less prone to leaking.
Gutter Size
Gutter size typically refers to a system’s width, measured from the back (facia-facing) side to the front of the gutters. The wider the gutter, the more you’ll pay in material costs. The most common gutter width is 5 inches, but homes in rainy regions may require a 6-inch or 7-inch system.
Additional Cost Factors
While your gutter system’s style, size, and material determine the baseline price range for its installation, other factors play a role in total installation cost, including the following:
- Additional parts: Your installation estimate will include the material cost for components such as brackets, downspouts, elbows, gutter end caps, hangers, and splash blocks.
- Landscaping: Expect to pay increased labor rates if your landscaping makes it difficult to install gutters on your home.
- Local labor rates: Availability of services, local taxes, and regional income levels impact general labor rates, which affect the price of your professional gutter installation.
- Service fees: Expect to pay service fees if your installer has to carry materials a long way, repair roof sections, dispose of materials, or undertake additional work.
- Height of your home: Your home’s height can directly impact your labor costs. Two-story homes are more difficult and dangerous to work on and require specialized tools.
Seamless vs. Traditional Gutters
Gutters come in one of two distinct designs: traditional or seamless. Traditional gutters are a series of guttering sections joined together at connectors (also called joiners). Seamless gutters are a single piece of custom-fit guttering cut onsite at your home. Seamless gutters last much longer, are more durable, and look better than traditional gutters. This increased functionality and appearance come with a higher price tag. Seamless gutters cost between $1,800 and $7,000 or more.
What Are the Major Signs That Your Gutters Need To Be Replaced?
Before scheduling a gutter replacement, consider whether your system is at the end of its life or just requires a quick gutter repair. The following signs indicate it may be time to replace your gutters:
If your existing gutters sustained damage from a hailstorm or have loose hangers, you’ll likely be able to repair them rather than invest in a new system. However, if your old gutters are nearing the end of their life, small repairs or patch jobs will be temporary fixes at best.
How Can You Extend the Life of Your Gutters?
Like most home systems, the best way to extend the life of your gutters is with routine maintenance. Clean gutters function better than clogged gutters, allowing them to filter debris and water more efficiently. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice per year at the end of fall and spring. You’ll remove the most debris at once during these times of year.
Regular inspections are also essential in keeping your gutter system functioning at peak performance. Have your system inspected once every one to three years to spot minor damage before it leads to more expensive problems. You can inspect and repair your gutters yourself or hire a professional.
We recommend installing top gutter guards to extend your gutter system’s life. Gutter guards are protective installations that block debris buildup and keep pests out of your gutters. While gutter guards won’t eliminate the need for gutter cleaning and maintenance, they allow you to reduce the difficulty and frequency of cleaning to once a year or so.
Purchasing gutter guards with a full gutter system is a common practice for homeowners who want to get the most out of their home drainage system. We surveyed 1,000 gutter guard customers nationwide. According to our survey, 68% of respondents purchased their gutter guard system alongside a gutter installation.
You can compare our top recommended gutter guard providers for professional installation in the table below. These providers also offer gutter installation services.
Compare Gutter Guard Providers
| Star Rating | Product Image | Gutter Guard Type | Average Cost | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeafFilter |  |  | Micro-mesh | $5,528 | Visit Site | |
| LeafGuard |  |  | Reverse-curve | $5,242 | Visit Site | |
| Gutter Guards America |  |  | Micro-mesh | $5,270 | Visit Site | |
| HomeCraft |  |  | Micro-mesh | $6,338 | Visit Site | |
| All American Gutter Protection |  |  | Micro-mesh | $5,630 | Visit Site |
| LeafFilter | |
|---|---|
| Star Rating | |
| Logo |
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| Product Image |
 |
| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $5,528 |
| LeafGuard | |
|---|---|
| Star Rating | |
| Logo |
 |
| Product Image |
 |
| Gutter Guard Type | Reverse-curve |
| Average Cost | $5,242 |
| Gutter Guards America | |
|---|---|
| Star Rating | |
| Logo |
 |
| Product Image |
 |
| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $5,270 |
| HomeCraft | |
|---|---|
| Star Rating | |
| Logo |
|
| Product Image |
 |
| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $6,338 |
| All American Gutter Protection | |
|---|---|
| Star Rating | |
| Logo |
|
| Product Image |
 |
| Gutter Guard Type | Micro-mesh |
| Average Cost | $5,630 |
How Do DIY and Professional Gutter Installations Compare?
Homeowners can choose DIY or professional gutter installation. Each method has its benefits and downsides, but the main differences come down to cost and quality.
The do-it-yourself route will always cost less because you’re bypassing labor rates and other fees charged by gutter companies. However, gutter companies offer professional services, materials, and techniques unavailable to even highly-proficient homeowners.
For example, a homeowner can’t install seamless gutters themselves because they require a rolling machine and special training to create them. Many materials are also off the table, such as copper, zinc, and steel, because their weight makes them unwieldy and dangerous for one person to install alone.
Other benefits of choosing a professional gutter company include access to additional services, such as gutter repair, downspout installation, or debris disposal. They may also provide long-lasting workmanship warranties.
As helpful and convenient as hiring a gutter professional is, you will pay a premium for their services. On average, you can expect to pay $2,400 for gutters to be professionally installed on your home. It is cheaper to install your own gutters, with an average DIY installation costing between $1,100 and $1,300 for 200 linear feet of a 5 or 6-inch K-style aluminum gutter system.
How Can You Save Money on Gutter Installations?
If you want to save money on your next gutter installation, we recommend following the best practices below:
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
Gutter guards can make future cleaning and maintenance for your gutter system easier. However, gutter guard installation can cost as much as new gutters. Some professional installers charge in the neighborhood of $5,000 for 200 linear feet of gutter guards.
Like many home improvement add-ons, gutter guards can be worth the investment if you choose the best product for your needs. Some gutter guards perform better than others, and not all brands are suited for every gutter design or climate. For example, reverse curve guards can self-clean and block oak leaves but can’t handle heavy rainfall. Brush guards are inexpensive and easy to install but do anything against pine needles.
We recommend stainless steel micro-mesh guards for homeowners because they’re the best-performing product overall. These guards block most debris types in various climates. We tested more than a dozen DIY brands and LeafFilter. Micro-mesh guards performed the best. We also recently surveyed 1,000 homeowners and 84% of them responded that they were satisfied with how they perform.
Our recommendation for the best professionally installed gutter guard is LeafFilter and Raptor is our pick among DIY products.
Which Type of Gutters Are Worth the Cost?
Aluminum seamless gutters are a safe choice for a reliable, long-lasting rain gutter system at a mid-range price. If you live in an area with extreme weather or high winds, consider a heavier gutter system such as stainless or galvanized steel. Copper gutters may be worth the investment and add to your resale value if you live in a historic home.
Whichever kind of gutter system you choose, we recommend researching local installation companies and requesting free quotes to find the best gutter installation companies for your budget. It is also helpful to receive quotes from gutter guard installers who can provide you with a new gutter installation along with long-term protection from debris that can clog your gutters.
FAQ About Gutter Installation Cost
Do gutter alternatives work?
Gutter alternatives don’t work as well as gutters in most situations. For example, rain chains and drip paths overflow in moderate rainfall. However, if your home’s landscaping has gradation that slopes away from your foundation, alternatives may be enough to protect your foundation.
How long do gutters last?
Gutters have different lifespans depending on the material. Plastic gutters last 10 to 20 years, aluminum and steel last up to 20 years, and zinc and copper last 50 years or more.
What is the most common problem with gutters?
The most common problem with gutters is their constant debris buildup and clogging issues. As plant debris falls or is blown by wind, it lands inside your gutters and causes clogs and overflow. This spillage can eventually lead to water damage, soil erosion, and foundation shifting.
Can not having gutters cause foundation problems?
Yes, not having gutters can cause foundation problems. Without gutters, water is free to flow from your roofline right onto your foundation. This hydrostatic pressure will lead to foundation cracks and shifting and other expensive problems.
Find Gutter Professionals Near You
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We reinforce this research with thorough firsthand product testing, assessing each gutter guard’s durability, quality, filtration, and cleanability. To date, we’ve tested more than a dozen professionally installed and DIY gutter guard products. We then score each provider against our review standards for gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
