How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Gutters?

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Gutter Cost Estimator

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NATIONAL COSTS

Average Cost

$1,409

Low Cost

$510

High Cost

$6,917

See Gutter Cost Estimator Breakdown 

Average Cost Project Low-Cost Project High-Cost Project

Cost

Materials

100 l.f. of white PVC gutters

$454

3x 8' 3" round PVC downspout

$56

Materials

150 l.f. of 4" aluminum box gutters, including hangers

$62

4 corners and 4 10' 2"x3" downspouts with outlets and elbows

$342

Labor

Installing 150 l.f. of aluminum box gutters

$152

Installing 4 corners and 4 10' aluminum downspouts

$853

Materials

200 l.f. of 16-oz K-style copper half-round gutters, including hangers

$3,842

6 corners and 6 10' 3" round copper downspouts

$1,494

Labor

Installing 200 l.f. of K-style copper half-round gutters

$1,051

Installing 6 corners and 6 10' 3" round copper downspouts

$530

Total

$510

$1,409

$6,917

Gutter Installation Cost per Linear Foot

Gutters are sold and installed by the linear foot. The exact cost is influenced by several factors, including the material, type, and style, with some materials and shapes costing more than others. Gutters cost from $3 to $50 a linear foot installed, with vinyl being the least expensive and zinc costing the most.

The number of feet you need for gutters depends on several factors. They are only installed where rainwater needs to be directed, which can change based on the roof type and house location. The average home may need anywhere from 100 to 250 linear feet of gutters. Below are common gutter lengths and the average cost to install them.

Gutters Cost by Width

No matter which type or material your gutters are, they come in different widths or sizes. The common sizes for most gutters are 4”, 5”, and 6”. This refers to the width. The larger the gutter, the more rainfall it can hold and deal with. Most homes need 4” or 5” gutters for average rainfall. However, you may need 6” gutters to prevent them from overflowing if you live in an area with heavy rain. Because larger gutters require more material, they are more costly than smaller gutters. This is true regardless of the material or style. Below are the average costs for 150 linear feet of seamed and seamless gutters installed in different sizes.

Average Cost to Install Gutters by House Size

Because gutters are sold and installed by the linear foot, the larger your home, the more gutters you have to install. Keep in mind that they are not installed around the perimeter of your home, but only on those areas where rainwater needs to be directed away from your foundation. The exact number of feet your home needs varies based on your architectural style and home placement. Larger homes often have more stories, which also means needing longer downspouts. The pitch of your roof, the hips, gables, and other features also play a role in how much your gutters cost. The dimensions of your home, and the angle of your roof can vary a lot even for one set of square footage. For example, an 800 sq.ft. home may need just 44 feet of gutters, or it may need more than 60 feet of gutters, depending on the shape of the roof. Below is the average price to install gutters from the least to most expensive based on varying house sizes:

Average Cost of Gutter Installation by Number of Stories

The number of stories your home has may impact the total cost of the installation. Taller homes need longer downspouts than single-story homes. For this reason, a two or three-story home will have slightly higher costs than a single-story home. However, this will not be an enormous difference. The material, size and shape, and number of linear feet you need impact the price of the project much more than the number of stories your home has. Below are the average costs by number of stories, assuming a one story home between 800 and 1,500 sq.ft., a two story home between 1,500 and 2,500 sq.ft. and a three story home between 2,000 and 3,000sq.ft. Remember that your home can have different dimensions regardless of size, and keep in mind that there will be some overlap depending on the other factors involved.

Costs of Gutters By Material

Gutters come in a range of different materials, each of which has its own price to consider. When choosing the material, you want to take a look at several different things pertaining to your home, as well as to your climate and rainfall. For example, some homes that already have copper or zinc accents may look better with gutters to match, while more rustic homes may work best with wood gutters.

Other materials may offer different issues depending on the location. For example, vinyl gutters will not do well in very hot or very cold climates, while galvanized steel ¹ gutters will not do well in areas located on the coast where saltwater may cause them to corrode.

Each type also has different costs for the material and its installation. Below are the average costs per linear foot for the materials and the final installation.

Vinyl (PVC) Gutters Cost

Vinyl ² gutters cost $3 to $11 a linear foot installed or $2 to $6 a linear foot for the material. Vinyl is an inexpensive material that is easy to install, making it a good choice for DIY. It is also highly durable and requires little maintenance. However, it is more susceptible to weather, as the plastic can warp if exposed on a regular basis to high temperatures. It comes in many styles and sizes and works for many homes. It becomes brittle in cold temperatures and softens in hot temperatures, so it is best used in a moderate climate.

Vinyl rain gutters don’t hold up well to changing temperatures. Both heat and cold will adversely affect the life of vinyl gutters because vinyl is essentially plastic. The cold will cause vinyl to be more brittle, so if a tree branch falls and hits a cold vinyl gutter, that gutter will easily crack. Vinyl gutters are sold in 10-foot lengths. If you have a 30-foot gutter, you will have two seams in that gutter connecting the three 10-foot sections. Because vinyl will expand with heat and contract with cold, these seams will eventually leak and need to be fixed on an ongoing basis. If you are a DIYer and want to install your rain gutters, a better alternative would be to get a seamless rain gutter company to come to your home and create seamless gutters to all lengths you need. They can also provide all hangers, end caps, etc. You then can install the gutters.

Kevin Leahy, gutter solutions specialist

Galvanized Steel Gutters Cost

Galvanized steel ¹ gutters range from $5 to $20 a linear foot installed or $4 to $13 a linear foot for the material. Galvanized steel is a tough, durable material that holds up well over time. It resists dents and performs well in nearly all climates. The exception is in areas located beside the ocean. It also comes in several sizes and styles and is seamed or seamless. Because it is heavier, it should always be professionally installed.

Aluminum Gutters Cost

Aluminum gutters average $6 to $20 a linear foot installed or $5 to $13 a linear foot for the material. Aluminum is one of the most popular materials for gutters. It is lightweight and inexpensive and installed seamlessly for better performance and fewer leaks. It is available with a factory finish in nearly any color, but it can also be painted. It comes in several sizes and styles. Aluminum is fairly long- lasting and can be installed DIY.

Wood Gutters Cost

Wood gutters average $18 to $25 per linear foot on average for the material. Installed, they range from $21 to $32 a linear foot. Wood may not be the most common material, but they make a beautiful statement. Wood gutters come in several styles and species. These include woods, such as cypress, that resist moisture and insect activity. Wood gutters are popular on rustic-style homes.

Galvalume Gutters Cost

Galvalume gutters cost between $20 and $30 a linear foot installed or $19 to $23 a linear foot for the material. Galvalume is a coating made of zinc, aluminum, and silicone. It is similar to galvanizing but does a better job of protecting the metal from corrosion. They do not rust, last longer, and perform better than galvanized steel or aluminum gutters. They are found in several styles and both seamed and seamless types.

Copper Gutters Cost

Copper gutters range from $25 to $40 a linear foot installed or $24 to $33 a linear foot for material. Copper is a beautiful material for gutters that works well on homes to provide an accent at the roofline ³. Copper is a material that offers a unique color which develops a patina over time, making it low maintenance and able to last for decades. However, this material is more expensive and can be difficult to install. Nevertheless, due to its durability, it makes a good investment for many people.

Zinc Gutters Cost

Zinc gutters cost $30 to $50 a linear foot installed or $29 to $43 a linear foot for material. Zinc is a popular material for historic homes and any home where you want a low-maintenance option and an attractive gutter with a color that blends with your facade. They develop a variegated patina ⁴ over time, protecting them from corrosion and damage, so they last for decades.

Gutter Prices by Type

Gutters come in essentially two types - segmental, also known as seamed, and seamless, also known as continuous. Seamed gutters come in set lengths, so if you need more than one piece, they are joined on site. Seamless gutters are constructed at your home and are one piece with no seam, meaning the gutters have fewer leaks.

Seamed Gutters Cost

Seamed ⁵ or sectional gutters cost $3 to $35 a linear foot installed. Materials average $1 to $31 a linear foot, depending on what they are made of. All gutters come in sectional or seamed styles. They are less expensive and readily available for DIY installations. They do not last as long because the seams fail over time, causing clogs and leaks. Materials that are difficult to create seamlessly, such as wood, are more likely to be found in a seamed gutter.

Seamless Gutters Cost

Seamless gutters average $6 to $50 a linear foot installed or $2 to $43 a linear foot for materials. Seamless gutters are more expensive because they are formed specifically to the measurements of your home. Each piece is longer, and therefore more difficult to install. However, they last longer with fewer leaks, so they are often worth it in the long term. Not all materials can be seamless. They are made on the jobsite to fit your home exactly. Some materials are unable to be forged this way, such as wood, so your options may be limited.

New Gutters Cost by Style

Gutters come in several styles as well, which accent your exterior. Some styles work better with specific types of architectures, while others work with nearly any. Styles are sometimes named after the shape the gutter makes. The most common is the “K” shape gutter, but “U” and “V” are popular as well. Other styles may be more decorative, such as the ogee gutter, while others are named for how they are installed, like the fascia gutter. Not all materials are available in all styles, and each has its own price range. Below are the average costs for the most popular styles.

K-Style

K-style gutters cost between $3 to $50 a linear foot, installed. Material costs can vary between $1 and $43 a linear foot. They are one of the most common and popular types. They hold more water than most other types, making them very effective. They get their name because when they are sliced, the profile looks like the letter K. Most materials are available in the K-style.

Fascia

Prices range from $4 to $20 a linear foot installed for fascia-style gutters. Material costs average $2 to $13 a linear foot. They are more decorative, with a slightly carved facial appearance. They have a smooth face, which acts as a fascia and hides the edges of the beams. This system does not require soffit installations, although it could be installed to add an aesthetic appeal. They do not come in as many materials as K-style or U-style gutters, so they are more difficult to find.

U-Style

U-style gutters cost $4 to $50 a linear foot installed. Material costs average $2 to $43 a linear foot. They are one of the earliest styles. They are a half pipe attached to the underside of the soffit ³. The traditional style does not hold as much water as newer types, but some newer U-style gutters hold more. They are available in most metal gutter materials.

Victorian Ogee

Victorian ogee gutters average $8 to $20 a linear foot installed. Material costs range from $6 to $13 a linear foot. The Victorian ogee is another highly decorative gutter style with a frilled front edge. They come in several sizes but not in many materials, so they are less common and difficult to find. You are most likely to see them in aluminum and zinc gutters.

V-Style

V-style gutters average $9 to $25 per linear foot installed. The average cost for materials ranges from $7 to $25 a linear foot. The V-style gets its name because it is shaped like a V when looked at from the side. They do not hold as much water as other types, so they are not as common, only coming in a few materials. This is one of the few styles you see more commonly in a wood gutter than in other materials.

European Seamless

European seamless gutters cost $12 to $50 a linear foot installed. The average cost for materials ranges from $10 to $43 a linear foot. They are a type of U-style gutter but are larger and can accommodate more water. They are becoming more common and are available in most materials. You need to specify that you want the European over the classic “U” shape to make sure you get the style you want.

Gutter Installation Labor Cost

The average cost to install gutters is between $2 and $7 a linear foot. This is the average labor, and it varies by location and material. For example, a fascia gutter is installed in the area where you would normally have a fascia board, taking its place. This means it installs slightly differently than other types. It also has a slightly different installation cost than another gutter made of the same material and in the same length.

In general, seamless gutters cost more to install than seamed ones made of the same materials. While seamed materials cost $2 to $4 a linear foot to install, a seamless gutter costs $4 to $7 a linear foot to install. This is because the seamless gutters must be extruded on site, taking additional time and effort. The longer pieces are also unwieldy and can take more labor to install.

These and other factors impact the total cost to install your rain gutters. The material, size, and style are the biggest driving factors behind your total costs, with labor making up a small percentage. Finally, the costs of your downspouts, their style and length, and the height of your home all play a role in determining your final costs. Below are the average labor costs for installing seamed and seamless gutters, as well as total average costs.

Gutter Sizes: How Much Guttering Do I Need?

Rain gutters come in several widths, starting at around 3 inches. A depth of 4 to 6 inches is considered standard, but it is also possible to purchase 7 or 8-inch deep gutters if you live in an area with high rainfall levels. These must be custom made, however.

For most homes, a depth of 4 to 6 inches is adequate. Your needs may differ based on the average amount of rainfall you get, the pitch or slope of your roof, and how many trees are around your property. Roofs with a high pitch dump water into the gutters faster, while having many trees leads to more clogs, necessitating a larger gutter.

If you are not sure, ask your installer to calculate the correct size based on your roof’s size and pitch and the average rainfall for your area.

Cost to Install Gutters and Downspouts

Downspouts are usually factored into the project’s overall cost, with most homes needing 3 to 5. Downspouts have varying costs based on material, style, and shape. Most are either round or rectangular, but there are decorative options available as well. They are seamed or seamless, with the seamless downspouts costing slightly more than the seamed variety. Like the gutters, the seamless downspouts tend to last longer and have fewer leaks and other issues than the seamed, but they cost more. The downspout’s cost is in linear feet like the gutters, so the taller your home, the more the downspouts cost. Expect material costs between $3 and $15 a linear foot on average, with installation costing $1 to $5 per linear foot.

Gutter Replacement Cost

To install new gutters on your home, the old ones need to be removed first. This is an easy but time-consuming job, which typically runs between $0.65 and $0.85 a linear foot to complete. This makes the average gutter replacement cost per linear foot around $3.65 to $50.85. If your old gutters are hard to remove or made of a material that is difficult to dispose of or recycle, your costs may be higher - to as much as $1.50 per linear foot for removal. This makes the cost of the average 150 linear foot gutter replacement project between $550 and $7,600.

How Much Slope Should a Gutter Have?

To effectively drain water, your gutters need to slope toward the downspout. While most gutters appear to be parallel to your roofline, they are tilting downward slightly at roughly ¼ inch per 10 feet of downspout.

This means that 20 feet of gutter will be ½-inch lower at the downspout than they are at the starting end. Not having this slope causes the water to pool, rather than drain, potentially causing leaks and damage to the gutter.

Gutter Material Comparison

There are many popular materials on the market today for gutters. And each one can vary tremendously in terms of cost and how they perform long term, how much maintenance they need, and how easy or difficult they are to install. The most commonly installed materials include vinyl, galvanized steel, aluminum, and galvalume. We compared these gutter materials below on these different criteria so that you can make a more informed decision for your home.

Maintenance

All gutters require some maintenance, even if it is just keeping them clean and free from debris. However, some materials require more maintenance than others. For example, steel and aluminum require you to paint them periodically, while vinyl does not require painting. However, vinyl may warp more easily, which can require periodic replacement of sections. Aluminum is more easily dented, so you may need to spend more time on repairs. The various materials are ranked below in terms of how easy they are to maintain from easiest to hardest.

All rain gutters will need maintenance from time to time, depending on the location you’re living in and how many trees are surrounding your home. Even rain gutters with covers will need maintenance. The reason rain gutters are installed is to move all water away from a house or building every time it rains. If gutters are not checked and cleaned in accordance, they will not perform properly. This can lead to water damage on the interior and exterior of a home, such as water seeping through windows to destroying basements and outdoor landscaping. This damage is insidious and not easily noticeable until the damage begins to become extreme.

Kevin Leahy, gutter solutions specialist

Durability

When choosing your gutter material, consider how durable it is. This includes its average lifespan, how many repairs it may require over time, and how many things can impact it. Steel and aluminum can corrode in some circumstances, which can shorten their lifespan. Vinyl may warp in hot weather or become brittle and crack in cold weather, which can also shorten its lifespan depending on the climate. Galvalume is much more durable than any of these materials, outlasting them by decades in many instances. The materials are ranked below from high to low in terms of how durable they are.

Ease of Installation

If you are considering installing the gutters yourself, think about how easy a specific material is to install. Some materials are more difficult to handle because they are heavier or require different fasteners. Of the various materials, vinyl is the easiest to install, followed by lightweight aluminum. Steel and galvalume are both heavier and require professional installation to ensure they are put up properly. Below are the different materials ranked in terms of how easy they are to install, from easy to difficult.

Appearance

Not all materials are available in the full range of styles. And while some materials can be found in a wide range of colors and styles, others are extremely limited in the finishes and colors you can find them in. This can make it difficult to match certain exteriors or achieve specific looks. Aluminum is one of the most versatile materials, coming in a wide range of styles and colors. Vinyl is also available in several styles and colors, while galvalume comes in several different styles. Steel, however, is one of the most limited materials, only coming in a few styles and finishes. Below are the different materials ranked in order of how many options they have for appearance, from high to low.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Gutter Guards

If you live in an area with a lot of trees, install gutter guards. These keep leaves and other debris out of your gutter, so they stay cleaner. They cost $1,200 to $2,000 on average.

Gutter Cleaning

It is important to have your gutters cleaned regularly to help prevent clogs, which shortens their lifespan and can cause a leaky roof or water damage to the house. Gutter cleaning costs around $150 to $225 on average.

Gutter Painting

Painting gutters is a cheap alternative to replacement. However, some gutters can be painted to improve their appearance. Not all types are painted, and if yours have a factory finish, this type is not usually meant to be painted. However, if you choose to have yours painted, the average cost is around $2 a linear foot, although many painters have a $500 minimum.

Heat Tape

If you live in an area that sees snow and ice, install heat tape to prevent your gutters from freezing in the winter. This is an electrical wire placed inside them. It costs between $500 and $650 for most homes.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Galvanized steel: Steel that has had a protective zinc coating applied to it to make it resistant to rusting

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

³ Roofline: (Also known as Soffit) Construction material, typically composed of vinyl or aluminum, used to enclose the underside of eaves and ceilings

⁴ Patina: A thin film, usually green or blue in color, that forms over time on certain metals (such as copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum) or wood and stone surfaces due to natural oxidation