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Key takeaways
Homeowners can pay anywhere between $600 and $4,500 to install new gutters.
The cost depends on the gutter type, material and length and additional factors like local labor costs.
Vinyl sectional gutters are the most affordable to install but may be more susceptible to leaks, sagging and other deterioration.
Your local environment should be a key factor in determining the type of gutter you choose.
In 2024, homeowners will pay between $600 and $4,500 to install new gutters. This considerable range leaves many wondering: What, exactly, affects the price, and how can I budget accurately?
Gutter installation cost depends on several key factors, including your roof’s size, the gutter materials and any additional services needed. Premium materials, such as copper and wood, or extras, like gutter guards, will raise the price. Labor costs in your general area can also play a part.
What is the average cost of a gutter installation?
Installing basic aluminum gutters on a standard single-story home will cost between $600 and $2,400, according to Danny Horboychuk, brand president of the gutter contracting company The Brothers That Just Do Gutters.
However, the cost to install gutters can easily exceed $2,400 if you use copper or wood instead of aluminum, add linear footage to cover a larger roof, opt for gutter guards or need more downspouts.
Below, we break down average costs from lowest to highest to give an idea of common price points:
Average cost of gutter installation
- Low-end cost (e.g., standard vinyl or aluminum gutters for a small one-story home): $600 to $1,000
- Average cost (e.g., aluminum or galvanized steel gutters for a mid-sized home): $1,500 to $2,400
- High-end cost (e.g., premium materials with extra add-ons for a large multi-family home): $2,500 to $4,500
Sectional vs. seamless gutters: Cost comparison
Sectional and seamless are the two main styles of gutters.
Sectional gutters, the traditional style, come in 5- to 15-foot-long precut sections that are pieced together during installation. Craig Young, vice president and CFO of the roofing company Roof Doctors, explains that “while more affordable initially, they may be prone to leaks at the seams over time.” On average, sectional gutters cost $3 to $30 per linear foot.
Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are formed on-site to fit the exact dimensions of the house, reducing leak risk. However, because they’re customized to fit each home, seamless gutter installation typically costs twice as much as a sectional gutter installation. Jonathan Klemm, the founder and CEO of Chicago-based general contracting company Quality Builders, says seamless gutters run between $6 and $50 per linear foot depending on the material.
What factors affect the cost of gutter installation?
The total cost of gutter installation can vary widely based on:
- Choice of material (aluminum, vinyl, steel, zinc, wood or copper)
- Gutter type (sectional is more affordable than seamless)
- Labor costs (which vary based on your location and contractor rates)
- Length of gutters required (determined by the size of your home)
- Add-ons (like gutter guards or downspout extensions)
Gutter material
Selecting the material for your gutters is an important decision. It affects cost, durability and the length of time the gutters will last.
When choosing, consider your home’s location and any related climate concerns. Live near the ocean? You’ll want a material that resists corrosion from sea air. Don’t look at only the price — think about longevity given your location’s weather and environmental factors.
Here’s a glance at the average costs for each material, along with its key pros and cons.
Gutter installation cost by material
|
|
Cost range per linear square foot
|
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3 to $10 |
| Aluminum | $4 to $15 |
| Galvanized steel | $6 to $20 |
| Zinc | $12 to $38 |
| Copper | $15 to $40 |
| Wood | $17 to $32 |
|
|
Pros
|
|---|---|
| Vinyl | Cheapest option for those on a tight budget |
| Aluminum | Affordable and lightweight for DIY installations |
| Galvanized steel | Durable and rust-resistant due to a zinc coating |
| Zinc | Available in a stunning anthracite metallic finish to suit various house exteriors |
| Copper | Very robust (can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance) |
| Wood | Natural appearance, complementing many home styles |
|
|
Cons
|
|---|---|
| Vinyl | Prone to sagging, cracks and early deterioration |
| Aluminum | Doesn’t perform well in extreme temperatures (contracts when cool, expands when hot) |
| Galvanized steel | Difficult to install yourself (heavy and may require welding) |
| Zinc | Vulnerable to salt water (not ideal for coastal homes) |
| Copper | Steep upfront cost because the whole system has to be made of copper |
| Wood | Requires more maintenance to fight off harsh elements |
Installation and labor costs
Installation and labor make up 60% of your total gutter material cost.
This price depends on:
- Your location (high-cost-of-living areas will make gutter installation more expensive)
- Your home size and type (homes with two to three stories will cost more than those with one story)
- Steep or inaccessible roofs
- Number of corners on your roof
- Unconventional or specialized gutter styles
Nationally, professional gutter installation costs an average of $6 to $9 per linear foot. However, more complex projects requiring specialty equipment may be more expensive.
pro tip
- Get multiple quotes to compare labor rates in your area. But remember, cheaper isn’t necessarily better. An experienced installer who charges more may save you hundreds in the long run through superior workmanship. Prioritize quality over price as much as you can.
Gutter length
Contractors measure gutter length in linear feet, and the price of materials is per foot. Longer roofs need more footage of gutters, which can drive up costs. “Expect to pay between $5 to $25 per linear foot,” says Chris Stevenson, a longtime roofer at contracting company 730 South Exteriors in Denver.
Additional cost considerations
Aside from installation labor, additional gutter components, customizations and site scenarios also affect your total investment:
- Gutter guards: Adding gutter guards to prevent clogs and debris buildup in gutters costs an extra $3.50 to $15 per linear foot.
- Downspout extensions: Extending downspouts away from the home’s foundation costs $5 to $20 each, depending on the length, type and material quality.
- Difficult site access: Prices may increase if the roof is difficult to access, requiring specialty equipment.
- Roof pitch: Steep roofs often require more brackets and supports, raising labor time and costs.
When is it time to replace your gutters?
Owner and Operational Director at U.K.-based construction company Springfield Steel Buildings, John Davis, suggests it’s time to replace your gutters if you notice the following signs:
- Frequent clogs and drainage problems, such as pooling water
- Visible deterioration and damage, like peeling paint, cracking, sagging and warping
- Water damage inside and outside of the home, especially around areas near the gutter itself
- Water stains, mold or mildew on exterior walls
DIY gutter installation vs. hiring a professional
Should you install your own gutters or hire a pro to help? That depends.
pro tip
- Severe issues like water infiltration may require a full system replacement, while localized clogs or minor damage can sometimes be repaired DIY with proper precautions.
DIY installation costs less upfront because you avoid labor fees. But it requires more physical effort, skill and risk. If something goes wrong during installation, you could end up hiring a pro to help you fix a costly mistake. But DIY can be a viable option if your roof is single-story with easy access and you’re comfortable taking on a physically demanding project.
On the other hand, professionals have the expertise to size and pitch gutters to maximize drainage and lifespan. They can also safely access and work on tall or steep roofs. “For larger or more complex projects, hiring a trusted professional helps ensure proper installation and avoid costly mistakes,” suggests Stevenson. Top-notch workmanship means you’ll save money down the road by preventing problems.
How to save money on gutter installation
Stevenson recommends five money-saving tips for gutter installation:
- Choose standard gutter materials and designs over custom options.
- Get multiple quotes and compare pricing between professional contractors and gutter installers.
- Invest in a reputable contractor to avoid maintenance costs down the line.
- Maintain your gutters properly and regularly to extend their lifespan and avoid repairs.
- Get new gutters during the off-season (some contractors may offer generous discounts).
pro tip
- Check online reviews to get a feel for real customer experiences. Avoid contractors with many low ratings or negative reviews.
Bottom line
New gutter installation or replacement can be pricey, especially if you choose premium materials like wood or zinc. But the investment makes sense for those living in wet climates and need protection against water damage. When installed properly with suitable materials, gutters can last 20 years or more.