Cost to Install or Replace Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are the unsung heroes protecting the structural integrity and aesthetics of your home. It is essential for gutters to be maintained and replaced when necessary. When gutters are old and faulty, they will no longer protect your home from water damage after a storm. If the gutters no longer funnel water away from your home, moisture can damage the roof, chimney, walls and foundation. As an attentive homeowner, you may be wondering about the cost for gutter replacement.

Total Costs of New Gutters

As a general rule, the total cost for new gutters will cost anywhere from $4 to $8 per linear foot for aluminum gutters. Vinyl gutters will cost less, with an average from $3 to $6 per linear foot. These figures are just to give you a “ball-park” idea. Your gutter replacement cost will depend upon several factors such as: 

• Your location
• The size of your home
• The design of your home
• The type of materials used (Vinyl, Aluminum, Steel, Copper)
• The type of gutters ( Traditional or Seamless) 

For a cost comparison, aluminum gutters will give you a good average as they fall in the “mid” cost range for gutter replacement. Aluminum is a good material for gutter installations because it is lightweight, durable and rust-free.  

Gutter Installation Cost per Linear Foot 

The average gutter installation cost per linear foot is $4 to $8 for aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters are the most popular, but if you needed to lower the cost you could go with Vinyl gutters. Vinyl gutters are the easiest to install and cost less with an average installation price of $3 to $6 per linear foot. However, vinyl gutters also have a short lifespan and are not durable so they will cost a property owner more in the long run as they have to be replaced more often which is something to keep in mind.

Upper end materials for gutters are steel and copper. Steel gutters will cost $6 to $9 per linear foot on average. Copper gutters are the most expensive with an average price of $15 to $28 per linear foot.

Average Cost in Install Gutters by House Size

For aluminum, the average home requiring 150 to 200 feet of gutters, the total gutter replacement cost will run from $600 to $1600 for installation. The national average gutter replacement cost is $1065. These figures will guide you when you are receiving gutter replacement price quotes from local gutter replacement companies.

Additional Gutter Material Costs

There are additional materials to consider when estimating gutter replacement costs. The following list of materials reflects the average cost when using aluminum. 

Additional gutter replacement materials:

• Downspouts                                   $2 to $5 per linear foot
• Downspout Elbows                       $9 each
• Gutter Hanger or brackets          $1 to $5 each
• Flashing                                          $1 to $5 each
• Splash Guards                               $8 each

Vinyl materials will cost less than the aluminum prices listed above with steel and copper materials costing more. The cost for steel pushes the price for materials up, but is an excellent option because steel is strong, flexible and long lasting. Copper is the best material for gutter replacements but is also the most expensive. And as a word of caution, thieves are drawn to copper because of its resale value.

Gutter Installation Cost by Type – Traditional & Seamless

Not all gutters are constructed and installed the same.  There are two different types of gutters, traditional and seamless, to choose from that will affect the cost. 

General average cost comparison between traditional (sectional) or seamless aluminum gutters:

Aluminum sectional gutters run $5-$10 per foot vs Aluminum seamless at $6 - $13 per foot.

Traditional gutters come in sections and are fashioned together during installation. The installation process is easier and therefore less expensive. The seams and joints have to be tightly sealed to function properly. Eventually the joints and seams can separate causing leaks and areas for debris to catch on, causing clogs. Traditional gutters are less expensive but require more maintenance.

Seamless gutter installation will be customized to your home and manufactured as one long section with very few joints and seams. Rainwater easily flows through seamless gutters and will allow debris to flow out with the water. Seamless gutters cost a little more initially, but will outperform traditional gutters. Seamless gutters also require less maintenance, therefore providing a savings due to fewer repair bills in the future. Any experienced gutter installation contractor will recommend seamless gutters due to all the benefits and cost savings they provide to home and business owners.

When Hiring an Expert Gutter Installation Company, Keep These Tips in Mind

Ask friends, family and other people you know for an expert gutter installation company they would recommend. Word of mouth recommendations usually are authentic and spoken from experience with your best interest in mind. 

An expert gutter installation contractor will not require full payment until the job is complete. A good gutter replacement company will offer free estimates, will be licensed and insured and have online testimonials from their customers. 

The best gutter company is local and well established in the community, guaranteeing their work and providing warranties on products to uphold an excellent reputation. They will offer a wide range of services to keep your gutters maintained and will be there when you need them.