How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost?

Are your gutters old, leaky, or damaged? Are you worried about how much new gutters will cost? Like most home improvements, how much gutter replacement costs vary depending on several factors. However, you can expect to pay $5 to $32 per foot to install gutters. From the size of your house to the materials you choose, we explore the cost factors associated with gutter replacement.

Average Gutter Replacement Cost per Linear Foot

The national average gutter replacement costs between $5 and $32 per foot including materials, labor, and installation. However, the exact gutter installation cost will vary based on several factors.

These include the size of your home and the type of gutter you choose. Other factors include whether roof or house repairs are needed, if you are adding gutter guard protection, and if you are using a professional installation company.

When it comes to replacing gutters, homeowners can expect the cost to vary based on a few key factors. The size of your home is one such factor. You will pay more if you own a larger house with more roofline footage than someone with a smaller home.

How To Estimate Costs

In order to estimate your total gutter replacement cost, you need several calculations. First, you need to make sure to have the exact measurements of your roof, including its pitch, gutter width, and length in feet.

Taking these measurements accurately is crucial for estimating the correct amount of material needed and avoiding costly mistakes. If you’re comfortable with climbing a ladder to take measurements, you can easily calculate these values yourself.

Start by measuring each section of your roof’s length and width, then multiply them together to obtain the square footage of that area. Then add them up to get the total square footage.

Once you have the square footage of your roof, you need to determine the pitch. Starting at the edge of the eaves, measure 12 inches straight back. This is called the run.

Mark that spot, then use a t-square to find that same spot on the roof deck. Then measure the length from that spot to the roof edge. This is called the rise.

Calculate the pitch with this formula: rise ÷ run x 12 = pitch. For example, if the rise is 6 inches and the run is 12 inches, the pitch would be 6/12 x 12 = 6.

Finally, measure the linear length of all your gutters with a tape measure. Measure the exact length of every section of your roof and add them up to calculate the total number of linear feet.

What Factors Determine the Cost of Gutter Installation

The main factors that influence the cost of gutter replacement are your home size, the gutter material and style, and labor cost. However, there are several other factors. Here are all of the factors that could contribute to the total cost of gutter installation.

Size of Your Home

When it comes to replacing your home’s gutters, the size of your house plays a crucial role in determining both the material cost and labor expenses.

Typically, gutter replacement companies charge by linear foot. This means the larger your home is, the more feet of gutters you need. As a result, you will pay more for gutters.

The same is true if your home is very tall. Installers will need specialized equipment to reach the upper levels of your home. As a result, they will take additional safety measures to avoid accidents.

Gutter Materials

When it comes to replacing your gutters, the material you choose can greatly impact the overall cost. Material costs can range from as low as $3 to as high as $30 per linear foot. It’s important to consider both the initial cost of the material and its durability in order to make an informed decision.

In general, aluminum and vinyl tend to be more affordable options when it comes to gutter replacement. These materials are lightweight and easy to install, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.

On the other end of the spectrum, stainless steel and copper gutters tend to be more expensive due to their durability and sleek appearance. While they may require a larger investment upfront, they often last longer than cheaper alternatives. This added durability makes them a smart investment in the long run.

Ultimately, balancing cost with quality is key when choosing new gutters for your home.

Gutter Style & Size

There are many different sizes and types of gutters available. The most popular styles on the market are half-round, K-style, and fascia-style gutters.

Known for their distinctive curved appearance, half-round gutters are great at carrying water. However, they require more frequent cleaning because they tend to clog more often. Average prices for half-round gutters range from $4 to $19 per foot depending on the materials used.

Often considered the classic gutter style, K-style gutters loosely resemble the letter K. They have a flat back and bottom, with an angled front. The front often includes a decorative pattern or edge. Depending on the material, the average cost of K-style gutters is $4 to $21 per linear foot.

Fascia-style gutters are becoming increasingly popular for their distinctive look. However, they are usually custom designed to fit your house. This increases the overall cost and makes installation more complicated.

The average range for custom fascia gutters is between $6 and $36 based on the material you choose and other factors. Also, you cannot install them yourself since they are custom shaped and cut to fit your house.

Aside from the style, you also need to consider the gutter size. 5- and 6-inch gutters are standard, but some styles come in ranges from 7 to 9 inches or larger. The added size allows for more water flow and is better suited in areas prone to above-average rainfall.

Seamless gutters are pretty much the industry standard. However, sectional gutters are still available. Seamless options usually cost a little more, but they are easier to maintain and less likely to leak and clog.

Labor & Installation

Depending on the exact specifications of your gutter installation project, you can expect average labor costs to account for 40 to 60% of the total price. This cost covers all installers working on your house as well as the equipment and tools.

While you can save on installation costs by doing the work yourself, you may need to rent ladders or other equipment. You will also need at least one other person for DIY installation. More often than not, you will need several other people.

Consider the cost advantages of do-it-yourself installation verse the time savings in hiring a gutter replacement company.

Downspouts

Downspouts redirect the water collected by your gutters away from your home’s foundation and into a safe drainage area. Like gutters, the cost of downspouts varies by material.

Vinyl or aluminum designs come at a cost of $5 to $8 per linear foot. However, higher-end options like steel or copper may be desired for their increased durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

Expect to pay anywhere from $9 to $12 per foot for steel downspouts, while cooper models will cost as much as $17 to $20 per foot.

Other costs to consider are downspout accessories such as splash blocks, drains, flashing, or hangers.

Geographic Location

While there are regional variations in material costs and labor, the climate in your area is the biggest cost factor. Typically this has the biggest impact on the size of the gutter.

For example, 7-inch gutters are common throughout the Pacific Northwest. In comparison, 5-inch gutters are more common in the Midwest.

Aside from the size, certain locations will also impact the material. For example, stronger and more durable steel gutters are more common in Denver because of the frequent and intense hail storms.

Similarly, vinyl gutters are prone to warping in high heat and sun. While they are suitable in some climates, they are not always the best option in Southern states.

Whereas aluminum gutters offer cost-effective durability in colder climates that are prone to heavy snow and ice build-up.

Additional Factors

In addition to the cost factors outlined above, there are several other considerations that can drive up costs. From adding gutter protection to making roof and fascia repairs, the costs will vary depending on your specific needs.