How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost? (2024 Homeowner’s Guide)

How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost? (2024 Homeowner’s Guide)

In this guide on gutter installation cost , you’ll learn:

  • Gutter installation costs based on material
  • How gutter style affects pricing
  • How to estimate your own gutter installation cost
  • The benefits of replacing your existing gutters

This guide has helped many homeowners learn more about gutter installation costs and determine an estimate for their own home gutter project. Fill out your zip code below if you want to get a personalized quote for gutter companies in your area.

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Here at EcoWatch, we’re all about finding solutions for homeowners, which is why we create guides for various home improvement projects. If you’re in the market for new gutters or a gutter replacement, you might be wondering how much gutter installation project costs and which gutter materials are best to use.

The EcoWatch reviews team has analyzed market research, industry data and customer feedback to determine the average cost of gutter installations. In this gutter installation and replacement cost guide, we’ll discuss different types of gutter styles, materials and other questions you may have about gutter installation.

If you’re interested in getting the best gutter guards to reduce or eliminate debris buildup in your new gutters, we recommend the companies below.

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LeafFilter

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Average cost

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  • Positive customer reviews
  • Has green initiatives
  • Competitive pricing

Cons

  • Not DIY-friendly
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MasterShield

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Average cost

Pros

  • Made from sustainable and/or recycled materials
  • Materials are recyclable
  • Lifetime and/or comprehensive warranty
  • Lots of color and design options
  • Has green initiatives

Cons

  • Expensive products or installation fees
  • Reports of clogging
  • Made of non-recyclable materials
  • Not DIY-friendly
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HomeCraft

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Average cost

Pros

  • Offers pitched/diamond designs for better flow

Cons

  • No stated commitment to bettering the environment
  • Some negative online reviews
  • Limited availability

Average Cost for Gutter Replacement or Installation

Note: Unless described otherwise, all costs referenced in this article include materials and labor.

Whether you’re installing a new gutter system or replacing an existing one, it’s going to be a costly project. Based on the data our team has gathered, gutter installation costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. The national average price for gutter installation is around $3,000, which comes out to about $20 per linear foot based on the average 2,400-square-foot home.

On the high end, we’ve seen gutter prices soar over $11,000, which could be the case if your project requires more gutters than the average home for example, if it’s multi-story or has a lot of square footage. Your cost can also spiral upward if you choose an expensive gutter material such as copper, which we’ll discuss below. 

Gutter Installation Costs by Material

The material you choose for your gutters will play a major role in the total cost of your gutter installation. Vinyl or aluminum materials cost around $3 to $6 per linear foot, while higher-end materials like steel, titanium zinc and copper can cost upwards of $10 to $30 per linear foot.

Below you’ll find material cost estimates for gutter installations for an average home.

Material Vinyl Aluminum Steel Titanium Zinc Copper
Gutters (200 linear feet) $600–$1,200 $1,000–$3,000 $1,200–$4,800 $2,000–$4,400 $3,600–$6,000
Hangers (40) and brackets (40) $160 $200 $320 $1,400 $1,600
Downspouts (6×10 linear feet) $120–$240 $120–$300 $300–$600 $400–$900 $600–$1,500
End caps (6) $9 $15 $21 $22 $24
Elbows (6) $27 $41 $75 $82 $90
Flashing (260 linear feet) $130 $130 $130 $130 $130
Splash blocks (6) $48 $48 $48 $48 $48
Labor costs $800 $1,200 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000
Total gutter installation costs (with labor) $1,894–$2,614 $2,754–$4,934 $3,694–$7,594 $5,892–$8,782 $8,092–$11,392

Environmental Impact of Gutter Materials

EcoWatch isn’t like most other review websites, as we try to find solutions for the eco-conscious homeowner. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like there’s been a ton of time spent studying sustainability in the gutter industry and most gutter companies don’t touch on environmental impact. 

So, we’ve tracked down what we can to evaluate the environmental footprint of the different materials rain gutter systems can be made of: vinyl, uPVC, aluminum, galvanized steel, titanium zinc and copper. Here are our findings:

Vinyl (PVC)

vinyl gutter installation cost
Vinyl K-style gutters. Courtesy Home Depot

Vinyl gutters made from plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the most common type of gutter — and the most budget-friendly. But, unfortunately, they’re also the most detrimental to the environment. 

PVC contains toxic chemicals known as phthalates to make the plastic more flexible and durable. Still, weathering, sunlight and other factors that cause daily wear and tear on PVC gutters make the material break down and become brittle. It then forms microcracks that leach toxic particles into the air, soil and water.1

All that aside, vinyl gutters don’t hold up well in extreme hot or cold climates, so they’re not recommended in areas that see heavy rain or snowfall or high heat. Depending on weather conditions, vinyl gutters last around 10 to 20 years.

uPVC

While PVC is horrible for the environment, research shows that uPVC — unplasticized polyvinyl chloride — has the smallest carbon footprint when compared to metal gutters, including aluminum, titanium zinc and galvanized steel. 2, 3, 4  UPVC is a safer alternative to PVC that does not contain phthalates or BPA (bisphenol A, another additive of concern to plastics) and can be recycled, safely melted and reshaped.

The image below shows how uPVC’s carbon footprint compares relative to other gutter materials: aluminum, galvanized steel and titanium zinc (uPVC is referred to as PVC-U in Europe, where this data was gathered). Note: the graphic does not intend to compare the three non-PVC-U materials against each other, and each of the three different “footprints” for PVC-U is only relative to the material above it.

Carbon Footprint Comparisons of Gutter Materials

carbon gutter installation cost
Source: The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA)
Aluminum Gutter installation cost
Seamless aluminum gutters. Courtesy Energy Masters

Aluminum

While not as eco-friendly as uPVC, aluminum is still an OK gutter material and is sometimes made from recycled material. Aluminum gutters are rust-resistant, easy to install and lightweight. However, the light weight of the material makes them more susceptible to bending and cracking compared to other gutter materials. 

Aluminum gutters tend to last about 20 years, but aluminum downspouts — the part of the gutter that runs vertically down the side of the house, can last 30 to 50 years. Aluminum gutters are also recyclable.

Read Also: Best Aluminum Gutter Guards

Galvanized Steel

Steel is stronger and heavier than aluminum, making galvanized steel gutters a much more durable and eco-friendly option. Because of their durability, galvanized steel gutters hold up well in heavy rainfall and tend to last 20 to 30 years. They’re also recyclable. Professional installation is typically required for new or replacement galvanized steel gutter systems.

Titanium Zinc

Titanium zinc, or pre-weathered zinc, is a high-end option that doesn’t rust and forms a self-healing patina (thin film) that can obscure scratches and scrapes, keeping your gutters looking nice for 80 years or more. That’s why they’re a much more costly option. 

According to The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA), they’re not as environmentally friendly compared to other metals. But because they last so long, they don’t have to be replaced with new material as often.

Copper Gutter installation cost
Copper gutters. Courtesy Essex Seamless Gutters

Copper Gutters

You don’t come across copper gutters often, but they’re another long-lasting option — up to 50 years or more — if well-maintained with proper gutter cleaning. Copper is much more expensive than other options, but it’s also much easier to recycle.

Gutter Installation Costs by Style

Sectional vs. Seamless Gutter Installation Costs

There are two main types of gutters: sectional and seamless. Sectional gutters are the traditional style, coming in pre-cut lengths of 5, 10 or 15 feet. You (or the contractor you hire) join up the gutters to line the edge of your roof. Sectional gutter installation is an easier and, therefore, cheaper installation process.

On average, sectional gutters cost between $3 and $20 per linear foot, although it depends on the material you choose. The problem with sectional gutters is that the points of attachment between pieces can become weak, leading to leaks or corrosion.

gutter installation cost (type and style)
Courtesy: Barry’s Best

The alternative is seamless gutter systems, which are customized to your home. A professional gutter company will come to your house with a machine that folds metal sheets on the spot, creating seamless gutters to match the widths and lengths of your home. 

As you might expect, seamless gutters cost more than sectional gutters, although the cost is heavily dependent on material. Aluminum seamless gutters cost between $5 and $20 per linear foot, steel between $9 and $25, and copper between $24 and $40.

Other Style Customizations

After you choose between sectional and seamless gutters, you’ll then pick the shape of gutter you want. There are typically three styles to choose from: K-style, half-round or custom-built fascia gutters.

K-Style Gutters

K-style gutters resemble the letter K when viewed from the side, hence their name. This is the most common type of gutter it nails directly to the fascia board without the need for brackets. 

K-style gutters are decorative at the front, resembling a crown molding, which makes them a popular choice aesthetically. Additionally, K-style gutters are usually able to carry more water compared to half-round gutters, making them a better choice for rainy or cold weather states that see a decent amount of snow. 

However, the inner angles of K-style gutters tend to accumulate debris that sits and rots, making them a little harder to clean compared to half-round, which could raise your gutter cleaning costs.

Half-Round Gutter Installation Costs

Half-round gutters are another aptly-named product, shaped like a tube cut in half horizontally. The gutter size and open shape help them carry water effectively, but also leave them prone to plant debris clogs, which is why many homeowners with this type of gutter choose to install gutter guards. 

However, half-round’s curved sides don’t allow them to sit flush against the fascia boards, so you’ll likely need brackets to hold them in place. Aesthetically, half-round rain gutters aren’t as decorative as K-style and are typically only common on homes built before 1960.

Custom-Built Fascia Gutters

Custom-built fascia gutters are a type of seamless gutter that are — you guessed it — custom built for your home. This also makes fascia gutters more expensive, as they must be made and professionally installed, as opposed to K-style and half-round gutters, which you could buy and install yourself.

How to Calculate Gutter Installation Cost

It’s hard to know exact pricing without getting a professional estimate from a gutter installation company, but here are a few factors to keep in mind when trying to calculate your gutter installation cost.

Materials

As we’ve discussed throughout this guide, gutter material will play a huge role in your gutter installation cost, especially for a DIY gutter installation. We’ve already detailed how material impacts total gutter installation costs, but below, you can see how the costs compare per linear foot of gutter material. Keep in mind that the average home has between 100 and 250 linear feet of gutters.

Material Vinyl Aluminum Steel Titanium Zinc Copper
Cost (per linear foot) $1–$2 $2–$3 $8–$10 $10–$22 $15–$25
Total Cost (100 linear feet of gutters) $100–$200 $200–$300 $800–$1,000 $1,000–$2,200 $1,500–$2,500
Total Cost (250 linear feet of gutters) $250–$500 $500–$750 $2,000–$2,500 $2,500–$5,500 $3,750–$6,250

Labor

Some homeowners successfully complete DIY gutter installations, but you’re limited to sectional gutters made of lightweight materials like vinyl and aluminum. While you’ll save money on installation costs, you’ll likely spend more in the long run, as these materials aren’t as durable compared to others.

If you choose to hire a professional gutter company, know that labor costs can vary depending on geographic location, the material you choose and the difficulty of the installation. Here are a few factors that professional gutter contractors consider when giving a gutter system estimate:

  • Home size: Labor costs are going to be cheaper on a single-story home compared to a two-story or multi-story home. If your house has more than one story, it’s going to be a more difficult and risky installation, so you can expect the price to rise from $1 to $7 per linear foot for labor.
  • Material: As discussed, materials that are custom-made by gutter contractors on site, or ones that are heavier and harder to install, will increase your labor costs.
  • Gutter size and style: If your gutters are an unusual size or style, you’ll probably be charged more for labor.
  • Number of corners: The corners are the trickiest part of installing a gutter system. If your roof has more than six corners, you’ll likely be charged extra for labor.
  • Roof accessibility and steepness: Anything that makes a gutter installation more dangerous is going to cost you more for labor because of the increased risk to the contractors. Expect higher gutter installation costs if you have a steep roof or one where the eaves are harder to access.
  • Geographic location: If you live in a city or neighborhood with a higher cost of living, labor costs will likely be higher.
  • In-house manufacturing: Gutter companies that manufacture their own gutters will usually quote lower prices than companies that charge separately for material and labor.

Fortunately, most gutter installation companies will come to your home and give you a free estimate. We recommend getting two to three quotes from different companies to find one that works best for you. But remember, the lowest estimate isn’t always the best estimate — make sure to listen to everything a company offers and check customer reviews for credibility.

Gutter Replacement

Gutter replacements will cost a bit more than a new gutter installation, as contractors will have the additional task of removing your old gutters. It shouldn’t be too much of a difference — cost data shows an additional $2 per linear foot for gutter replacements.

If your fascia boards or soffits have rotted or are damaged in any way, you’ll need some extra room in your budget to have those replaced for your new gutter system. Those repairs cost an average of $13 per foot but can run anywhere between $6 and $20.

Gutter Type

As discussed, it’s not just the material, but the type of gutter you install that will affect the cost. On average, sectional gutters cost between $3 and $20 per linear foot, while seamless gutters cost between $5 and $40 per linear foot, depending on type of material used. Seamless gutters tend to be longer lasting, so you can expect more bang for your buck.

Climate

If you live in an area with extreme weather, like high winds or hefty snowfalls, you’ll probably need extra reinforcements to keep your gutters in place. You’ll also likely be limited to choosing more expensive, more durable gutter materials. Expect these factors to be reflected in labor costs as well.

Home Size

Gutter Anatomy installation cost
Courtesy: Home Tips

This one is pretty self-explanatory the bigger your home’s footprint, the more gutter material you’ll need. Most gutter companies charge extra for installation on two-story or multi-story homes because the gutter systems take longer to install and there’s more risk involved.

Downspouts and End Caps

In addition to the gutters that go along your roof, you’ll need to have downspouts and end caps installed. You can’t install a gutter system without these components, so in most cases, they’ll be included in your professional installation quote. But you should still be aware of their prices when trying to calculate gutter installation costs, especially if you’re planning to install your own.

Downspouts (the pipes that run vertically down your home) are crucial to direct water from rain and snowmelt away from your home’s foundation. Downspouts are required for every 40 feet of gutter, so most homes need somewhere between four and eight downspouts. The downspouts cost between $1.20 to $20 per linear foot, depending on material.

End caps are attached to the end of each gutter on each side, sealing off the gutter and preventing water from spilling out of the ends. The number of endcaps you need depends on how many linear feet of gutter your home requires.

Note that your downspout and end cap material must match the material of your gutter in order for them to work properly. Below is a look at the average pricing range for downspouts and end caps (materials only).

Material Vinyl Aluminum Steel Titanium Zinc Copper
Cost per downspout $1.20–$5 $1.50–$12 $2.50–$15 $8–$12 $12–$20
Cost per end cap $1.50 $2.50 $3.50 $3.50 $4

Additional Cost Considerations

Here are some other cost factors that play into gutter costs:

Gutter System Components

Additional gutter system components include hangers and brackets, elbows, splash blocks, gutter guards and heat tape. Below, you’ll find a quick explanation of what these items are and how much you can expect to pay for each.

  • Hangers and brackets are used to attach the gutters to your roof and hold them in place. You’ll need hangers (and possibly brackets) every 2 to 3 feet. Cost: $2 to $32 each
  • Elbows help with water flow and drainage. Cost: $5 to $7 each.
  • Splash blocks direct the downward flow of water away from your home. Cost: About $8 each
  • Downspout extensions direct water further away from your home’s foundation with above- or below-ground piping. Above-ground downspout extensions typically cost between $5 and $20 and direct water 3 to 4 feet away from your home. For below-ground, nearly invisible downspout extensions, expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000, as you’re essentially adding new sewage pipes.
  • Heat tape prevents ice dams by melting snow and ice, so it’s recommended if you live in a cold climate with frequent winter weather events. Cost: About $0.55 per linear foot
  • Flashing goes along each gutter and downspout to prevent water damage to your roof or siding. Cost: $0.40 to $2.50 per linear foot
  • Gutter guards keep leaf and plant debris, as well as pests and insects, away from your gutters to prevent clogging. Gutter guards cost between $0.40 and $6.50 per linear foot for DIY, or between $7 to $35 per linear foot installed professionally.

Gutter Services

There are a couple of services you can opt for that can add to the cost of improving and maintaining your gutter system:

  • Gutter painting: Some gutters can be painted if you’d like them to better match your home’s aesthetic. The average cost to paint gutters is around $2 per linear foot, and some contractors impose a $500 minimum.
  • Gutter cleaning and maintenance: This is necessary to prevent blockage and keep your gutters working properly for as long as possible. You can do it yourself, but professional gutter cleaning typically costs between $100 and $200 per service.

How Many Linear Feet of Gutter Do I Need To Install?

On average, homes in the U.S. will need between 100 and 250 linear feet of gutters. When you request a quote with a gutter installation company, a contractor will come to your home to provide an exact number and give you a quote.

If you’re wondering how to calculate how many linear feet of gutter you need to get a better estimate — or for a DIY gutter installation — all you need to know is your home’s square footage. Linear feet is equal to the length times the width of your home. If you have a multi-story home, you may need more feet of gutter to accommodate longer downspouts.

Home Square Footage Home Linear Feet Average Cost for Gutter Installation
1,000 sq. ft 126 feet $880–$2,770
1,600 sq. ft 160 feet $1,120–$3,520
2,500 sq. ft 200 feet $1,400–$4,400
3,600 sq. ft 240 feet $1,680–$5,280

Benefits of Replacing Your Existing Gutters

If your home has existing gutters, you may not think much about replacing them, especially if you haven’t had any problems with water stains or home flooding. However, there are multiple benefits to replacing your gutter system.

Increased Protection

You may not have had problems with your gutters yet, but how old are they? Most gutters systems last between 10 and 30 years, so if you’ve moved into an older home, it may be time to replace yours. Old gutters are more prone to leaks and corrosion, which can lead to water damage and flooding of your home and lawn — possibly far more costly and frustrating than replacing your gutters. 

Less Upkeep

The older your gutter system, the more frequent cleaning and maintenance it will require. If you’re paying for professional gutter cleaning, those costs will eventually outpace the cost of replacing your entire gutter system. And, sure, there’s always DIY gutter cleaning, but that’s not only a hassle, but it can also be dangerous. 

Having new replacement gutters installed will save you time and money on gutter cleaning and maintenance, especially if you add gutter guards to keep leaves, pine needles and other debris out of your gutters.

Prevents Hazards

An old or deteriorating gutter system can be hazardous. If water runoff isn’t drained properly, it can create slippery surfaces, and, in freezing temperatures, ice build-up around your home. Water can also build up in improperly functioning gutters and create ice dams that risk structural damage to your roof. 

Water not draining away from your home in warm weather can attract mosquitoes and other pests. 

Increases Curb Appeal

A new gutter system can instantly boost your home’s appearance. If you’re planning to sell your house, having new, functional gutters is a great selling point.

How Do I Tell If I Need To Install New Gutters?

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need new gutters every 10 to 50 years, depending on your gutter material. This is quite the large range, so here are a few other ways to tell if it’s time for a new gutter system:

  • Damaged gutters: If you see cracks or splits (no matter how small), it’s time for new gutters. A small crack can lead to a big water damage issue, affecting your fascia boards, roof shingles and even your home’s foundation.
  • Rotting, mold or mildew: Signs of rotting, mold or mildew around your gutters means that water isn’t flowing through them properly. This can be hazardous to both your home and your family, as mold can spread to other parts of your home and cause respiratory issues.
  • Gutter paint peeling: A bit of paint peeling may seem like a cosmetic issue, but it’s usually a sign that your gutters are rusting. Rust likely means that water isn’t moving properly through your gutters.
  • Flooded landscaping/water pooling: If you see pools of water around your gutters, it could be due to a debris clog, or it could be a more complex issue. Water pooling can be dangerous because it makes surface areas slippery, especially during winter. But it can also be damaging to your lawn and your home’s foundation.
  • Basement flooding: In a worst-case scenario, a malfunctioning gutter system can lead to basement flooding. If your basement floods, it’s past time to invest in new gutters.

Questions Your Gutter Installation Company Should Answer

Whether you’re a home improvement expert or an amatuer, asking the right questions is key to optimizing your gutter installation process. Here are some of the right questions to ask your gutter installation company to ensure desired results and avoid misunderstandings.

  • Do you have proof of insurance or a license?
  • Do you have references?
  • Are these gutter materials protected under warranty? How about labor?
  • How long will installation take?
  • How did you calculate the estimated costs? (Ask for an itemized list)
  • Are gutter guards part of the installation?
  • Is gutter removal included in the quote? (If applicable)
  • Can you repair any damage before installation? What will that cost?
  • Will you clean up after the installation?

FAQ: Gutter Installation Cost

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The EcoWatch Reviews team is your trusted source for sustainable home recommendations. We know it can be hard to find eco-friendly solutions to common homeowner headaches. We're here to help by providing honest, unbiased reviews of brands and services. Our reviews and rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.
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Melissa is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainability studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a nonprofit that’s featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.