Gutters are an essential part of a functioning and safe home. Gutters divert water from the walls and foundation, preventing water damage, erosion, and many other problems. Although hiring a gutter installation company may not be cheap, it can save you time and money in the long run when it comes to gutter installation costs.
In this article, I’ll help you calculate your next gutter installation cost by outlining everything that can affect the price of a gutter system.
To ensure the information is as accurate as possible, I used data collected from real gutter installers, including prices for materials, labor, and other overhead costs. Read on to figure out exactly what you’ll need to budget for gutter installation costs.
How Much Do Gutters Cost to Install?
A gutter installation can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $6,500. The national average price for a gutter installation is between $2,178 and $3,608. This expansive price range is due to the many factors contributing to gutter costs — primarily material type and gutter design.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the national average cost of gutter installations:
Low-end | Average | High-end |
$1,328 | $2,178 – $3,608 | $6,590 |
What Factors Affect the Cost of Gutter Installations?
As mentioned above, when determining the cost of gutter installations, two major factors affect prices: materials and gutter type. Some materials, like vinyl, are extremely affordable, costing as little as $6 per linear foot to be installed. Other materials, like copper or zinc, can cost as much as $32 per linear foot, making them luxury options. Gutter design also plays a part in cost, with certain types increasing your expenditure by as much as 100%.
Cost of Gutter Installation by Material Type
Homeowners have plenty of material options for their next gutter installation. The most cost-efficient choice is vinyl, with middle-of-the-road choices being aluminum or galvanized steel. You’ll want to consider copper and zinc if you’re in the market for a long-lasting, high-end gutter system, but these materials are also the most expensive.
The following table provides a more detailed cost breakdown of gutter prices based on materials. For this analysis, I assumed each gutter system was of the same design (box gutters) and was the same length (200 linear feet of gutters). The installation price accounts for material, labor, and overhead costs.
Gutter Type | Average Total Installation Cost |
Vinyl (PVC) | $1,328 – $1,520 |
Aluminum | $1,782 – $1,839 |
Galvanized Steel | $1,958 – $2,300 |
Zinc | $2,510 –$5,788 |
Copper | $3,310 – $6,590 |
Vinyl (PVC)
These gutters are the most lightweight, the most fragile, and the most affordable. Vinyl gutters are low-cost options that are easy to install, cheap to replace, and ideal for homes in locations with good weather. Popular among DIY-ers, vinyl gutters can cost anywhere from $6.64 and $7 per linear foot.
Aluminum
The most cost-efficient metal option, aluminum is a common material for gutter installations. Aluminum gutters are lightweight and easy to work with but prone to denting and not corrosion-resistant. Aluminum gutters are ideal for warmer climates with moderate weather. On average, you can expect to pay $8.91 to $9.20 per linear foot for an aluminum gutter installation.
Galvanized Steel
This material has a steel core coated with a thin layer of zinc, creating a corrosion-resistant, durable gutter. Galvanized steel, or galvalume, is a middle-of-the-road option for installations. This material is more expensive than aluminum and vinyl but also heavier, longer-lasting, and more resistant to damage. You can expect to pay between $9.79 to $11.50 per linear foot for a galvanized steel gutter installation.
Zinc
This is the cheaper of the two luxury gutter materials, zinc brings some coveted qualities to a gutter system. It’s durable and corrosion-resistant, developing a beautiful patina as it ages. However, it’s lighter and softer than copper and has a shorter life span, making it the less desirable of the two materials. Additionally, the patina development for zinc can be inconsistent, with patches developing over time, giving a slightly splotchy appearance. Zinc’s price range is between $12.55 and $28.94 per linear foot — on average, this price is more than twice as expensive as aluminum.
Copper
Copper is considered by most homeowners to be the cream of the crop among gutter materials. It’s long-lasting, low maintenance, corrosion-resistant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. However, the litany of benefits that copper gutters bring to the table come at the hefty cost of $16.55 to $32.95 per linear foot.
Cost of Gutter Installation by Gutter Type
Right behind material type, gutter style is the second most impactful factor in gutter installation cost. Each style of gutter has its own benefits, like better water flow, aesthetic appeal, width, and durability. However, some styles, like half-round gutters, are heavier and more difficult to install, making them more expensive.
The table below shows the average total installation cost for each primary gutter style. For this price analysis, I used the two most common gutter materials (aluminum and galvanized steel) and approximately 200 feet of materials. I also adjusted the final price to account for all labor and overhead costs at an industry-standard markup — keep in mind some locations have different service rates, meaning this table functions as a baseline for regional variance.
Styles of Gutters | Average Cost |
K-style gutters | $1,215 – $2,614 |
Fascia gutters | $1,244 – $3430 |
Half-round gutters | $2,660 – $2,816 |
K-Style Gutters
This gutter design is one of the most popular in the United States. Their shape resembles a K, and they have details that often make them appear reminiscent of crown molding. K-style gutters are efficient, easy to clean, and low-cost, making them a go-to choice for contractors and DIY-ers alike. The average cost for K-style gutters is between $6.08 and $13.07 per linear foot.
Fascia Gutters
Also called eaves gutters, this style of gutter is designed to attach to your home’s overhang, resembling a natural roof extension. Lighter materials, like aluminum and vinyl, work best for these gutters, making them a popular choice for budget installations. These gutters cost between $6.22 and $17.15 per linear foot.
Half-Round Gutters
As their name suggests, these gutters have a round, half-barrel-like shape. They’re wider and heavier than K-style gutters, requiring more secure hangers. They also have an efficient water flow, which makes them more resistant to clogs and blockages. This gutter style is often paired with higher-end materials, like steel or copper, but copper half-round gutters are also common. You can expect to pay between $13.30 and $14.08 per linear foot for this style of gutter.
What Are the Additional Costs of Installing Gutters?
Besides gutter material and design, several other factors can affect your installation’s price. While these elements won’t have as much impact as the primary two factors, they can still greatly affect your overall price tag.
The secondary cost factors of any gutter installation typically include the following:
- Sectional vs. seamless-style gutters
- Climate and location
- Downspouts and add-ons
- Number of stories and home size
Cost of Gutter Installation by Sectional Vs. Seamless Gutters
Gutters come in one of two broad overarching types: sectional and seamless. Sectional gutters are the standard option for most installations. They’re sold in 5-foot sections and fit together with connectors.
For seamless gutters, installers bring rolls of sheet metal of a specific type to your home, which they run through a gutter-shaping machine to custom for them to the footprint of your roof. Seamless gutter costs vary widely and range between $8 and $30 per linear foot, depending on the metal used.
Gutter Type | Average Cost |
Sectional gutters | $1,300 – $4,000 |
Seamless gutters | $1,900 – $5,000 |
Seamless metal gutters are highly sought-after for the following reasons:
- Provide additional stability
- Offer enhanced curb appeal
- Feature superior leak protection
- Fit specifically for your home
Cost of Gutter Installation by Climate and Location
Vinyl or aluminum gutters may be the most cost-effective solution if your home is in a temperate climate zone. However, galvanized steel and copper are more resistant to the elements — if you live in a more extreme climate, these materials will serve you better. If you want to protect your gutters from debris falling during storms and other weather with leaf guards, choosing a top-rated gutter guard can also improve your gutter system’s efficacy over time.
Find Gutter Installation Cost Estimates In Your Area
Cost of Gutter Installation with Downspouts and Add-ons
You’ll need more than just gutter sections for your system to function correctly. Things like splash blocks, extenders, downspouts, heat tape, and gutter guards are all essential in keeping your gutters working efficiently.
Downspouts
Downspouts are vertical pipe-like connectors that direct water from one section to another or onto a splash block. Downspout costs vary depending on their materials but typically cost $4 to $15 per linear foot.
Heat Tape
For homes in colder regions, their gutter systems may freeze during the winter, creating ice dams. Ice and snow gutter damage can lead to other issues with your home, making it a serious problem. Homeowners can help prevent frozen rain gutters with heat tape, a reflective tape that prevents ice buildup. Heat tape typically costs $1 to $10 per linear foot.
Downspout Extensions
If your landscaping slopes toward your foundation or your downspouts come out too close to your home, you may need an extender. These plastic tubes connect to the downspout’s base and direct water away from the home. Downspout extenders cost between $8 to $25.
Splash Blocks
Splash blocks are small concrete or plastic slabs that sit at the base of your downspout. They absorb the impact of the falling water and divert it away from the foundation. A single splash block typically costs between $5 to $15.
Gutter Guards
While not necessary, a high-quality set of gutter guards can help increase the longevity of your gutters and reduce cleaning costs. Gutter guards are filtration systems that attach to the top of your gutter, keeping debris and materials out. They come in many different styles and designs, with gutter guard installation costs ranging from $650 to over $4,000 for an entire system.
Gutter Guard Cost Calculator
Curious about the cost of gutter guards for your specific home? Use our calculator below to get a price estimate and connect with local professionals:
- 1
- 2
- 3
Cost of Gutter Installation by Labor Costs
Labor costs for gutter installation vary from company to company. Generally, labor costs will make up about 40% to 60% of your final total when you hire a full-service gutter company. National averages are between $6 and $9 per linear foot and raw material costs.
Other factors that can increase labor costs are the following:
- Areas with a higher cost of living
- Homes with two or three stories
- Inaccessible or steep roofs
- More than six corners on the roof
- Unconventional gutter styles
Cost of Gutter Installation by Number of Stories and Home Size
As the number of stories in your home increases, so does the difficulty level and danger of professional installation. One-story homes are much easier to manage, requiring fewer crew members, fewer precautions, and fewer labor hours, making them much more affordable.
Alongside the number of stories, some gutter installation companies also figure your roof’s square footage and whether you need gutters around the entire house into the total cost of your gutter installation project.
Use our calculator below to get a gutter installation cost estimate for your home:
- 1
- 2
- 3
How Can You Save Money on Gutter Installations?
While installing a gutter system can be expensive, there are ways you can save money beforehand. Some of the best cost-saving benefits you can take include keeping existing gutters clean and in good condition and shopping smart when picking a gutter installation company
Keep Existing Gutters Clean
If you’re buying a set of replacement gutters, you can save on installation expenses by keeping your old gutters clean and in good condition. If your old gutters are dirty, worn down, or broken in sections, the installers may need to repair the surrounding roof sections before installation. Regular gutter cleaning will keep your gutters in tip-top shape, extending their life span and saving you money in the long run.
You should clean your gutters (or schedule an appointment with a gutter cleaning company) at least twice per year, ideally at the end of spring and fall. These seasons have the most leaf litter and plant debris. By cleaning your gutters at the end of each of these seasons, you’ll remove the majority of the year’s grime from your gutters all at once.
Shop Smart for Gutter Companies
Finding a reliable gutter installation company is essential for getting a good deal and avoiding unnecessary fees. An untrustworthy gutter company may charge additional costs or have higher-than-average rates for average services. Thankfully, you can find a good company by following these simple steps:
- Find local experts: Begin by searching for local gutter companies.
- Review their company history and credentials: Check work history, customer service reviews, and complaints through sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google My Business.
- Schedule an appointment for multiple free quotes: Once you have several promising candidates lined up, schedule on-site appointments for free quotes with each one.
- Talk with technicians during the estimation and inspection process: Each company will send out a technician or inspector to generate a free estimate. During these initial walkthroughs, ask questions about the project, gauging their customer service and relevant expertise.
- Compare quotes and make a selection: Once you have your pool of free quotes, compare them to find the best deal at the lowest cost.
Is DIY Worth the Cost Savings of Installing Gutters?
When it comes to installing gutters, the best and safest choice is to hire a professional. The only type of gutters that are easy to manage for most homeowners are vinyl, K-style systems. These kinds of gutters are lightweight enough for non-professionals. Even so, installing gutters is a complex, dangerous job that, if done incorrectly, can cause injury. If gutters are installed incorrectly, it can lead to leaks, pest infestations, and other costly damage down the line.
Ultimately, unless you’re already trained in roof work or gutter installation, I recommend you always go with a professional gutter installation company, especially if you have a two-story (or higher) home. While you might pay a little more for your gutter system up-front, the time and money saved in the long run and higher overall quality of work are well worth the price, even just for your own peace of mind.
So, Are Gutters Worth The Initial Investment?
Gutters are an essential part of any roof system. While there are some effective alternatives to gutters, they are the best way to keep your home safe from water, pests, and debris. Without them, your walls would become waterlogged, and your foundation would erode and shift. While gutter installations can be expensive, they’re well worth the investment.
The hardest part of any new gutter installation is finding a good installer. Taking that first step can be intimidating if you’re not used to working with home improvement companies. But, if you’re interested in finding a local pro to help with your gutter installation, you can enter your information in the following form to find one right for you and your home:
275-micron stainless steel mesh design
Lifetime installation warranty
Offers new gutter installation services
Manufactured to match your home
One-piece system includes a guard and gutter
Guaranteed not to clog
Sturdy aluminum frame and steel screens
Offers 0% financing
Provides gutter repair & installation
FAQs About Gutter Installation
Are gutters worth the trouble?
Yes, installing new gutters is always worth it. Without a properly working gutter system, your home can be damaged by the elements. This damage will be much more expensive to repair than the initial gutter investment.
Should you install gutters yourself?
While most homeowners can make minor repairs or undertake a regular cleaning, full installations or gutter replacements are beyond the scope of most people’s skill sets. I always recommend going with a professional gutter company when looking for a complete installation.
What is the difference between copper gutters and aluminum gutters?
While both types of gutter are made from metal, copper, and aluminum, they have very different inherent properties. Aluminum is low cost, easy to install, and lightweight, but not very durable or weather resistant. Copper is a heavier, higher-quality metal that’s more weather-resistant and has a longer life span. However, copper is a much more expensive material than aluminum.