Gutter Installation Costs 2021 (Installation, Replacement, Pricing)

Whether you have metal gutters, vinyl gutters, or some other type of gutter system, these gutters are essential to protecting your roof from water damage. Also, a gutter with a clog presents a danger to the home's foundation from water damage as well. You spend time cleaning your gutters out when they get clogged, but corrosion can damage your old gutters, and the only alternative is to replace them. When this happens, it's time for a gutter replacement. 

The good news is that rain gutters are designed to last for decades and many homeowners don't need to worry for a long time. For aluminum gutters, you can expect them to last up to 20 years, while copper gutters can last up to 50 years. However, before you decide between a DIY home improvement project and hiring gutter installers, you need to learn more about the pricing of gutter systems and labor costs. 

Looking for accurate cost information for gutter installation?

Perfect, you're in the right spot. In this guide, you'll learn:

• The average cost of gutter installation
• The average cost of gutter installation based on the gutter material, including vinyl, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper
• The average cost of gutter downspouts
• The average cost of gutter installation is based on the style of the gutter, such as K-style, U-style, fascia, Victorian ogee, V-style, and European seamless gutters.
• Tips on how to maintain your gutters
• The additional cost to install gutters, such as downspout extensions, cleaning, gutter guards, wire mesh screens, heat tape, and downspout screens
• Tips for saving money on new gutters as part of a home improvement project

What Is The Average Cost Of Gutter Installation?

Many factors go into the cost of installing gutters, such as the number of feet of gutter, material, your location, extras, the style of gutters, and other similar items. There are many variables in the total cost of the installation. 

However, the average cost of gutter installation is $1,065 while the minimum cost is $571 and the maximum outlay is $5,272. The average range of installing new gutters to protect your roofing and to avoid clogs is $665 to $1,656. 

Your cost of installing new gutters will fall somewhere in between those two numbers. The square foot and linear feet play a role, and a two-story home might incur a higher total cost because of the safety issues of gutter installation. Cold weather and cold climates also help to determine the gutter installation cost. There are many types of gutter material that can save or increase the replacement cost.

For most of you, running to Home Depot or Lowe's and creating a DIY home improvement project isn't realistic. You don't have the proper tools and experience to tackle this project on your own. Also, if you have a two-story home or larger, you need to climb higher than average to do the necessary installation. Professional installation can increase the project costs but ensures your safety. 

What Are The Costs Based On Type Of Gutter Material?

Whether you're looking for galvanized steel for steel gutters or aluminum gutters, the material is going to play a large part in cost. When it comes to gutter replacement cost, the measurement is linear feet. A linear foot is 12 inches of an item that runs in a straight line. 

Vinyl

Vinyl gutters are the most common material used for replacement gutters. However, cold weather in cold climates can easily damage them, but they're easy to install and a lightweight option. The cost per linear foot is $2.55, and the total average cost is $1,060. 

Aluminum

Known for their durability and resistance to corrosion, aluminum gutters are another popular choice among homeowners. These gutters are available in a variety of colors and last around 30 years. The cost is $3.52 per linear foot with a total average cost of $957. 

Stainless Steel

While stainless steel gutters won't crack in cold climates, they are susceptible to rust and corrosion. If you live in an area with high winds and plenty of trees, these gutters are a durable choice. The average cost per linear foot is $3.05, and an average total cost of $1,179. 

Copper

As the most expensive option, copper gutters are durable, don't crack, don't corrode, and last for many decades. Unfortunately, they're occasionally stolen off homes because of their high dollar value. The cost of these gutters runs $15.08 per linear foot and a total average cost of $4,473. You primarily find copper gutters on high-end homes. 

What Is The Average Cost Of Gutter Downspouts?

Gutter systems make good use of gravity. The entire system tilts gently down from the roofline to keep rainwater flowing towards the ground and away from the roof and the home's foundation. Downspouts sit at the corners of the roofline and every 35 feet and pull the water down to the ground. The number of downspouts you need is based on how many feet of roofline you have, but you don't want to skimp. You want the water to quickly leave your roof to avoid water damage. 

When you're anticipating a professional gutter replacement, you also need to know the average cost of gutter downspouts because you need to install and replace them at the same time you're installing new gutters. You'll want to use the same material on your new gutters and the downspouts, so there's a considerable price range. The same variables that go into the average cost of installing gutters are in play with the average cost of gutter downspouts. 

The average cost of gutter downspouts is between $3 to $5 per linear foot. Vinyl downspouts average $2 to $4 per linear foot, while aluminum ones run between $2 to $5. The average for stainless steel downspouts is $3 to $4. Copper downspouts run a stunning $10 to $25 per linear foot while offering the same outstanding quality and durability as copper gutters. 

What Is The Cost Of Gutter Installation By Style?

The style of the gutter system can also affect the overall cost of the professional installation. Here's a look at some of the most common.

K-Style

K-style gutters are seamless gutters that use a hanger system. The average cost is around $5 to $8 per square foot. 

U-Style

You may have heard these called half-round seamless gutters. They're a popular choice but need to be cleaned often as they tend to overflow with leaves due to their shape. The average cost is around $4 to $6 per square foot.

Fascia

Fascia gutters attach directly to the roof rafters and combine the fascia and gutter system into one. You can expect to pay around $5 to $10 per square foot.

Victorian Ogee

In the Victorian-era, cast iron gutters were the trend and connected directly to the fascia. These gutters mimic that look with more modern conveniences. The costs average around $8 to $15 per square foot.

V-Style

The triangular shape makes the V-style gutters stand out. You see these gutters on more modern homes and buildings. The style requires regular cleaning because leaves and debris quickly build up. Your average cost is between $9 to $12 per square foot.

European Seamless

As another half-round gutter system, European seamless gutters offer a polished look for your home. They're an elegant option if you don't want sectional gutters. These gutters are usually made from copper, so the average cost is $12 to $16 per square foot.

Check out the video below for more information on seamless gutters:

How To Maintain Your Gutters?

One way to make your gutters last longer is to properly maintain them. Here are some tips:

• Clean out your gutters regularly. Even if you don't have a clog, removing leaves and debris can help you avoid clogs. Depending on the type of gutter and the number of trees surrounding your home, you may need to do this once or twice a year.
• Check your downspouts for clogs. When there's a clog in your downspout, water is sitting on your roofline. This can cause major water damage to your roofing materials. 
• Inspect your gutters. Walk around your home every couple of months and inspect your gutters. You're looking for cracks, corrosion, and other damage and repair any issues you find. 

Are There Additional Costs To Consider For Gutter Installation?

There are additional costs with a professional gutter installation. You need to add them to your budget. You don't want any surprises on the final bill. Of course, a gutter installation company will include these items on the quote. 

Downspout Extension

A downspout extension helps to move water further away from your home and its foundation. You might consider adding these to avoid standing water around the edges of your home. The expense is equal to the cost of the additional material.

Cleaning

When cleaning your gutters, you also need to clean the downspouts too. During the cleaning, all leaves, twigs, and other debris get removed so that the rainwater more easily moves through the gutter system. The cost depends on the size of the system, but you can expect to spend around $150. 

Gutter Guards

It's the job of the gutter guards to raise leaves to the top of the water in the hopes that the wind will blow them away so that less gets trapped in your gutters. The average cost is $570 and $1,529. 

Wire Mesh Screens

Placed over the top of your gutters, mesh screens keep leaves and twigs from entering your gutters, so that they don't get clogged as often. You can expect to pay around a dollar per square foot. 

Heat Tape

If you live in a cold climate, ice and snow become a problem in gutters. Heat tape helps to keep the water liquid and flowing through the gutters. The average cost is $55 per 100 feet. 

Downspout Screens

Downspouts are narrow and easy to clog with enough leaves and twigs. Downspout screens cover the opening at the top of it to keep these items out. These screens run around a dollar per square foot. 

How To Save Money On Gutter Installation?

You don't want to spend any more money than you need to on top-quality gutters. Here are a few tips to save money:

• Check your warranty. Your gutter may still be under warranty, so check before you hire someone. 
• Get multiple estimates. Some companies may offer discounts or specials, so ask for a few estimates from different companies. 
• Install new gutters during the off-season. You might be able to save a few hundred dollars by installing gutters during the slow construction time. 

When your home needs new gutters, it can be expensive. You need to understand the options and the costs involved to make smart decisions.