How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost?

Gutters aren’t just for looks—they protect your home from serious water damage. If your gutters aren’t doing their job, replacing them before bigger issues arise is the smart move.

A new gutter system typically costs between $1,300 and $6,500, depending on the size of your home and the material you choose. Most homeowners go with seamless aluminum because it’s durable, rust-resistant, and reasonably priced. Copper lasts a lifetime but comes at a premium, while vinyl is the cheapest option but tends to crack and warp over time.

While DIY is an option, a poor installation can lead to costly repairs down the line. We highly recommend a professional gutter installer.

In this guide, we’ll break down the costs, including materials, labor, and other factors, to help you plan your budget for gutter installation.

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Average Gutter Installation Cost

The national average price for a gutter installation is between $1,378 and $6,500. 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?

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	Low-End Installation Cost	High-End 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.

However, Chris Hock, president of Earth Saving Solutions, a home improvement company in Denver, states that vinyl gutters aren’t durable for hail. The material is also less resilient to UV rays and other inclement weather.

Georg Reichard, Ph.D., department head and professor of building construction at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) adds, “Vinyl gutters can be surprisingly durable and cost-effective. Their performance, however, heavily depends on proper installation, particularly in terms of the spacing and quality of the support system.”

man installting vinyl gutters on side of a house — **Image Credit:** Canva

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.

“Aluminum gutters are typically less expensive than other materials like copper or steel, making them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners,” Eric Swain, owner of Frontgate RPD, a full-service renovation company in Willoughby, Ohio said.

In most cases, aluminum gutters have a life span of 20 to 25 years.

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.

Its exact cost varies based on your installer and location. “Copper is a pricier material for gutters, potentially costing twice as much as other gutter types,” Swain said.

Reichard also explains, “Copper gutters are typically used more in commercial applications and are quite popular in European architecture. However, due to the high cost of copper, we don’t see them as frequently in residential settings in the U.S., except for specific architectural design choices.”

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	Low-End Cost	High-End Cost
K-style gutters	$1,215	$2,614
Fascia gutters	$1,244	$3,430
Half-round gutters	$2,660	$2,816$2,816

K-Style Gutters

Also called ogee, 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 labor costs can fall between 40% and 60% of the total installation price, according to Swain. Prices range between $8 and $30 per linear foot, depending on the metal used.

Gutter Type	Low-End Cost	High-End 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

“Seamless gutters are more expensive because they are custom-made on-site to perfectly fit your home,” explained Niki O’Brien, operations manager at Custom Exteriors in Berthoud, Colorado. The installation company must have specialty equipment that forms large metal sheets into a perfectly measured gutter. “Seamless gutters often require two people to install,” O’Brien continued. “That can increase pricing.”

You may save money in the long run with seamless gutters, as the lack of dirt buildup will minimize the need for frequent and laborious gutter cleaning. “Because the bottom is smooth, a gutter scoop can just slide along the bottom and easily remove debris,” O’Brien said.

However, vinyl seamless gutters are not usually an option, as the PVC material is not pliable like metals, such as copper, aluminum and steel.

“Vinyl gutters are only available in sections, and as a result, they are more likely to leak,” said Hock.

man on ladder installing gutters on a house with sun peaking over the roof — **Image Credit:** Canva

Cost of Gutter Installation by Climate

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.

Cost of Gutter Installation by Location

Where you live influences the potential cost of gutter installation, based on findings using RSMeans construction cost data.

It might seem counterintuitive, but if you live in the Houston suburban community of Rosenberg, Texas, your gutter installation will most likely cost much more than if you lived in the Bronx, New York. Concord, New Hampshire, was the least expensive for zinc and copper.

Of the 2,000-plus communities listed in the RSMeans cost database, Rosenberg and nearby Sugar Land, Texas, consistently came in with the highest gutter installation costs per linear foot.

Conversely, the Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York City, came in with the lowest costs per linear foot for vinyl, aluminum, and steel gutters. For example, vinyl gutter installation costs an average of $12 per linear foot in the Bronx, according to RSMeans cost data. In Rosenberg and Sugar Land, the same job costs an average of $34 per linear foot.

The takeaway: Some areas of the country require a bit more homework to find the best value for your gutter installation.

Below is a table that shows the gutter installation cost by material for the 15 most populated cities in the U.S. The prices displayed are averages only, but they can help you gauge whether prices you are quoted are reasonable.

City	Aluminum	Copper	Steel	Vinyl	Zinc
Austin	$25	$43	$28	$24	$52
Charlotte	$24	$42	$27	$23	$51
Chicago	$25	$42	$28	$25	$50
Columbus	$31	$50	$34	$30	$60
Dallas	$30	$47	$33	$30	$57
Fort Worth	$26	$44	$30	$26	$53
Jacksonville	$19	$38	$23	$18	$46
Los Angeles	$22	$42	$26	$21	$50
New York	$29	$44	$31	$28	$53
Philadelphia	$23	$38	$26	$23	$46
U.S. Average	$23	$40	$26	$22	$49

Cost per linear foot from the RSMeans construction cost database

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.

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.

On average, roofs are 25 squares or 2,500 square feet for the median home,” Hock said. “The average amount of gutter and downspout [material required] is around 250 to 300 [linear feet].”

Based on experts’ ranges per linear foot, prices for gutters, downspouts, fascia hangers and labor on a standard-size roof start at $1,500 for vinyl gutters and go as high as $13,500 for copper gutters.

Gutter Installation Cost by Roof Slope and Pitch

Steeper roof pitches often drive up gutter installation costs because a greater slope means the roof will dump water into your rain gutters more quickly than a low-slope roof.

In some cases, a steeper pitch could translate to needing wider gutters. Swain said upgrading from 5-inch seamless gutters to 6-inch gutters can increase installation costs by $200–$400 per 200 linear feet.

Hiring a professional to install new gutters is advised over DIY installation, as the experts can calculate the gutter width that will serve you best. They’ll consider roof size, roof pitch, roof material and your area’s weather.

According to Hock, slick roof materials such as slate tiles usually demand 6-inch gutters, as do roof pitches higher than 9/12 — meaning the roof rises vertically 9 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run.

Cost of Gutter Installation by Gutter Size

Most gutters are 4, 5 or 6 inches wide. Wider gutters are good options for roofs with excessive runoff.

“A larger roof typically does not justify larger gutters,” O’Brien said. “In residential applications, 99% of gutters are 5 inches.”

Gutter Replacement or Installation Permit Costs

Depending on where you live, you might need to file for a gutter replacement or installation permit. You can call your local building department to ask what, if anything, is required for the work to begin. Or, you can ask your gutter professional to double-check permits before they start work.

“In Colorado, permitting is not required to install gutters,” said O’Brien. She noted that roof permitting is typically based on the price of a project, and should a permit be necessary for a gutter installation, it will likely be calculated similarly.

Permit fees for gutter installation could range from $50 to a few hundred dollars, said Dylan Manale, president of Lone Wolf Renovations in Metairie, Louisiana.

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.

Today’s Homeowner Tip

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:

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. Unlicensed work is often shoddy work, which can cost you down the road. Make sure the company that installs your gutters is not only reputable but also licensed to do the work on your home. Most U.S. states maintain a searchable database of licensed contractors.
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. Make sure that you get at least three job estimates from reputable companies. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking one company why its prices are more expensive than another’s.

To vet the professional installation companies, ask these questions:

How long will the installation take?
What precautions will you take to avoid damaging the roof, fascia and soffit?
What long is your workmanship warranty and exactly what does it cover?
Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
What installation issues have you encountered in the past and how did you overcome them?
Do you recommend gutter guards for my gutter system?
Will you come back and fix any installation-related malfunctions that occur?
What tools do you recommend to help me keep my new gutters clear of debris and pests, and how often do you recommend that I clean them?

How Long Do Gutters Last?

Aluminum gutters, the most popular gutter material, have a life span of 20 to 40 years before needing replacement.

The following table shows the average life expectancy of gutters by material based on nationwide averages, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors:

Material	Life Expectancy
Aluminum	20–40 years
Copper	50 years or longer
Galvanized steel	20 years
Vinyl	25 years or longer

Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Gutters

While gutters can last for decades, watch for common indicators that you need to consider repair or replacement.

Sagging: Sagging gutters is usually caused by blockages. As water and debris back up, the heavy gutter pulls away from the roof. Fasteners and hangers can also deteriorate overtime. Keep a lookout for signs of rust or corrosion and clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent sagging.
Cracks: A small crack in your gutters likely doesn’t necessitate a full replacement. However, cracks tend to grow longer and wider over time, which puts your fascia boards and soffits at risk.
Overflowing water: An overflowing gutter outside of heavy downpours is a sign that the system isn’t working properly. Common causes include large clogs, incorrect installation, or an improperly sized gutter.
Pooling water: Excess water pooling near downspouts points to an issue with your gutter system. You’ll want to invest in drainage solutions that direct runoff away from your home’s foundation. Over time, large amounts of water can erode the soil in your yard and result in expensive lawn care costs.
Internal flooding: Gutters work to direct water away from your home. If your gutters aren’t working properly, that water can find its way inside. Repairing damage caused by internal flooding is expensive, especially if you wait too long to fix it.
Pest infestations: Overflowing water from old and broken gutters may eventually rot your fascia boards, which can make an attractive home for rodents, birds and insects.

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.

Reichard says, “Gutter installation is absolutely worth the investment. The primary function of gutters is to divert water away from your home’s foundation, which is crucial for maintaining structural integrity. While [gutter installation] does represent an immediate cost, it protects your home from potential damage that could be far more expensive in the long run.”

Darren Olsen, an associate professor of building science at Auburn University agrees, “Gutters can be an essential component of residential construction. Rainwater can harm a home’s various components, including the fascia, soffit, roof deck and siding. That moisture can invite mold [and] insects and cause rot.”

Olsen continues, “In addition, gutters can protect a home’s foundation system by preventing the saturation and erosion of the soils surrounding the foundation.”

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:

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.

How far apart should downspouts be spaced?

Downspouts should be positioned every 20 to 50 feet along the gutter channels.

How far away from the foundation should drainage be positioned?

The runoff should be directed at least five feet away from the foundation, unless downspouts are connected to an underground storm sewer or drainage system.

I live in a dry, arid climate. Do I still need gutters?

According to Energy Star specifications put out by the Environmental Protection Agency, homes in dry climates don’t necessarily need gutters and downspouts.

I live in a wet, windy climate. What do I need to know about gutters?

The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (OEERE) recommends that homeowners in these areas increase the capacity of their downspouts and other runoff components to allow for a greater volume of water. Homeowners should use structurally strong gutters, downspouts and attachments.

I live in an area susceptible to wildfires. What kind of gutters should I get?

The OEERE recommends that people whose homes might be susceptible to wildfires use metal gutters and downspouts rather than meltable vinyl. Also, a gutter guard can help prevent flammable debris from accumulating inside the gutter channels.