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Gutter Installation Cost

Typical cost range:
$2,300–$6,000

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Written by Mike Miller Updated 11/13/2024

Gutter installation costs $3,900 for the average home with standard aluminum gutters. The typical price range of gutter installation is $2,300–$6,000 for 200 linear feet of gutters. The cost of gutter installation by linear foot averages $22.50 per linear foot, with a range of $13–$34.50 per linear foot*. See which factors will impact your total cost.

Gutter installation costs $3,900 for the average homeowner. While this price tag may seem steep, gutters are a good investment in your home’s maintenance. “Gutter installation is valuable for protecting your home, particularly if you have a basement in a humid area,” says Thomas Ballestero, Ph.D., the director of UNH Stormwater Center. “While homes can function without gutters if properly designed, gutters are a cost-effective form of preventive maintenance—essentially serving as one of the cheapest insurance policies for your home. Prevention through proper gutter installation is always less expensive than reacting to water damage after the fact.”

The cost of gutter installation is influenced by the gutter length of your home and the type of material used. The most common material types are vinyl, aluminum, and steel, which can be more affordable. Premium materials, such as copper and zinc, can cost upwards of $10,000 but are long-lasting and add an aesthetic element.

In this guide, we will detail the factors that affect gutter installation prices and the necessary considerations for planning a professional or do-it-yourself (DIY) install.

*Cost information in this article was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.

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Gutter Installation

New gutters added to your home cost an average of $1,700-$3,100

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Gutter Guard

Gutter guard installation costs an average of $600-$1,500

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The facia board is rotted and the gutters a re falling away from the house.
Gutter Repair

The majority of gutter repairs cost $143-$604

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How Much Will Gutter Installation Cost for Your Home?

The square footage of a home can also provide a general estimate of the total cost of a gutter installation. If you divide the square footage of your home by 10, you will receive the estimated linear feet of material that you will need for new gutters. For example, a 2,000-square-foot home, on average, will need 200 linear feet of material. The table below provides the cost range by the size of a home.

Home Size (sq feet)Linear Feet of GuttersAverage Cost Range
1,000100$1,300–$3,400
1,200120$1,560–$4,080
1,500150$1,950–$5,100
2,000200$2,600–$6,800
2,500250$2,925–$7,650
Source: RSMeans data from Gordian

How to Estimate Gutter Installation Cost

Once you’ve determined what gutter material you want, you can estimate the cost of gutter installation by following these steps

  1. Measure the area you need gutters for. Be sure to get the length and width every portion of roof you want gutters on.
  2. Multiply the measurement in square feet by the cost per linear foot of the gutter material you want to install. If you haven’t settled on a material yet, the average price for gutter installation is $22.50 per linear foot.

What Is Gutter Installation Cost by Type of Material?

Gutter MaterialCost per Linear FootCost per Sq FootTotal Cost (200 linear feet)
Vinyl $12–$29$1.20-$2.90$2,400–$5,800
Aluminum $13–$34$1.30-$3.40$2,600–$6,800
Steel $16–$37$1.60-$3.70$3,200–$7,400
Copper$29–$51$2.90-$5.10$5,800–$10,200
Zinc$36–$61$3.60-$6.10$7,200–$12,200
Source: RSMeans data from Gordian

The biggest cost factor for gutter replacement is the chosen material. The type of gutter material you choose sets the baseline cost per linear foot and impacts labor rates. The following table breaks down the cost of gutter installations by material based on linear foot, square footage of your home, and total installation cost for a typical 200-linear-foot system.

Learn more about the most common gutter materials below, including how they perform in various conditions and how long they last.

Vinyl and PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

While PVC and vinyl are different materials, they are used interchangeably in gutter installations. They are also the most fragile and may crack, break, or warp in severe temperature changes. You can only expect PVC or plastic gutters to last 10 to 20 years in moderate climate conditions.

Aluminum

Aluminum gutters are lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to install. Aluminum typically lasts 20 years or more under ordinary conditions.

“Material choice is crucial, with aluminum being the current industry standard due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability,” says Karl Seelbach, carpentry department head at Laney College. “While copper and stainless steel offer elegance and longevity, they come at a premium price point.”

The downside to these gutters is their tendency to dent from impacts such as hail or falling tree limbs.

Galvanized steel

This material is coated in zinc to improve its resistance to rust and corrosion. It’s stronger than aluminum but also heavier and more difficult to install. Galvanized steel gutters and the system will last 20 years or more.

Copper

This material is uncommon but carries an old-world, regal look and has a long life span. Copper gutters last more than 50 years with regular gutter cleaning and maintenance.

Zinc

Zinc is a low-maintenance but expensive, high-end material that doesn’t rust. It forms a self-healing patina that obscures scratches and scrapes. These gutters can last 80 years or more.


What Other Factors Impact Gutter Installation or Replacement Cost?

In addition to material, other factors that affect the cost of your gutter installation include gutter style, gutter size, and even your home’s landscaping and the number of stories on your home.

Gutter Type

The type of gutter impacts both material and labor costs. Less common types carry a higher price tag and typically require specially trained installers.

K-style

K-style gutters are the standard option for most modern homes. These gutters are easy to install and can withstand heavy rainfall. K-style gutters look similar to crown molding and match many architectural styles. Their steep trough and simple design make them reliable and easy to install.

K style gutters on a roof.

Half-round

As their name suggests, these gutters appear similar to a barrel cut in half. Half-round gutters are elegant and popular on historic or upscale homes, especially as they’re often made of copper. They’re more difficult to install and hold less water than comparably sized K-style gutters.

half round gutters on a roof.

Box Gutters

These are an older style of gutter used more frequently in the 1800s and 1900s. Today, they’re more commonly seen in industrial buildings but are occasionally used in residential homes. They have a wide and deep design that can handle heavy water flow but lack the decorative look of other contemporary styles.

Box gutters on a roof.

Sectional Gutters

Sectional gutters are the standard option for most homes. These gutters come in pre-cut lengths that attach using connectors (also called joiners). The gutter installer must seal seams between sections with a waterproof caulk. Sun, weather exposure, and debris weight can deteriorate the caulk over time and cause leaks.

Sectional gutters on a roof.

Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are made from single pieces of guttering attached at the corners. Installers measure and custom-fit each piece of the gutter system to your home’s roofline, using a rolling machine to cut the gutters on-site. Seamless gutters cost more but are less prone to leaking.

Worker Measuring An Aluminum Rain Gutter Feeding Through Seamless Shaping Machine.

Gutter Size

Gutter size typically refers to a system’s width, measured from the back (facia-facing) side to the front of the gutters. The wider the gutter, the more you’ll pay in material costs. The most common gutter width is 5 inches, but homes in rainy regions may require a 6-inch or 7-inch system.

Additional Cost Factors

While your gutter system’s style, size, and material determine the baseline price range for its installation, other factors play a role in total installation cost, including the following: 

  • Additional parts: Your installation estimate will include the material cost for components such as brackets, downspouts, elbows, gutter end caps, hangers, and splash blocks.
  • Landscaping: If your landscaping makes installing gutters on your home difficult, expect to pay increased labor rates. 
  • Local labor rates: The availability of services, local taxes, and regional income levels impact general labor rates, which in turn affect the price of your professional gutter installation.
  • Service fees: Expect to pay service fees if your installer has to carry materials a long way, repair roof sections, dispose of materials, or undertake additional work. 
  • Height of your home: Your home’s height can directly impact your labor costs. Two-story homes are more difficult and dangerous to work on and require specialized tools.

Seamless vs. Traditional Gutters

Gutters come in one of two distinct designs: traditional or seamless. Traditional gutters are a series of guttering sections joined together at connectors (also called joiners). Seamless gutters are a single piece of custom-fit guttering cut onsite at your home. Seamless gutters last much longer, are more durable, and look better than traditional gutters. This increased functionality and appearance come with a higher price tag. Seamless gutters cost between $1,800 and $7,000 or more.


DIY vs Professional Gutter Installation

Homeowners can choose DIY or professional gutter installation. Each method has its benefits and downsides, but the main differences come down to cost and quality.

“DIY gutter installation is possible, especially with sectional gutters, and can save on labor costs. However, hiring a professional is often worth the investment for a precise fit, particularly with seamless gutters,” says Amna Salman, Ph.D., assistant professor at the McWhorter School of Building Science. “Professionals bring expertise in correct gutter pitch, alignment, and secure attachment, and they also have the right equipment for safe roof access. Professional installation is typically recommended to ensure long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance needs.”

The do-it-yourself route will always cost less because you’re bypassing labor rates and other fees charged by gutter companies. However, gutter companies offer professional services, materials, and techniques unavailable to even highly-proficient homeowners. 

For example, homeowners can’t install seamless gutters themselves because they require a rolling machine and special training to create them. Many materials, such as copper, zinc, and steel, are also off the table because their weight makes them unwieldy and dangerous for one person to install alone.

Other benefits of choosing a professional gutter company include access to additional services, such as gutter repair, downspout installation, or debris disposal. They may also provide long-lasting workmanship warranties.

As helpful and convenient as hiring a gutter professional is, you will pay a premium for their services. As noted, on average you can expect to pay $2,400 for gutters to be professionally installed on your home. It is cheaper to install your own gutters, with an average DIY installation costing between $1,100 and $1,300 for 200 linear feet of a 5 or 6-inch K-style aluminum gutter system.

Quick Tip

  • We advise checking a contractor’s licensing status using your state’s license lookup. Each state has one, typically run by the Department of Labor or State License Board. For example, North Carolina has a licensing board for general contractors.
    Don’t choose an installer before reviewing multiple quotes. By requesting free quotes, you can compare each company’s services, prices, and customer service to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

What Are the Signs That Your Gutters Need To Be Replaced?

Before scheduling a gutter replacement, consider whether your system is at the end of its life or just requires a quick gutter repair. “Key signs that it’s time to replace your gutters include visible cracks, rust spots, sagging or pulling away from the home, and frequent clogs,” says Salman. “Water pooling around your home’s foundation, leaking at the seams, or mildew growth can also signal gutter wear.”

The following signs indicate it may be time to replace your gutters:

  • Broken or disconnected downspouts
  • Disconnected gutter sections
  • Frequent basement or crawl space flooding
  • Foundation cracks, chips, or shifting
  • Mold, moss, or mildew growth
  • Multiple cracks, gaps, or breaks in gutter sections
  • Rust or chipped paint on gutters
  • Sagging of one or more sections
  • Standing water and saturated soil on your property
  • Streaks along siding
  • Water damage to siding, fascia, soffits, or other roof sections

If your existing gutters sustained damage from a hailstorm or have loose hangers, you’ll likely be able to repair them rather than invest in a new system. However, if your old gutters are nearing the end of their life, small repairs or patch jobs will be temporary fixes at best. 


How Can You Extend the Life of Your Gutters?

Like most home systems, the best way to extend the life of your gutters is with routine maintenance. Clean gutters function better than clogged gutters, allowing them to filter debris and water more efficiently. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice per year at the end of fall and spring. You’ll remove the most debris at once during these times of year.

“Several maintenance steps can help extend the lifespan of gutters,” says Mohsen Goodarzi, Ph.D., assistant professor of construction management at Ball State University. He suggests “regular cleaning, especially in fall and spring, installing gutter guards like mesh screens or covers, inspecting joints and seams regularly, and resealing them if needed.”

The same sentiment was echoed by Neil Grigg, Ph.D.: “You can extend the life of your gutters in the same way that we manage other infrastructure, by proven maintenance methods like inspection, condition assessment, cleaning, and preventive care. It’s especially important to clean gutters of leaves and other debris so they will work well and not corrode.”

Regular inspections are also essential in keeping your gutter system functioning at peak performance. Have your system inspected once every one to three years to spot minor damage before it leads to more expensive problems. You can inspect and repair your gutters yourself or hire a professional. 

We recommend installing top gutter guards to extend your gutter system’s life. Gutter guards are protective installations that block debris buildup and keep pests out of your gutters. While gutter guards won’t eliminate the need for gutter cleaning and maintenance, they allow you to reduce the difficulty and frequency of cleaning to once a year or so.

Purchasing gutter guards with a full gutter system is common for homeowners who want to get the most out of their home drainage system. We surveyed 1,000 gutter guard customers nationwide. Our survey shows that 68% of respondents purchased their gutter guard system alongside a gutter installation.

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Are Gutter Guards Worth It?

Gutter guards can make future cleaning and maintenance of your gutter system easier. However, gutter guard installation can cost as much as new gutters. Our survey of customers of the top five professional gutter guard installers revealed an average cost of $5,649 for a 200-linear-foot gutter guard system. 

Like many home improvement add-ons, gutter guards can be worth the investment if you choose the best product for your needs. Some gutter guards perform better than others, and not all brands are suited for every gutter design or climate. For example, reverse curve guards can self-clean and block oak leaves but can’t handle heavy rainfall. Brush guards are inexpensive and easy to install but do anything against pine needles. 

We recommend stainless steel micro-mesh guards for homeowners because they’re the best-performing product overall. These guards block most debris types in various climates. We tested more than a dozen DIY brands and LeafFilter. Micro-mesh guards performed the best. We also recently surveyed 1,000 homeowners and 84% of them responded that they were satisfied with how they perform.

Our recommendation for the best professionally installed gutter guard is LeafFilter and Raptor is our pick among DIY products.

Compare Gutter Guard Providers

Star Rating Product Image Gutter Guard Type Average Cost Link
LeafFilter
LeafFilter LeafFilter Micro-mesh $5,528 GET ESTIMATE
Leafguard
Leafguard Leafguard Reverse-curve $5,242 GET ESTIMATE
Gutter Guards America
Gutter Guards America Gutter Guards America Micro-mesh $5,270 GET ESTIMATE
HomeCraft
HomeCraft HomeCraft Micro-mesh $6,338 GET ESTIMATE
All American Gutter Protection
All American Gutter Protection All American Gutter Protection Micro-mesh $5,868 GET ESTIMATE
LeafFilter
Star Rating
Logo LeafFilter
Product Image LeafFilter
Gutter Guard Type Micro-mesh
Average Cost $5,528
GET ESTIMATE
Leafguard
Star Rating
Logo Leafguard
Product Image Leafguard
Gutter Guard Type Reverse-curve
Average Cost $5,242
GET ESTIMATE
Gutter Guards America
Star Rating
Logo Gutter Guards America
Product Image Gutter Guards America
Gutter Guard Type Micro-mesh
Average Cost $5,270
GET ESTIMATE
HomeCraft
Star Rating
Logo HomeCraft
Product Image HomeCraft
Gutter Guard Type Micro-mesh
Average Cost $6,338
GET ESTIMATE
All American Gutter Protection
Star Rating
Logo All American Gutter Protection
Product Image All American Gutter Protection
Gutter Guard Type Micro-mesh
Average Cost $5,868
GET ESTIMATE
Company
Star Rating
BBB Rating
Gutter Guard Type
Average Cost
A+
Micro-mesh
$5,528
A+
A+
Micro-mesh
$5,270
B
Micro-mesh
$6,338
A
Micro-mesh
$5,630

Aluminum seamless gutters are a safe choice for a reliable, long-lasting rain gutter system at a mid-range price. Consider a heavier gutter system such as stainless or galvanized steel if you live in an area with extreme weather or high winds. Copper gutters may be worth the investment and add to your resale value if you live in a historic home. 

Whatever kind of gutter system you choose, we recommend researching local installation companies and requesting free quotes to find the best gutter installation company for your budget. It is also helpful to receive quotes from gutter guard installers who can provide you with new gutter installation and long-term protection from debris that can clog your gutters.


Expert Insights and Tips

Neil Grigg Headshot
Neil Grigg, Ph.D.
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering 
Colorado State University
See answers

Read bio
​​Is residential gutter installation worth it?
Residential gutters are a key part of a home’s drainage plan, where it’s essential to move rainwater and snowmelt away from foundations and pavements to avoid settlement. Building codes recognize this importance, and poor drainage will cost homeowners a lot of money in the end.
How can you extend the life of your gutters?
You can extend the life of your gutters in the same way that we manage other infrastructure, by proven maintenance methods like inspection, condition assessment, cleaning, and preventive care. It’s especially important to clean gutters of leaves and other debris so they will work well and not corrode.
Neil is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Colorado State University and has more than 50 years of experience in water management. He was director of environmental management in North Carolina during the late 1970s and worked extensively on state water issues. He also served as a professor at NCSU and as director of the UNC Water Resources Research Institute.
Thomas Ballestero Headshot
Director of UNH Stormwater Center
University of New Hampshire
See answers

Read bio
​​Is residential gutter installation worth it?
Yes, gutter installation is valuable for protecting your home, particularly if you have a basement in a humid area. Without gutters, rainfall hits your roof and runs off at the drip line, which is typically right next to the foundation where soil is often uncompacted from construction. This creates a direct avenue for water to enter through foundation cracks, gaps, or joints. While homes can function without gutters if properly designed, gutters are a cost-effective form of preventive maintenance—essentially serving as one of the cheapest insurance policies for your home. Prevention through proper gutter installation is always less expensive than reacting to water damage after the fact.
Are there any signs that your gutters need to be replaced?
The main signs that gutters need replacement include leaking at joints or seams, rust and deterioration, separated joints, and frequent overtopping or overflow issues. However, many apparent “replacement” issues may actually just require proper maintenance. Regular cleaning, particularly twice yearly in areas with many trees, is essential for proper gutter function.
How can you extend the life of your gutters?
Two key factors for extending gutter life are regular maintenance, including cleaning at least twice yearly unless you have gutter guards installed, and choosing appropriate materials for your climate zone. For example, plastic gutters may not be suitable in hotter southern regions.
What factors might affect gutter cost?
Several factors influence gutter installation costs: height and accessibility (installations above 10–12 feet require special equipment), presence of obstacles like porches, plants, or neighboring structures, roof complexity (multiple corners and architectural features require more cuts and fittings), roof slope variations between stories, season/timing of installation, and the number of corners and custom fittings needed.
How does DIY installation compare to hiring a professional?
While DIY installation is possible, professional installation offers several advantages: expertise and experience ensuring proper installation, warranty coverage, all necessary tools and equipment, and efficient completion of the project. DIY installation typically takes approximately twice as long as professional installation, requires proper tools and equipment (potentially including ladder rental), and benefits greatly from having four or more hands rather than just two for handling and positioning. The work is labor-intensive, especially when working from ladders, and cost savings must be weighed against time investment. Cost savings rarely consider the DIYer time and effort. I recommend checking references and reviews when hiring professionals. While 95% of installers are reliable, it’s important to verify credentials and past work.
Thomas Ballestero’s area of expertise is hydrology and water resources engineering with specialization in the restoration of impaired aquatic systems. Ballestero has been nationally and internationally involved in water resources projects spanning Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and other countries. He is also a commissioner with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.
Amna Salman Headshot
Assistant Professor at the McWhorter School of Building Science
Auburn University
See answers

Read bio
 ​​Is residential gutter installation worth it?
Yes, gutter installation is a valuable investment for your home. Gutters help channel rainwater away from your foundation, preventing soil erosion, basement flooding, and potential damage to siding and landscaping. By effectively managing water flow, gutters can protect your home’s foundation, prevent mold growth, and reduce the likelihood of structural issues over time, ultimately preserving the value and longevity of your property.
Are there any signs that your gutters need to be replaced?
Key signs that it’s time to replace your gutters include visible cracks, rust spots, sagging or pulling away from the home, and frequent clogs. Water pooling around your home’s foundation, leaking at the seams, or mildew growth can also signal gutter wear. If you notice these issues despite regular cleaning and maintenance, replacement may be necessary to protect your home’s exterior and foundation.
How can you extend the life of your gutters?
To prolong the life of your gutters, clean them at least twice a year to prevent debris buildup. Installing gutter guards can reduce clogs and lessen the need for frequent cleaning. Regular inspections, particularly after storms, help catch and fix minor issues, like cracks or loose fasteners, before they worsen. Ensuring your gutters are properly pitched also allows water to flow freely and minimizes standing water.
How does DIY installation compare to hiring a professional?
DIY gutter installation is possible, especially with sectional gutters, and can save on labor costs. However, hiring a professional is often worth the investment for a precise fit, particularly with seamless gutters. Professionals bring expertise in correct gutter pitch, alignment, and secure attachment, and they also have the right equipment for safe roof access. Professional installation is typically recommended to ensure long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance needs.
Amna Salman is an assistant professor at the McWhorter School of Building Science and has been teaching in the school since Fall 2016. Salman teaches the structure courses to building science and architecture students.
Karl Seelbach Headshot
Carpentry Department Head
Laney College
See answers

Read bio
Is residential gutter installation worth it?
Absolutely. Gutters play a crucial role in bulk water management, directing rainwater away from your house. While some architects, designers, and homeowners may avoid gutters for aesthetic reasons, they provide an essential and cost-effective way to protect your home from water damage. Compared to alternatives like underground drainage systems, gutters offer excellent value for the investment in maintaining your home’s integrity.
Are there any signs that your gutters need to be replaced?
Key indicators include sagging gutters, visible discoloration, and persistent clogging from leaves or debris that leads to water overflow. Another clear sign is when downspouts aren’t releasing water during rainfall, indicating a blockage or malfunction in the system’s designed water expulsion path.
What are some standout features of different types of gutters?
The most important features relate to materials and design. While 5-inch K-style gutters are standard for most residential homes, size should be engineered based on the roof’s water distribution needs. Seamless gutters have gained popularity because they have fewer joints and, therefore, fewer potential failure points. However, they have some design limitations. Material choice is crucial, with aluminum being the current industry standard due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability. While copper and stainless steel offer elegance and longevity, they come at a premium price point.
How can you extend the life of your gutters?
Regular maintenance is essential, with visual inspections recommended at least twice yearly, especially in areas with heavy tree coverage or significant weather events. While gutter guards can be effective, they shouldn’t create a false sense of security. Professional inspections, though potentially costing a few hundred dollars, provide long-term benefits. Regular checks can identify issues like water pooling before they cause significant damage.
What factors might affect gutter cost?
A factor that can affect gutter cost is material choice, with copper and stainless steel being the most expensive options. Aluminum offers a mid-range price point with good value.
How does DIY installation compare to hiring a professional?
DIY installation requires careful consideration of one’s skill level and understanding of proper installation principles. Critical aspects include proper flashing installation between the roof and gutter, correct slope calculation, and appropriate attachment methods. While DIY is possible, consultation with a professional is recommended to understand material selection and installation techniques. Common DIY mistakes include improper sealing, incorrect attachment to fascia boards, and inadequate water routing away from the foundation. Given the current contractor shortage, if choosing DIY, thorough research and possibly professional consultation are essential for successful installation.
Karl Seelbach began teaching at Laney in 2009 and started full time in 2013. Karl grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has also resided in Germany and Switzerland, where he first started to build. Upon returning to the States, he has worked for 24 years as a carpenter, field supervisor, and general contractor specializing in design/build remodels throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mohsen Goodarzi Headshot
Assistant Professor of Construction Management
Ball State University
See answers

Read bio
 ​​Is residential gutter installation worth it?
Yes, residential gutter installation is highly beneficial not only for protecting homes but also for supporting sustainable water management practices. Installing gutters not only protects houses but also contributes to a sustainable built environment by managing water responsibly. These systems minimize water waste, reduce strain on urban drainage infrastructure, and promote the efficient reuse of rainwater. Properly installed gutters offer several advantages, like protecting a home’s foundation, preventing soil erosion, minimizing roof and siding damage, mitigating basement flooding, controlling watershed, and more.
Are there any signs that your gutters need to be replaced?
Several warning signs can indicate that your gutters need repair or replacement, such as visible cracks or holes, sagging gutters, pooling water or erosions near the foundation, rust or peeling paint on the gutters, mold growth, separation of the parts, overflowing water during rains, and rotting fascia boards. Addressing these signs promptly can help prevent further structural damage to the home.
How can you extend the life of your gutters?
Several maintenance steps can help extend the lifespan of gutters, including regular cleaning, especially in fall and spring (removing leaves, twigs, and debris to prevent clogs), installing gutter guards like mesh screens or covers, inspecting joints and seams regularly and resealing them if needed, trimming overhanging trees near the roofline, inspecting hangers and brackets and replacing loose fasteners, checking for rust and other damages, and directing downspouts away from the foundation, etc. By maintaining gutters properly, effective water management and reducing material waste can be achieved, which results in sustainability of the home and environment.
Mohsen Goodarzi, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of construction management at Ball State University. He earned his Ph.D. in construction management from Michigan State University and joined Ball State in 2021. His professional experience spans single-family and multifamily residential projects, providing him with practical industry insights that inform his teaching and research.

FAQ About Gutter Installation Cost

Do gutter alternatives work?

Gutter alternatives don’t work as well as gutters in most situations. For example, rain chains and drip paths overflow in moderate rainfall. However, if your home’s landscaping has gradation that slopes away from your foundation, alternatives may be enough to protect your foundation.

How long do gutters last?

Gutters have different lifespans depending on the material. Plastic gutters last 10 to 20 years, aluminum and steel last up to 20 years, and zinc and copper last 50 years or more.

What is the most common problem with gutters?

The most common problem with gutters is their constant debris buildup and clogging issues. As plant debris falls or is blown by wind, it lands inside your gutters and causes clogs and overflow. This spillage can eventually lead to water damage, soil erosion, and foundation shifting.

Can not having gutters cause foundation problems?

Yes, not having gutters can cause foundation problems. Without gutters, water is free to flow from your roofline right onto your foundation. This hydrostatic pressure will lead to foundation cracks and shifting and other expensive problems.


Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We reinforce this research with thorough firsthand product testing, assessing each gutter guard’s durability, quality, filtration, and cleanability. To date, we’ve tested more than a dozen professionally installed and DIY gutter guard products. We then score each provider against our review standards for gutter guard design, customer support, the quote process, services, and reviews to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.