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Gutters are a large but necessary investment. They protect your foundation, basement and landscaping from costly damage by directing water away from your home. They also reduce the chances of water stains, paint damage and mildew growth.

We at the Guides Home Team created this guide to gutter installation costs to help you prepare your budget. We’ve also provided saving tips and recommendations for the best gutter guards to keep your system running efficiently.

Installing 200 linear feet of gutters costs $800 to $6,000 on average, or $4 to $30 per linear foot. The national average is around $2,300 for a single-story home but differs based on gutter material. 

Vinyl gutters cost $800 to $1,400, while high-end copper gutters range from $3,000 to $6,000. Larger homes cost more because they need more linear feet of gutter. You’ll also need to consider labor costs if you hire a professional installer.

Various factors influence your gutter installation cost, from home size to gutter style. Read a detailed breakdown of these factors below.

Gutters are measured in linear feet, or the length of the material. Since gutters are installed along your roof, the measurement is significantly less than the square footage of your home. Most one-story homes need 100 to 200 linear feet of gutters. Two-story installations require more gutters and accrue additional labor costs. Homes with steep or complicated roof designs also cost more. 

There are two types of gutters for residential installations: K-style and half-round (or U-style). Each style provides different benefits. 

K-style gutters are the most common. They’re recognizable for their stylish crown molding-like design. They provide excellent drainage and have half-pipe troughs. Though more expensive than half-round gutters, K-style gutters can catch twice as much water. Half-round gutters are typically easier to clean and often found on older or historic homes. Both styles come in standard 5- to 6-inch widths. 

The standard gutter size is 5 inches wide, though larger sizes are available. A 5-inch K-style gutter works on most homes and is large enough to handle the annual rainfall in most regions of the United States. You can get custom gutters if you need a much larger or smaller size, but this will cost more.

Regional climates can affect the type of gutters your home needs. For example, homes in regions with heavy rain benefit from higher-capacity gutters, while vinyl gutters are best for warm climates since cold temperatures can make them crack. 

Gutter installation involves more than the gutters themselves. Here’s a breakdown of the additional parts needed to keep your gutters working properly:

Labor costs are included in any professional installation quote. The size of your home, gutter materials and style of gutters all add to your total project cost. Labor costs increase with multi-story homes, roof accessibility and climate-specific add-ons and upgrades. Pricing also varies based on your geographic location and cost of living.

Gutters come in various materials, from low-budget to high-end. Material costs can significantly increase your total installation price, so select the best gutters for your needs and budget. Below is a breakdown of the gutter materials available. 

Aluminum gutters are lightweight and rust-resistant, lasting up to 20 years. Their maneuverability makes them great for do-it-yourself (DIY) installations, but they’re more susceptible to cracking and bending. Aluminum gutters typically cost $8 to $15 per linear foot.  

Copper is one of the rarest and most expensive gutter materials, costing around $15 to $30 per linear foot. These gutters won’t mold, mildew or rust. However, they can develop a patina, or a thin film that changes the metal’s color to a greenish hue. When properly maintained, copper gutters last up to 50 years. Copper installation requires welding and must be completed by a professional.  

These gutters are stronger but heavier than aluminum. They work well in heavy rain but are more prone to rust. With proper maintenance, they can last 20 to 30 years. Galvanized steel gutters cost $6 to $12 per linear foot. They require soldering and must be professionally installed.

Vinyl gutters are the most popular and budget-friendly option, costing $4 to $7 per linear foot. They’re made of plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are not as durable as other gutters, so they don’t work well in climates with excessive snow, rain or high temperatures. These gutters last between 10 to 20 years, depending on your environment. They also work well for DIY installation.

Pre-weathered zinc is an excellent option for those who want low-maintenance gutters. The material is durable, rust-proof and outlasts aluminum. Zinc gutters form a self-healing patina that conceals surface scratches and cracks. They’re more expensive than other options, costing between $12 and $25 per linear foot, but can last 80 years or longer. They require welding and should be professionally installed.

Sectional gutters are the traditional style of gutters found on most homes. They’re purchased in lengths of 5, 10 or 15 feet and assembled in sections around your home. Sectional gutters are affordable, costing $4 to $20 per linear foot. The downside is that their attachment points weaken over time, leading to corrosion or leaks. 

Seamless gutters are custom-built to match your home’s dimensions. A professional gutter company makes them on-site with special machinery. Prices range from $6 to $30 per linear foot.

New gutter installations are recommended for new homes or homes with deteriorating gutter systems. If your existing gutters are in fairly good condition but have a few trouble spots, a gutter replacement could be more cost-effective than a repair. DIY gutter replacements cost $700 to $1,500. Professional installations cost around $4 to $10 per linear foot and include labor costs. 

Below is a list of telltale signs you need gutter replacement:

If you have one or more of these problems, have a professional inspect your gutters to determine if you need a partial or full system replacement.

Gutter guards filter debris from rainwater to keep gutters clear of clogs. They also reduce how often you need to clean your gutters. Many companies can install gutter guards along with your new system. 

The average cost of gutter guards is $950 to $2,100. You can install plastic or PVC guards yourself for about $95 to $200 per linear foot. Higher-quality gutter guards require professional installation, costing between $1,200 and $1,500.

Homeowners can use DIY gutter installation for lighter materials such as vinyl or aluminum. However, these gutters have shorter lifespans and must be cleaned and maintained regularly. Gutter installation also requires you to work on a ladder for long periods, which can be dangerous. If you’re uncomfortable taking on such a precarious project, consider hiring a professional.

Professional installers use more durable metal gutters, including galvanized steel, zinc and copper. These installations require advanced skills such as soldering and welding. The gutter company will install all system components, including downspouts, downspout brackets and gutter guards. Material and labor costs are included in the professional cost estimate. Contractors will remove and dispose of your old gutters if you’re replacing an existing gutter system.

Investing in a well-made gutter system protects your home from costly water damage. Homeowners should budget for the best system they can afford and find a reliable gutter company to complete the project. You can save money by completing your own installation, but it won’t last as long as a professionally installed gutter system. 

You should also consider investing in gutter guards to keep your system running efficiently. Below are our recommendations for top gutter guard providers. 

LeafFilter offers a three-piece stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard system. The 275-micron filter catches even the smallest debris, including pollen and shingle grit. Each guard is installed at the ideal angle to catch debris. LeafFilter includes a transferable limited lifetime warranty that guarantees your gutters will remain clog-free. 

HomeCraft Gutter Protection offers a three-piece micro-mesh gutter guard with a unique raised diamond design. It’s made of 304-micron marine grade stainless steel, making it durable and long-lasting. The HomeCraft system is protected by a transferable lifetime warranty covering gutter defects and manufacturer malfunctions. 

Yes, it is worth putting gutters on your house. Gutters direct rainwater away from your home, preventing costly water damage to your foundation and roof.  

The average gutter installation costs $800 to $6,000 or $4 to $30 per linear foot.  The U.S. national average is closer to $2,300 but varies based on gutter material. Vinyl gutters cost as little as $4 per linear foot, while high-end copper is priced as high as $30 per linear foot. 

Gutters protect your foundation, prevent erosion in your landscaping and reduce the chance of basement flooding. They also prevent water stains, paint damage and mildew on your home’s exterior.

The average cost for aluminum gutters, one of the most popular gutter choices, is $2,400, or $12 per linear foot. Costs can range from $1,600 (or $8 per linear foot) to $3,000 (or $15 per linear foot) for a 200-linear-foot project. 

Our team created a comprehensive ratings system to rank gutter guard companies and products. We researched gutter guards’ functionality, specifications, installation process and more, as well as read customer reviews to understand the customer experience and longevity of the products.

After researching, we scored gutter guard providers in these categories: gutter guard materials and product options, installation options, payment options, communication, additional benefits and reputation.

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