Gutter Installation Cost Calculator

Gutter installation costs $4–$30 per linear foot depending on material, averaging $600–$2,400 for a typical home (150 linear feet). Aluminum gutters (most popular) cost $4–$9/lf installed. Vinyl is cheapest at $3–$6/lf. Steel runs $5–$10/lf, copper is premium at $15–$30/lf. Add $200–$600 for downspouts (4 at $50–$150 each), $450–$1,200 for gutter guards, and $150–$450 for old gutter removal.

Aluminum is the best value for most homes — lightweight, rust-resistant, available in seamless styles, and costs $4–$9/lf. It lasts 20–30 years and handles most climates. Vinyl ($3–$6/lf) is cheapest but cracks in cold weather and fades in sun. Steel ($5–$10/lf) is strongest but can rust. Copper ($15–$30/lf) is premium, lasts 50+ years, and develops an attractive patina. Zinc ($10–$20/lf) offers 40+ year lifespan with no maintenance.

K-style gutters are the standard residential choice — flat back mounts flush against fascia, decorative front profile matches crown molding, handles high water volume. K-style costs $4–$9/lf for aluminum. Half-round gutters have a rounded trough shape, common on historic and European-style homes. Half-round costs $1–$3 more per linear foot. Half-round is easier to clean (no corners for debris) but holds less water. Most homes use K-style; choose half-round for aesthetic preference.

Gutter guards cost $3–$8 per linear foot ($450–$1,200 for 150 lf) and reduce cleaning from 2–4 times/year to once per year or less. They prevent clogs, ice dams, and pest nesting. Screen-type ($3–$5/lf) blocks leaves but not pine needles. Micro-mesh ($5–$8/lf) blocks nearly everything. Reverse-curve ($6–$10/lf) handles heavy rainfall. Guards pay for themselves in 3–5 years if you currently pay $150–$300 per gutter cleaning.

Plan one downspout for every 20–30 linear feet of gutter, or every 600 sq ft of roof area. A typical home with 150 lf of gutters needs 4–6 downspouts. Each downspout is usually 10 feet long and costs $5–$15 per linear foot installed ($50–$150 per downspout). Place downspouts at corners and low points. Extend downspouts 4–6 feet from foundation with splash blocks or underground drain pipe to prevent water damage.

Gutter lifespan depends on material: aluminum lasts 20–30 years, vinyl 10–20 years, steel 15–25 years (galvanized) or 50 years (stainless), copper 50–80 years, and zinc 40–50 years. Seamless gutters last longer than sectional (fewer leak points). Extend gutter life with annual cleaning, gutter guards, prompt leak repairs, and proper downspout drainage away from foundation. Signs of replacement needed: sagging, rust holes, persistent leaks, water damage on fascia.

Repair gutters if damage is limited to a few sections — patch holes ($5–$15 per patch), reseal joints ($50–$100 per joint), or replace a damaged section ($4–$15/lf). Replace entirely if gutters are over 20 years old, sagging in multiple areas, have widespread rust or corrosion, or if sections are pulling away from the fascia. Full replacement with old gutter removal costs $5–$33/lf depending on material. Replacement also allows upgrading to seamless gutters or adding gutter guards.

DIY gutter installation saves 50–60% on labor. Sectional aluminum gutter kits cost $2–$4/lf at home centers. You need: ladder, drill, tin snips, chalk line, gutter sealant, and hangers ($1–$2 each, every 2 feet). Challenges: ensuring proper slope (1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspout), cutting miters at corners, and sealing joints. Seamless gutters require professional equipment (forming machine). DIY works for single-story homes; hire a pro for multi-story or complex rooflines.