How Much Are Gutters Really Worth?

Stagnant water around a home is not only an eyesore, but it's also a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Gutter systems protect against these issues by collecting and directing water flow away from the house or building.

Gutters are typically sold by the linear foot, which a contractor can measure during the initial inspection. Additional gutter accessories, such as downspouts and end caps, can add to the cost.

Gutter Material

The material used to make your gutters influences the cost. Cheaper materials like vinyl or aluminum are less expensive upfront but may need frequent repairs or replacement. More durable options like copper or galvanized steel can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Gutter size and style also impact price. The more linear feet of guttering you need, the higher the cost. Corners, gables and other special features also cost more to install.

Seamless gutters have a smoother surface, so they're more expensive than sectional gutters. Downspouts are also an important component of a gutter system and typically cost $5 to $15 per foot. You should also plan for splash blocks ($5) and hangers ($2+) for each downspout. These accessories help direct water away from the foundation and prevent soil erosion around your home's base. Downspout extensions are recommended by many home inspectors, so you should factor these in as well. They divert water at least 3' to 4' away from the house and reduce moisture exposure.

Gutter Style

Gutters are an important part of any home or building. They channel water away from the structure to avoid issues like mildew, foundation damage, siding rot, basement flooding, and landscaping erosion. They can also help prevent more serious problems such as pest invasion and fires caused by gutter blockages.

A budget-friendly option is vinyl gutters, which cost around $4 to $7 per linear foot. However, these are not as durable and can become faded over time. Another option is aluminum, which costs $6 to $12 per linear foot and can withstand heavier rains and intense weather changes. However, they are more prone to corrosion than other materials.

A more expensive option is seamless gutters, which can be made from aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper and cost $5 to $40 per linear foot. They are more durable than sectional gutters and are less prone to leaks. Other accessories include downspout elbows, splash blocks, and end caps, which cost up to $10 each.

Gutter Installation

Gutter installation is a labor-intensive project that requires professional knowledge of proper installation techniques to ensure long-lasting, functional gutters. If the gutters aren't correctly pitched, installed at the right height for your home, or positioned to handle the typical volume of precipitation for your region, structural damage and other costly issues can arise. To prevent these risks, hire a reputable contractor with a professional approach to sales presentations and estimates, job-site safety procedures, and the skill to answer any questions you may have.

On average, most one-story homes need 100 to 200 linear feet of gutters. Add to this cost if your home has multiple gables and corners, a complex roof design, or other features that increase the total amount of guttering needed for proper function. Other costs to consider include gutter accessories such as downspout extensions ($5 to $15 per lineal foot), splash blocks ($8 each), and heat tape ($1 to $6 per lineal foot) to prevent ice damming in cold climates.

Gutter Maintenance

Keeping gutters clean is the best way to prevent water damage to walls, foundations, rooflines, and landscaping. Gutters collect rain from the roofline, divert it through downspouts, and then send it away from the house. Clogged gutters send water where it can cause problems, such as sagging gutters, mold growth, wet basements and water damage to the roof, walls, and foundation.

A gutter system should include downspouts that direct water at least 4 feet away from the house. Downspouts can become clogged with leaves and debris, so they need to be cleaned regularly as well.

Gutter cleaning is not the most pleasant of household chores, but it's essential for preventing expensive home repairs. Hire a professional with experience and reliable equipment to perform this service for you. They can also install gutter guards, which reduce the frequency of maintenance by blocking most debris from entering the gutters and requiring only occasional sweeping. However, this option is not a permanent solution and will require the use of a ladder.