Gutter Cost Calculator

Gutter Cost Calculator estimates the cost of installing new seamless aluminum gutters and downspouts for your home. Prices include materials and professional Installation.

Gutter estimates can be calculated for simple ranch house or complex jobs, like a Victorian home or even commercial buildings (6″ profile), and building height up-to 4 stories.

Select various sizes, gutter materials (aluminum, zinc, copper), as well as optional accessories, such as Leaf Guard protection, etc. Copper and zinc gutters are not “seamless” and come in 10′ sections.

Where can you buy gutters?

Homeowners can buy gutters locally, from numerous suppliers, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, as well as many specialty gutter stores. There, you can also buy all the accessories – downspouts, elbows, outlets, end caps, hangers, gutter seal, etc.

However, home improvement stores only sell 10′ sections. So if you want seamless gutters, you have only three options:

1) Buy from a gutter supplier, and transport to your home. A gutter supplier can roll-form cutters of nearly any length (1000 feet if you need). However, they have stationary roll formers, and make the gutters in their store / shop. Getting it to you home can be a challenge (but not impossible up to certain length).

We regularly transported 20-25′ sections of gutters on our trucks, using staging poles (16′ long) as support. However we would not attempt moving gutters over 30 feet long.

This option is ideal, for smaller jobs, such as sheds, garages, or any gutter job under 25′ run, AND if you have a truck.

2) Pay the gutter supplier to make your gutters on site. Most gutter suppliers have trucks with roll-forming gutter machines inside, as well as gutter coil and common accessories. You can pay a little extra (usually $0.25-$0.50 per foot) to have the truck come to your location.

This is ideal if you have a larger job, that you want to install yourself. You still get a great price (usually $4-5 total material cost per foot. You might pay $50-100 more for “made on site” service. However you don’t need to transport the gutters.

3) Pay the gutter installer to do the job for you. While this will be the most expensive option, reality is – gutter installation is pretty inexpensive. Most gutter jobs cost under $1,500, and can be done in as little as 4 hours. So instead of getting ladders, arranging gutter delivery, and doing the job yourself, you can hire a pro, and have your gutters done for $11-14 per linear foot!

How To Use Gutter Cost Estimator

Before you can use the calculator, you need to measure the total length of all horizontal (eave) edges of your roof that will receive new gutters. You also need to count all Inside and Outside corners and Downspouts (drain pipes).

1. To accurately estimate your total cost, you will need to measure the length of ALL horizontal (eave) ends of your roof. This is where new gutters will be installed. If you have a gable roof – you will be installing on the front and back (2 sides) of your roof. If you have a HIP roof type, then you will be installing gutters on all 4 sides.
2. If your roof overhangs the house exterior wall, add overhang lengths to to your measurements.
3. Count all corners, and downspouts (drain pipes). Do not worry about elbows on downspouts.
4. Select the number of floors below the roof line.
5. Select if you need to remove old (aluminum or plastic) gutters, and if you need new leaf guards installed.

How Much Do Seamless Gutters Cost?

The average price for installing new 5″ seamless gutters is $11-14 per linear foot, totaling $1,600-2,100 for 150 sq. ft. of gutters.

This includes both sides of the house and downspouts on each end of the gutter for proper drainage. Gutter costs will vary depending on the material you install, architectural complexity of your house and local contractor rates.

Note that if the total gutter installation price is less than $425, a minimum charge will be provided, as most contractors will not work for less. For example – if you needed 5 feet and 1 downspout installed, you would still pay a minimum of around $400.

Cost Of Gutters Based On House Size

Here is a sample price chart for the cost of installing seamless gutters for different home sizes.

This estimate is for installing seamless aluminum gutters and 6 downspouts on a single storie house.

House Size (Square Footage)	Gutter Installation Cost
1,000	$950 – 1,100
1,500	$1,250- 1,680
2,000	$1,850 – 2,520
2,500	$2,900 – 3,670
3,000	$3,500 – 4,200

Gutter Installation Cost

Professional gutter installers charge $1-7 per linear foot to install seamless gutters, depending on the gutter material, size and complexity of the job.

Most new seamless gutters are made on site or in the shop and delivered to the job site. If the length of each run is over 30 feet, the product will be formed on site, as it’s virtually impossible to transport such long sections without doing any damage.

Once the section is rolled out of the machine, it is measured and cut to exact length, which is about 2 inches longer than roof edge, to capture water that comes off roof sides.

Once a section is cut, end caps are installed. Holes are punched or cut about 6-8″ from each end or were needed, outlets are installed and all penetrations are sealed with gutter seal caulk.

Then hangers with self-tapping screws are installed every 18″ – 24″. Other types of hangers can also be used, but not recommended for K-Style.

Once all accessories are installed, a complete section is lifted by 1, 2 or 3 installers and is screwed to the fascia board, making sure that outlets are pitched slightly down from the rest of the gutter to create positive slope for better drainage.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Gutters

There are a number of factors that impact how much you will end up paying to install a seamless gutter system on your home.

Here are the big ones to keep in mind:

1. Removal of the old gutters: this can add $0.50-1.0 to the total cost

2. Gutter size: gutters come in a variety of width, ranging from 3 to 7 inches. The wider your gutter, the most expensive it will be

3. Gutter colors: if you select a premium gutter color, you will pay a premium charge. Typically, darker, richer hues cost more then light or white color gutters.

4. Number of corners in the house: the more corners your home has, the more expensive the cost of the install. This is because doing the corner is the most labor-intensive and time consuming part of the gutter installation.

5. Upper storie installation: if your house has more then one storie, you will have to pay upto 30-40% more for the installation.

6. Fascia repair: if the old fascia needs to be replaced or repaired this can really skyrocket the cost of your gutter installation.

7. Your geographic location: professional labor charges for gutters installers vary greatly depending on the region of the country.

Coastal cities along the West and East coast tend to have the highest labor rates in the country, which can be up to 30% higher than the national average rates for the same job.

On the other hand, cities in the South and Midwest have much lower labor rates, and can be up to 20% less then the national average.

Popular Types of Gutters

Here is a brief summary of the differences between the most popular seamless gutter types.

K-style: these gutters have a flat bottom and back. At the same time, the front is usually curved or looks like an ogee (replicating crown molding on the ceiling). There are many beautiful shapes and decorative designs to choose from, so you can create a customized look for your home.

Half-round: these are simple looking, no frills half-round shape tubes. Don’t be deceived by their seemingly plain aesthetic. Half-round gutters look beautiful on classic and historic homes.

The biggest difference between these two types of gutters is the price. K-style gutters cost as much as 50% more per linear foot than half-rounds. They also hold twice as much debris, leaves, water, etc, because they are deeper. In terms of width, both type are either 5 or 6 inches wide.

Gutter Replacement Cost Based On Material

Here is how much you can expect to spend on house gutters per linear foot based on the material you select. Gutter price estimates include professional installation.

Gutter Material	Cost Per Linear Foot
Aluminum Gutters	$10-14 per ln.ft.
Galvanized Steel Gutters	$9-10 per ln.ft.
Stainless Steel Gutters	$20 per ln.ft.
Copper Gutters	$40 per ln.ft.
Zinc Gutters	$45 – 50 per ln.ft.

Gutter Prices Breakdown

Here are the most popular materials used to manufacture seamless gutters, their features and how much they cost per linear foot.

Aluminum gutters

Aluminum is the most frequently installed gutter material, favored by about 80% of homeowners. Aluminum’s greatest benefits are that it will not rust, is very light weight and fairly easy to install, even for a DIYer.

Another benefit is that aluminum gutters can be painted and is manufactured in a variety of stock colors that match many architectural house styles.

If you live in the snow country, its strongly recommended to install .032- or .027 gauge aluminum (this is thicker than standard) to ensure long lasting service.

All aluminum seamless gutters have an “ogee” or a so-called K-style profile. If you want round, box or other type of gutter, it will not be seamless. It will be a custom job and will cost significantly more than regular K-style.

Costs start at $10 – 14 per linear foot and increase depending on installation difficulties. Its best to order primary aluminum materials, as opposed to secondary, because they are made of recycled metal and may not be as durable.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Steel is considered to be a very strong metal and these gutters will stand up well to damage from ladders, branched, impact from falling objects, etc. Steel gutters are available in numerous colors and can also be painted.

However, their biggest downside is that eventually they will rust. This may happen as quickly as 5-7 years after installation, at which point replacement may be necessary. Because of rusting, most homeowners choose aluminum gutters over steel, even though they are more expensive.

Price for steel gutters starts at $9-10 per linear foot installed.

It is also possible to install stainless steel gutters, which will never rust. However, they cost double, with prices starting at $20 per linear foot installed.

Copper gutters

Gutters made of copper can be both seamless (K-Style) or 10 foot sections with soldered seams, made in either half-round shape or box shape.

Inside and outside corners of copper metal gutters should be soldered (whereas for aluminum and zinc, they are caulked with special “gutter seal”).

Copper gutters also use special round or box copper drain pipes, and custom-made elbows.

Because of a much higher materials cost and a lot of custom labor, the cost of installing copper gutters starts at $40 per linear foot and goes up from there with complexity of the job.

Zinc gutters

These gutters are pre-made, and come is 10 foot sections – usually half round profile. RheinZink is on of the biggest zinc gutters and roofing manufacturers in the world, and offers a complete set of accessories – hangers, drain outlets, downspouts, end-caps, corners, etc.

These are only accessible for purchase via special order, through roofing suppliers such as ABC, Beacon, Bradco, Harvey, Heritage, and other building materials and roofing suppliers.

Other manufacturers of zinc gutters include OrnaMetals and some smaller, less known firms. Zinc cannot be produced on site, unlike aluminum and copper, because zinc is a very hard metal, and requires special machinery to bend and form. Zink also cannot be seamless.

Zinc gutter costs start at about $45-50 per linear foot, installed. The price increases as job complexity goes up.

Tips On Doing A Proper Gutter Installation

Optional leaf guards are installed after section is attached to the roof edge. Downspouts are added in the end.

Gutter Replacement Requires Removal Of Rotted Fascia Boards!!

If you are replacing your old gutters and have had some roof leaks / water damage in the past, or if you are suspecting that your fascia boards might have water damage / rot, it is best to replace these boards with new wood or PVC / AZEK boards.

If you do not replace rotted fascias, your new gutters can fall off long before they reach end of life.

You should budget to spend about $13-14 per linear foot for new PVC boards and trim (this includes removal of the old fascia). If you are interested in metal trim, the total price will be about the same.

How To Save On The Cost Of Seamless Gutters

This advice can help you save money on your new gutters, as well as ensure that installation is properly done.

1. As we discussed earlier, the average cost to install seamless gutters is around $10-12 per linear foot. Regardless of where in the US you live, most contractors will charge in this ball park. If you are getting pricing over $17 per linear foot, you are most likely being ripped off and should stay away from this company!

2. We recommend getting 3-4 free estimates from local reputable contractors. This will help you compare pricing and find a pro with the best references.

3. You can get a small discount of around 5-7% from a company that has their own roll forming machine. They will come in and manufacturer your gutters right on site.

4. Make sure that your contractor installs gutters with proper slope. This is one of things that can go wrong with installation. The drains should be BELOW the low point of your gutters; otherwise water will stand there, contributing to rot and mold growth.

5. It is very important to replace any broken or rotted fascia boards behind the gutters. This is their nailing surface, and if the boards are falling apart, your new gutters will simply not stay in their place.

6. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice dams, it is best to install leaf guards. These will help minimize the damage that ice dams cause.

7. You really don’t need to spend money on “premium” leaf guard systems. Simple options sold in big box home improvement stores cost a lot less, work just as well, and are much easier to clean and remove.

Does Every Home Need Gutters?

The reality is that not all houses actually need to have a gutter system installed. What’s the catch?

The main job of house gutters is to direct rain water away from the house. So, If your house is located in a state that gets very little rain, and there are very long periods of dry weather, you may not actually need to install gutters at all.

However, if you live in the Northeast, where rain and snow are present for a significant portion of the year, quality seamless gutters a must have, if you want to protect your roof and your home.

Are Seamless Gutters Worth It?

Installing seamless gutters may not seam like a very important or pressing home improvement project.

However, investing into quality home gutters can bring a host of benefits you may not have known about. Gutters are like the invisible work houses of the house. They do so many jobs that you would never attribute to gutters being responsible for.

Here are some of the essential benefits that you get when you have a properly functioning gutter system:

-Improve the curb appeal of your home
-Direct rain water away from your roof
-Protect the structural integrity of your home
-Protect the foundation, driveway and sidewalk of your house from pooling water
-Prevent soil erosion
-Protect your garden beds
-Prevent basement flooding
-Prevent siding from rotting
-Reduce the impact of ice dams
-Maximize your house ROI if you are selling your home