How Much Does it Cost To Replace Gutters in 2023? (with Pictures)
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Every home needs functioning gutters to ensure no water drips down the walls and around your garden. Gutters help distribute the rainwater. They are slightly tilted in one direction, guiding the water down to already determined drains in the ground. They are attached to the rooftop, providing a flow of water that circulates the sides of the house and into the drainage system.
This article will focus on recognizing when your gutters need replacement and how much this replacement can cost. Read this article carefully since we will provide you with all the information you need to know.
Why Are Gutters So Important?
Gutters are a crucial part of the architecture of your home. They efficiently prevent water from getting through your walls—if the water leaks on your walls, it could cause damage both inside and outside your home. A gutter ensures that the water is only draining in the designated places, usually on the corners of the house.
If you build a home without a proper gutter system, it would involve other risks besides the water damage caused to your walls, including soil erosion, which would happen if the water was to drip and collect in the ground next to the house. So if the gutter does not distribute the water properly to the sewage system, you can only imagine what damage the excess water would cause to your garden.
How Often Should You Replace Your Gutters?
Gutters have a life span of 20 years on average, so there is no need for you to replace them that often. If this draining system is maintained correctly, it can last up to 50 years. The gutters need to be cleaned regularly, though. A lot of debris collects over time, which can clog your gutters if you do not clean them regularly.
To ensure a long-lasting draining system, you must regularly clean the dried leaves, sticks, smaller branches, dirt, or other debris accumulated in your gutter. So for your gutter to stay functional, make sure to maintain and clean it whenever you get a chance.
Signs Your Gutter Needs Replacement
- The paint is flaking off of the gutter pipes
- There is noticeable rust on most of the gutter’s surface
- It keeps clogging up from time to time, no matter how often you clean it
- There are leaking parts of the gutter that are showing on your walls or the ground
- The gutter is hanging off in some places, detached from its hangers
If you’ve had your gutter for a long time, look out for these signs that your gutter is not safe for use anymore and is ready to be replaced:
If you notice at least two of these signs, your gutter is probably in need of replacing.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Gutters?
Hiring a Professional to Do the Job
- Labor: $75 per hour
This project may be a little more expensive than some people expect, but hiring a professional to do this job may be the wisest decision. A professional can help you choose the gutter suited for your house that meets your needs and budget. As this job is not that easy to do, craftsmen that work with replacing gutters typically earn $75 per hour, which can add up to a lot if you have a bigger house that needs more work.
Different gutters and their prices
| Material | Price |
| Vinyl | $3–$6 per linear foot |
| Aluminum | $5–$15 per linear foot |
| Galvanized steel | $6–$12 per linear foot |
| Copper | $18–$30 per linear foot |
| Zinc | $20–$40 per linear foot |
- See Also: Are Home Improvements Tax Deductible?
Find a gutter specialist in your area, and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.Consult a gutter installation expert
Two Types of Gutters
Other than different materials for gutters, there is also a difference in types of gutters. Gutters can be seamless and sectional. Seamless gutters are measured precisely to fit the size of your home, and they are cut on-site. Sectional gutters are already cut to specific sizes that you have to join. They can cost between $3 and $20 per linear foot to install. Their prices can vary between $4 and $30 to install per linear foot.
Seamless gutters take more time to be installed and therefore are a bit more expensive. Although it is a bit more expensive, the seamless gutter has some advantages to it. They last longer than sectional gutters, and because they are precisely cut to fit your home, they are more resistant to leaks.
See also: 11 Home Exterior Trends: Design Ideas for a Modern Home
Additional Costs
When budgeting to replace your gutters, there are additional components that can affect the price, including:
Installation of Gutter Guards
The installation of gutter guards is essential since it stops any debris, dirt, or dry leaves from blocking up the gutter. These gutter guards can cost between $7 and $12 per linear foot.
Gutter Painting
If you decide to paint your gutters, the average painting cost is $2 per linear foot. This part is entirely optional and only depends on your desires.
Maintenance
Cleaning your gutters and maintaining them properly is very important. Cleaning them regularly can prevent any blockage from leaves and other debris. The cost of gutter maintenance is usually between $100 and $200 for a full clean.
See also: How Much Does It Cost to Replace Siding On a House? What You Need To Know!
Downspout Extensions
Downspouts are also a significant part of your gutters that helps them function properly. They will lead the water directly to the drainage holes in the ground without splashing everywhere around your garden. Downspouts typically cost between $3 and $20 per linear foot. You will also need elbows to connect the gutter with the downspout, which cost around $5–$7 each.
Hangers and Brackets
Hangers and brackets are an essential part of your gutter installation. They will keep your gutters attached to your roof, and they are installed every 2 or 3 feet. They cost about $2 to $3 each.
End Caps
If you want to add end caps, their price will vary between $1.50 and $4 each. They will have to be attached to the end of every gutter run.
Mesh Screen
Adding a mesh screen is optional and entirely your choice. While it is not a must, it may be an excellent investment to add to your gutter installation since it will prevent debris from getting into your gutters and help you easily maintain them. This wire mesh screen can cost about a dollar per linear foot.
See also: How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Garbage Disposal?
Final Words
In this article, we went through all the possible gutter replacement costs. It includes additional investments such as labor, maintenance, buying hangers to attach your new gutters, downspouts, and more.
When you finally decide to replace your gutters, this article will serve as a reminder of all the things you will need, and regarding the gutter itself, you can find a list of different gutters and their average prices.
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Featured Image Credit: Antranias, Pixabay
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