How Much Do Seamless Gutters Cost? Your 2019 Guide
Need new gutters? Seamless gutters are aesthetically appealing, and they can be cost efficient, too. But how much do they really cost?
Here’s the short answer. According to national data, seamless gutter installation costs, on average, $2,000 to $2,500 for a typical, single-story house. That includes roughly 200 linear feet of seamless aluminum gutters, six downspouts, end caps, hanging brackets, warranties, and the cost of labor.
Break that down a little bit further, and the typical cost for seamless gutters is about $10 to $12 per linear foot. If you have a bigger or smaller than average house, this figure can help you determine your estimated budget.
Want the longer answer? Keep reading—we’ve got everything you need to know about seamless gutters.
How do seamless gutter costs compare with other types of gutters?
Seamless gutters are custom-made for each house. They are created using a gutter machine and coiled metal. The end result is a durable, sturdy gutter that’s been designed to fit perfectly to your home.
How does this type of gutter compare to sectional gutters? Vinyl sectional gutters have an average cost of about $7 per linear foot, although the cost can range anywhere from $5 to $10 per linear foot. Zinc sectional gutters are significantly more expensive, at roughly $18 per linear foot on average. Stainless steel is another option for sectional gutters, and it typically runs about $16 per linear foot.
Seamless gutter costs: Materials
Aluminum is by far the most common choice for seamless gutters, but it isn’t your only option. Other possibilities include copper and coated steel.
Here’s a quick overview of how these materials compare in terms of price:
- Aluminum as a point of reference, has an average cost of $11 per linear foot, with an average cost of about $2,300 for installation on a typical home.
- Copper has an average cost of $24 per linear foot, and an average total installation cost of $4,800.
- Coated steel Coated steel has an average cost of $9 per linear foot, a little cheaper than aluminum. The average cost for a home installation is about $1,800.
Besides cost, there are a number of other key differences between these materials. Take steel, for example:
- Advantages of steel: The main benefit of coated steel is price—it’s generally the cheapest choice for seamless gutters. It’s also more sturdy and less prone to denting than aluminum.
- Disadvantages of steel: Steel gutters have a maximum lifespan of roughly 20 years, meaning they’re less long-lasting than other materials. They’re also heavier than aluminum gutters, so they have a higher chance of filling with snow, ice, or leaves and pulling off of the house.
Aluminum has its own set of pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider:
- Advantages of aluminum: With a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, this material is long-lasting, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. It offers lots of color options: You can choose from numerous finishes, and it’s easy to paint if you want to change the color down the line.
- Disadvantages of aluminum: Aluminum dents more easily than steel, and to a lot of folks, it’s just not as pretty as copper.
And finally, we come to copper. Take into account these variables if you’re thinking about this material:
- Advantages of copper: Copper gutters have remarkable longevity. They’re expected to last anywhere between 50 to 100 years. It’s also a popular choice because of its distinctive aesthetic appeal.
- Disadvantages of copper: Copper is more than twice the price of aluminum and can be almost triple the price of coated steel. (But keep in mind that copper will easily outlast other materials, so it’s not a bad deal in the long run.)
Seamless gutter costs: Other factors
When determining your project budget, one of the main factors to consider is the number of stories on your house. Installation is more difficult on multi-story houses, so installation costs are accordingly higher. You can add about $1.50 to the average cost for each linear foot that needs to be installed above the first story.
The color you choose for your gutters also impacts the price. In many cases, lighter, neutral tones will cost less than vibrant or dark colors.
Another factor to consider is whether you need removal and disposal of the old gutters. This service can cost about $0.75 per linear foot.
The design of your home will also influence the price of gutter installation. For example, a house with more than the average six corners will have a significantly higher installation cost than a more basic home design.
Keep in mind that you might want accessories and additions beyond the basic gutter system. If you want downspout extenders, rain barrels, splash blocks, rain chains, or gutter guards, you’ll have to pay for that on top of the costs detailed above.
The climate and average rainfall where you live is also an influencing factor, because it will determine how big your gutters need to be. While the average size is five inches, gutters can range from three to seven inches. (The size of the roof also influences how big the gutters have to be.)
Fascia repair is another cost to think about. New gutters cannot be installed until any rotted fascia has been removed and replaced.
Are seamless gutters worth it?
Whichever gutters you choose, they’ll have a lot of responsibility. Here’s what a proper gutter system can do for your home:
- Protect your gardens and shrubbery from water damage and rot
- Reduce the risk of damage from ice dams
- Divert water away from siding, fascia, and exterior walls to prevent mold and staining
- Prevent leaks, and accompanying mold and mildew, in the basement
- Protect the home’s foundation
With that in mind, there are a lot of reasons to invest in seamless gutters. They’ve gained popularity because they offer up to two dozen color choices, so just about every homeowner can find a shade to suit their preference.
While most seamless gutters are more expensive than vinyl sectional gutters, they also last much longer and are less likely to snap or warp. They’re also significantly more resistant to leaks than sectional gutters, thanks to their one-piece design. (It’s worth mentioning, though, that that same design means even minimal damage to one area will require the replacement of the whole run.)
In the end, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons and decide what works best for your home.
