The cost of rain gutters can vary significantly depending on the size of your home and the type of gutters you choose. There are plenty of inexpensive options, and you can save even more money by installing them yourself. But there’s a good chance you won’t be happy with the result and will wish you’d gone with a professional installation of better-quality gutters from the get-go.
Here’s a look at how much it might cost to install new rain gutters on an average home.
National Average Rain Gutter Cost
Nationwide, the average cost of rain gutters is $1,125. It may cost as much as $8,000 for some homes and as little as $800 for others. The actual cost of installing new gutters on your home may be higher or lower than the national average, depending on several factors. Those cost-altering factors include:
- location,
- size and type of the home,
- type of rain gutter material,
- rain gutter style,
- and nature of the installation.
For example, installing rain gutters on a 4-story home is likely to cost more than an installation on a rambler; this may be true even if both houses have the same size roof. There may also be additional charges for replacing existing gutters rather than adding gutters to a new building that hasn’t had them before — this is because there is extra work associated with removing old gutters, repairing fascia, and disposing of materials.
Cost of Rain Gutters by Material
Rain gutters come in various materials, and some cost a lot more than others. There are also differences in performance and durability, so consider those when choosing a material. The cheapest options may not save you any money if you have to replace them in a few years. Here’s an overview of the different types of rain gutter materials and how they stack up cost-wise.
- Aluminum – Aluminum rain gutters tend to be the most popular. That’s because the material is lightweight, so it’s easier to attach and isn’t prone to sagging. Aluminum gutters also come in various colors, which are resistant to corrosion and keep looking nice for longer.
They’re one of the less expensive options and generally cost around $3 per linear foot for the materials. They aren’t the most durable gutters because they are prone to dents which can decrease performance over time.
- Steel – Steel gutters are generally made of galvanized steel coated in a zinc layer. This makes them strong and durable, but they tend to rust. Steel gutters may also be coated in both aluminum and zinc to remain durable and help with the rust problem.
They are similar in cost to aluminum gutters at about $3 per linear foot. The downside? Installation costs on steel gutters tend to be quite a bit more expensive because they are so heavy. They are also prone to sagging and pulling away from the roof with time due to their weight.
- Zinc – Zinc gutters are less common, but there’s a lot to love about them. They are one of the most durable gutter materials and commonly last in the ballpark of 100 years. Zinc is fully recyclable, too, so they’re an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, zinc gutters add a significant amount of curb appeal. More people don’t choose them because they cost anywhere from $10 to $25 per linear foot.
- Copper – Copper shares a lot of the upsides of zinc. It’s recyclable, durable, and attractive. Copper gutters oxidize to form a beautiful patina over time that protects the gutters from rust. This material is often installed on older homes and buildings. But, like zinc, copper gutters are on the high end of the price scale. You can expect to pay $10 to $12 per linear foot for copper gutters, not including installation costs.
- Vinyl – Vinyl is easily the least expensive gutter material. You can find vinyl gutters for as little as $2 per linear square foot. And while vinyl gutters might look nice initially, they have the shortest life span and will need to be replaced frequently. They become brittle in direct sunlight and break easily, decreasing their functionality and harming the physical appearance of your home. But they are cheap and extremely easy to match to a home’s vinyl siding, which is why so many people choose them.
Installation Costs
The cost of the rain gutter materials is only part of the total cost of getting new gutters. Installation costs also need to be considered. Installation costs around the nation may be as low as $1,000 or as high as $5,000. You can expect to pay between $7 and $33 per linear foot of installed gutters in addition to the material costs.
Downspouts are another additional cost that many people tend to overlook. Downspouts are required every 40 feet, so most homes need at least four downspouts. These are typically made of the same material as the gutters you choose.
All in all, with materials and installation costs, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for new gutters on your house. You might be tempted to install them yourselves. But it’s well worth the cost of hiring a professional gutter company to handle the installation for you so you can have the peace of mind that it’s done correctly and your home is protected.
Upgrade Your Rain Gutters With M&M Gutters & Exteriors
As you can see, the cost of rain gutters can vary significantly. So if you’re ready to have beautiful and high-performing gutters installed on your home, the M&M Gutters & Exteriors experts are here to help. Our knowledgeable and professional team has decades of industry experience, and no job is too big or little for us.
Our skilled crew is fully licensed and insured. We are committed to delivering high-quality gutters, siding, and service to homes and businesses in Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, Utah, and Summit counties in Utah. Contact us for all your gutter repairs, custom gutter systems, and other gutter needs. We also specialize in siding installation, roofing, and windows.