If you are reading this web page, you are already well aware that functioning gutters are critical to the long term health of your home's infrastructure and landscape. Leaky gutters can result in damage to your home’s foundation, basement leaks, landscape erosion, roof rot and moldy attic space. If your gutters are damaged beyond repair, then purchasing new gutters is necessary to protect your home.

How much will new gutters cost?

As is the case with most home improvements, cost is one of the first things you think about. When calculating the cost of gutters, the first thing to consider is whether you are installing the gutters yourself or hiring a contractor to install them for you. If you are installing gutters yourself, then your cost for new gutters will be derived simply from the quality and volume of materials you need to purchase. The following overview discusses the material cost of the different types of gutters that are commonly found on the market today.

Cost for Gutter Materials ONLY

Gutter materials – gutters and downspouts – vary quite a bit in cost depending on the quality of the material. Let’s take a look at the different gutter materials available, some pros and cons of each, and the associated costs you can expect to pay.

Vinyl Gutters and Downspout Cost

Vinyl is the least expensive material on the market, and the easiest to work with, making it a good fit for "do-it-yourself" (DIY) projects. The knock on vinyl is durability, as it weakens faster than other materials, especially in cold climates. The cost for vinyl gutters and downspouts is in the $.50 - $1 per foot range, which would run you roughly $100-$200 in gutters and downspouts for a 200 sq. foot project.

Aluminum Gutters and Downspout Cost

Like vinyl, aluminum gutters are easy to work with plus Aluminum gutters are rust resistant and come pre-applied with a non corrosive coating making them last far longer than vinyl gutters. However, aluminum is still a malleable material that can easily be bent and damaged by ladders or large branches. The cost for aluminum gutters and downspouts is in the $5 to $10 per sq. foot range, costing you roughly $1,000-$2,000 in gutters and downspouts for a 200 square foot project depending on the sizes and gauge of gutters you need for your home.

Steel Gutters and Downspout Costs

Galvanized steel gutters are simply more durable than aluminum and vinyl. They will stand up to more severe weather and do a better job of standing the test of time. However, they are heavier and more complicated to install, usually requiring soldering, so they are not the best choice for DIY projects. Material costs for steel gutters run in the $10-$12 per foot range, for an estimated cost of roughly $2,000-$2,400 for 200 sq feet of gutter and downspouts.

Copper Gutters and Downspouts Costs

The main reason you would choose copper gutters is for aesthetic purposes. While copper is a strong and durable material like steel, the exorbitant cost of $20-$25 per foot or more in material alone makes it prohibitively expensive for most home owners. Expect materials alone to run in the $4,000 - $5,000 range for a 200 sq. foot project. Since copper is so expensive and hard to work with, only the most skilled gutter installers should take on the job. So, unless you are an experienced gutter installer, expect to pay a considerable labor cost on top of the already pricey material costs.

Hiring a Professional Gutter Installer

If you choose to use a professional installer to install your gutters, obviously the cost goes up. Installers generally charge by the foot. Prices will vary from region to region. The type of gutter you use will also impact the cost. The more durable the material, the more difficult it will be to to manage and install. You should expect higher costs for more high-end gutters and downspouts, such as galvanized steel and copper. A good rule of thumb is that a professional installer will cost roughly three times the cost of materials. If you are installing vinyl gutters ($1 per foot), you can assume that, using a professional installer the cost will be roughly $3.00 a foot to complete the job. That comes out to about $600 for a 200 sq. foot project. For steel gutters costing $5 a foot, expect to pay upwards of $3000 for a 200 sq. foot project.

When looking for a gutter installer, shop around. Look for the best price. But don't shop by price alone. There are a lot of so-called “professional gutter installers” out there without experience or the necessary skills to properly hang gutters. Check references. Check the Better Business Bureau. You'll quickly find that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Harry Helmet gutter installers have a proven track record of expertly installed gutters. For an estimate and references, speak with one of our installers in Baltimore Gutters, Philadelphia Gutters, Pittsburgh Gutters, Northern Virginia Gutters and New Jersey Gutters.

Protecting your Investment

If you think there is any merit to the cliche "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" then think long and hard about installing a gutter protection system to safeguard your new investment in gutters. After all, your home is your largest, most valuable investment and you are going to want protect it the best way possible. The Gutter Helmet® gutter protection system eliminates gutter damage in a number of ways, by preventing clogs, reinforcing the strength and load-bearing capacity, slowing corrosion and reducing the buildup of ice providing ultimate winter storm protection.