Gutter replacement is an integral part of upkeeping your roof and house siding.

Sitting at the edge of your roof, gutters don’t look like much of a support for your home.

Moreover, cleaning them is a hassle and you might even think that they ruin the overall aesthetics of your home.

Still, without them, your walls wouldn’t be as dry and your exterior would suffer greatly.

However, like everything that has been exposed to prolonged periods of rain, snow, and debris accumulation, gutters also need replacement.

Average Gutter Replacement Cost

The total cost of replacing gutters is usually slightly higher than the cost of installing new gutters as it involves the removal of old materials.

Removing old material raises the cost by around $150-$300, so on average you should expect to spend between $700 and $6,500 for a roof that requires 200 linear feet of gutter replacement.

This, of course, depends on various factors and each project will have a unique price, tailored to your needs and requirements.

Factors that may affect the price is the slope of your roof, the height of your house, gutter material, quality, and type, labor costs, your location, season, etc.

Labor costs vary by contractor in each location, but it should be between $200 and $1,400 for the whole project.

That leaves the materials costing around $500 and $5,100.

Gutter Replacement Cost	Cost per 200 Linear Feet
Labor	$200-$1,400
Material	$500-$5,100
Total Installation Cost	$700-$6,500

Gutter Replacement Cost Per Square Foot

Although the average cost of the whole gutter replacement project is between $700 and $6,500, your roof might be smaller than the national average.

That’s why knowing the cost per linear foot is beneficial; it will allow you to calculate your replacement  gutter cost according to the dimensions of your roof.

Depending on the above-mentioned factors that affect the price of gutter replacement, the average cost per linear foot is approximately $3.50-$32.50. 

Cost Of Gutter Replacement Parts

Gutter replacement doesn’t only include changing the main gutter.

There are plenty of parts that require your attention.

What’s more, sometimes all that’s necessary for your gutter system to function properly is the replacement of a small part.

The gutter system structure depends on the complexity of your roof.

Still, there are several parts that all gutters require.

Gutter Replacement Parts	Cost per 200 Linear Feet
End Caps	$10-$25
Downspouts	$130-$1,600
Elbows	$25-$100
Hangers and Brackets	$150-$1,500
Splash Blocks	$60
Flashings	$150-$600

End Cap Replacement

Ends caps are the parts that are attached to the end of the gutter to keep the water from flowing out in the wrong direction.

For a gutter system of 200 linear feet, you’ll typically need around six end caps and you’ll spend between $10 and $25, depending on the material.

Downspout Replacement

Downspouts are the second most important element of your gutters.

These vertical pipes guide the rainwater down and away from the walls of the house.

For a 200-linear-foot gutter system, you’ll need to spend around $130 to $1,600 on downspouts. 

Elbow Replacement

Elbows are the bent parts of the downspouts that guide the water in the desired direction.

If your house is taller, you might need more of them, but the usual quantity is six.

This makes the overall cost of elbows between $25 and $100.

Hanger and Bracket Replacement

Hangers and brackets are what keep your gutters attached to the roof.

They look like hooks that envelop the gutter. You’ll typically need around 40 of them for a standard roof size.

This makes the cost fall between $150 and $1,500, depending on the material.

Splash Block Replacement

Splash blocks are the last thing rainwater has contact with before it flows away from your house and seeps into the ground.

They can assume various forms and shapes, and you’ll usually need one for each downspout.

The average price of a single splash block is around $10, so you can expect to spend around $60 for the whole project. 

Flashing Replacement

Flashing is the extension of the gutter that’s installed beneath the roofline and protects the fascia from rainwater.

It’s usually the same length as the main gutter and costs around $150-$600.

Additional Gutter Replacement Costs

Additional costs of replacing your gutter can come in the form of maintenance, gutter accessories, and gutter protection.

It’s crucial to keep these in mind, especially when choosing the gutter material and size.

Some materials might require occasional repainting or similar upkeep practices.

Similarly, shallower gutters will require more regular cleaning than deeper ones.

Pro Tip: Cleaning your gutters is usually necessary only two times a year; once during spring and once in autumn as these two seasons bring the most debris to your gutters.

Gutter Replacement Materials

Whether you’re installing new gutters or replacing old ones, you can choose between several material types.

They all vary by cost and come with several advantages and downsides that you must consider before deciding on your final gutter type.

Gutter Material	Cost per Linear Foot
Vinyl	$2.50-$5.50
Aluminum	$4.50-$15
Steel	$5.50-$12.50
Copper	$18.50-$30

Vinyl Replacement Gutters

If you’re working with a limited budget, vinyl is the way to go.

The average price of vinyl gutters is between $2.50 and $5.50 per linear foot.

Vinyl gutters come in various colors that’ll suit your home regardless of the style.

They’re lightweight, easily cut, and perfect for DIY installation.

In addition, you won’t have to worry about extensive maintenance as they don’t corrode.

The downside of vinyl gutters is their durability.

With proper maintenance and mild weather , they can last up to 20 years with no issues.

However, if they are exposed to extreme temperatures and strong winds or are burdened with heavy snow or debris, they can sag and crack.

Aluminum Replacement Gutters

Aluminum gutters are the most common option for homeowners, with a price of $4.50-$15 per linear foot.

They’re equally lightweight and easy to install as vinyl gutters, but slightly sturdier in terms of damage resistance. 

However, aluminum gutters can dent when a heavy branch falls onto them or after a heavy hail storm.

Furthermore, just like vinyl, aluminum isn’t suitable for extreme temperature changes.

It can expand and contract, causing the gutters to become loose.

Steel Replacement Gutters

Contrary to the first two mentioned types, steel gutters are more impact-resistant and can withstand heavy debris and snow.

Their cost is similar to that of aluminum gutters, at $5.50-$12.50 per linear foot.

Like all materials, steel also has its disadvantages.

For one, it’s not particularly resistant to rust. Unless you regularly coat them with a layer of zinc, rust can significantly decrease their lifespan.

Moreover, installing steel gutters isn’t a DIY-friendly project. You’ll have to hire a professional contractor for this endeavor. 

Copper Replacement Gutters

Copper gutters are a sophisticated choice for many reasons.

They offer elegance to the appearance of your home and provide it with maximum protection.

What’s more, copper doesn’t bend or break as easily as other materials on this list.

It can last for 50 years with proper maintenance.

One might argue that the only downside is the price, which is approximately $18.50-$30 per linear foot.

However, aside from this, copper is also susceptible to developing a patina that might not be to everyone’s taste.

Fortunately, this is easily preventable with regular polishing.

Replacement Gutter Styles

Replacement gutters are also available in multiple styles.

They can be divided by the manufacturing style into seamless and sectional, and by appearance there’s K-style, U-shaped or half-round, and V-style gutters.

Gutter Styles	Cost per Linear Foot
Seamless	$5.50-$30
Sectional	$4.50-$20
K-Style	$2.50-$36
U-Style	$3-$35

Replacement Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are customized to the size of the roof and manufactured on the spot with a special machine.

They require professional installation and are typically made of aluminum, steel, or copper.

They’re reliable as there are no gaps that could be susceptible to leaks or debris accumulation.

That’s why they’re more expensive than sectional gutters and range from $5.50 and $30 per linear foot in price.

Replacement Sectional Gutters

Sectional gutters are pre-cut and usually come in sections of five, 10, or 15 feet.

They’re less pricey, at $4.50-$20 per linear foot and can be made of all the materials available. 

That being said, they’re more likely to leak, break, and come apart than seamless gutters.

Yet, they’re suitable for a DIY installation and easier to handle and transport.

Pro Tip: Sectional gutters are a good option when you need to replace one section of gutter. Unlike seamless gutters which require a professional installation, you can easily replace sectional gutters on your own, and save on materials and installation.

Replacement K-Style Gutters

If you live in areas with heavy rainfall, K-style gutters might be for you.

They’re a gutter type that catches the most water and keeps it from spilling over to the roof and down the walls.

The average price of K-style gutters is around $2.50-$36 per linear foot.

Replacement U-Shaped Style Gutters

A gutter style that’s popular on older houses is the U-shape gutter.

They collect less water than K-style gutters, but they’re easier to clean and maintain.

The average price is similar to K-style gutters, between $3 and $35 per linear foot.

Replacement Gutter Widths

One of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing replacement gutters for your house is the width.

The most common size of gutters is five inches, but there are also four- and six-inch gutters.

If you need other sizes, you might want to look into manufacturing companies that customize gutters.

The price of gutters by size will depend on other factors, like gutter material and gutter type.

Still, you can expect them to vary about $2-$9 per linear foot between widths.

Popular Gutter Replacement Companies

If you want to leave your gutter replacement in the hands of professionals, there are plenty of companies that offer their services. 

LeafGuard offers the best seamless gutters, so if you’re opting for this gutter style, get a quote from them and see whether it fits your budget.

You can expect their services to cost between $10 and $38 per linear foot.

If you’re looking for the best professional replacement gutters, LeafFilter Gutter Protection should be your top choice. They’ll replace your gutters for $12-$36 per linear foot.

Another great gutter company is Mr. Handyman. They’re frequently commended the variety of services they offer.

The average price of a Mr. Handyman gutter installation ranges from $8 to $15 per linear foot.

Replacement Gutter Accessories

When installing or replacing gutters, you want to think of ways to ensure their longevity and durability.

One possible option is implementing various gutter protection accessories. 

Gutter Guards

Gutter guards come in various forms and protect your gutters from debris accumulation, large snow piles, freezing, and pest infestation.

They cost about $6-$14 per linear foot.

Strainers

Gutter strainers go on top of the downspout opening and prevent debris from falling into the drains and clogging them.

A pack of strainers costs between $10 and $20 on average.

Diverters

Diverters are placed on the valley of your roof to collect any debris before it slides into your gutters.

They cost around $30-$60 per piece.

Gutter Replacement vs Repair

If your gutters aren’t especially old but you’re noticing signs of damage, you probably don’t need to replace all of them.

Fortunately, repair is an option in a number of scenarios, so you won’t have to go through the tiring process of installing all new gutters.

Here are the cases when gutter repair is feasible:

• The damage is present on only one or two sections.
• There are only a few minor leaks, tears, or breaks.
• A seam is leaking due to poorly tightened joints.
• Several hangers are loose.

It’s time to replace your gutters in the following cases:

• The damage is visible on multiple sections.
• There’s rust on your gutters.
• You’ve tried tightening the hangers, but the screws won’t stay in.
• You’ve tightened the joints, but they continue to leak.
• The gutters are sagging, buckling, or dented.
• There’s water damage in other parts of your house despite the gutter system looking fine.
• Water isn’t draining from your gutters.

DIY vs Professional Gutter Installation

If you’re looking to minimize your gutter installation costs, DIY is always an option.

In fact, gutter replacement might be one of the rare home improvement projects that you can do on your own.

You just need the right tools, a bit of skill, and some will.

However, whether DIY installation is viable for you will also depend on the time you have, the height of your house, and whether you’re comfortable working on a ladder.

You should also have some assistance from a friend or family member to hold your ladder or hand you the tools you need.

If the aforementioned factors don’t look attractive to you, it’s best to leave the installation to a professional.

They’ll ensure that your gutters are installed properly the first time and might even provide valuable advice on maintenance and when to replace them.

How Do You Know What Size Gutters To Get?

Not choosing the right size of gutter for your home can be detrimental.

Installing gutters that are too small for your roof can make debris build up faster and clog up the whole system.

On the other hand, opting for gutters that are too large can also be a mistake in terms of cost and visual appeal.

If you’re replacing gutters solely due to their age or damage, you’ll just need to get the same type or measure them and find a similar product.

If you’re changing your gutters because you chose the wrong size, the process is more complex.

The easiest way to figure out the right size for your gutters is by looking at your roof size and its slope.

Typically, the bigger your roof and its slope, the more water you should expect to run down and in larger quantities. This requires a larger-sized gutter.

You can get more accurate dimensions by doing some calculations.

Measure the drainage area your roof, its pitch, and the effective roof area of your property. You can measure them from the ground or climb onto the roof for more accurate dimensions.

You’ll also need to research the maximum amount of rainfall in your area.

You can access this information from the United States Weather Bureau records. This table will tell you the maximum amount of rainfall that will fall in your area in the span of five minutes.

Once you have all the details about your roof and rainfall, you can multiply the square footage of the drainage area with the maximum rainfall and the pitch of the roof.

You’ll get the adjusted square footage that’ll fit different gutter types and sizes. 

If the number of square feet is below 2,500, you can choose half-round 5-inch gutters.

Anything over 2,500 but below 4,000 square feet requires half-round gutters of six inches.

A roof area below 5,500 but over 4,000 square feet needs K-style 5-inch gutters.

K-style 6-inch gutters are for roofs above 5,500 square feet.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to risk falling of the ladder and wish more accurate measurements, you should turn to a professional roofer. This is vital for houses with unusual roof shapes as the typical formulas won’t work for them.

How Long Do Gutters Last?

Gutters made of vinyl typically last for 15 to 20 years.

Other materials like galvanized steel will serve you for around 20-25 years, while the most durable gutters are copper gutters, with a lifespan of up to 50 years.

How To Maintain Your Gutters

Maintaining your gutters involves regular cleaning; removing leaves, branches, twigs, and other debris.

In the winter, you should also remove any snow and ice that might clog your gutters and interfere with proper function.

Some gutter materials require occasional painting, although painting is also a great way to boost curb appeal on a budget or just add an additional protective layer.

Pro Tip: Oil-based paints work well for aluminum gutters, while latex-based paint is suitable for vinyl gutters. However, before you put on your gloves and pick up your brush, check with the manufacturer whether your gutters are suitable for painting.

Is Gutter Replacement Worth The Cost?

Replacing your gutters isn’t much of a choice as it is a necessity.

Once your gutters start leaking, the water will infiltrate your roof, your walls, and possibly the inside of your home.

Whatever you save on avoiding gutter replacement can never compare with the costs of the damage rainwater can do to the rest of your house.

Therefore, replacing your gutters is an investment that’s definitely worth the cost.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of cost-effective options. 

Leak-Free Roofs With New Gutters

Despite what you might believe, gutters are an essential part of your roofing system.

Not only do they add to the protection of your home, but they also collect some of the debris that would otherwise clog your drains and be scattered around your yard.

They make spring and autumn cleaning easy and guard your home from water damage, so don’t hesitate to replace them whenever there’s a need.