Installing aluminum gutters costs $2,400 on average, and it commonly costs between $800 and $4,000, depending on the scope of the project.
If it's time to add new rain protection to your home, you may be researching aluminum gutter cost to see how much you'll pay for a new system. When adding new aluminum gutters, the average cost is $2,400. However, most homeowners are paying between $900 to $3,300 for installation. The rate breaks down to $7 to $13 per linear foot for most projects. Quality gutters that are installed properly are essential for funneling rain, melted snow, and moisture away from the home to prevent water damage. By getting the right gutters, you can avoid breakage and dents while also enjoying an aesthetic that adds curb appeal. Here's a look at the factors that go into the cost of aluminum gutters.
While aluminum gutter installation cost is generally straightforward, there are several factors that can drive costs up or down. Your home's size is the first major factor. Your final project cost will also be determined by any add-on features you request during installation.
Overall, home size is the single biggest factor in determining aluminum gutter installation cost. With gutter costs ranging from $7 to $12 per linear foot, a simple single-story home with a footprint of 150 linear feet once all four sides are added up will cost $1,005 to $1,800.
Homeowners can choose between seamed and seamless gutters when having new aluminum gutters installed. Due to the fact that they need to be cut to fit the blueprint of a home by a gutter installer, seamless gutters can be significantly more expensive compared to seamed gutters that simply snap in place. While a seamed aluminum gutter costs closer to $7 to $10 per foot, seamless gutters cost more than $9 to $13 per foot. Seamless gutters are considered more durable, less vulnerable to breakage, and more attractive compared to seamed gutters.
If you're planning to hire a gutter installation company to install your new gutters, most companies will bundle labor costs in with the cost per square foot to provide you with a flat estimate. When calculating the cost to install gutter guards, contractors generally look at the size of your home to determine the number of hours needed to install the amount of gutter materials needed. When choosing seamless gutters, installers will spend several extra hours cutting gutters to match the length and contours of your home.
If you're having gutters replaced, your old gutters will need to be hauled away for proper disposal. Most contractors will calculate the cost of removal and disposal into your quote. If paying for gutter removal separately, the cost can range from $80 to $300. If you're planning to haul your gutters away on your own because you'd like to recoup some of the costs for scrap metal, the current resale value of aluminum scrap is around $0.50 per pound. For homeowners, that adds up to about $20 for their efforts.
While gutters are easy to care for, they cannot be ignored once they are attached to your home. With homeowners spending thousands of dollars for installation in most cases, it's important to do everything possible to prolong the lifespan of your gutters. Here's a look at the ongoing costs to consider once your gutters are installed.
While aluminum gutters are easy to care for compared to other types of gutters, they do require some maintenance. It's important to have gutters cleaned at least twice a year. Generally, gutter cleanings are recommended in the spring and fall because these are the times of year when leaves, tree debris, and pollen are most likely to clog up gutters. Seasonal gutter cleaning cost is between $125 and $225.
While aluminum gutters are generally very sturdy, they are not impervious. Little dents that form over time from the weight of snow or ice can cause bigger cracks that need to be addressed. For homes in high-humidity areas, it is possible that rust-resistant aluminum gutters will actually start to corrode. Finally, large storms can cause unexpected damage that requires repairs. While average aluminum gutter cost repairs are $400, a homeowner might end up paying between $200 and $650 based on the nature of the damage. The cost for repairs per square foot can be anywhere from $4 to $25.
Repair costs can be much higher than average if you select seamless gutters. That's because any repairs or replacements needed in a seamless gutter system will require you to fully replace the entire system. Unlike a seamed gutter that can be fixed in specific areas, a seamless gutter does not allow for isolated repairs in single sections. However, it is important to keep in mind that seamless gutters are less likely to need repairs compared to seamed gutters because their single-unit designs make them more durable.
Installing aluminum gutter guards is potentially a DIY job for someone who has minimal experience. With labor costs out of the way, you may be able to get project costs down to just $1 to $2 per linear foot for your gutters. However, you will also need to factor in costs for other parts of the gutter system. This includes an average cost of $30 for gutter hangers and brackets, $20 per tub of gutter sealant, $60 for a box of lag screws, and $200 and $300 to pick up a hacksaw, drill, and screwdriver if you don't already have these tools at home.
There are some situations where DIY aluminum gutter installation is not advised because using local gutter companies is a better choice for being safe. If your home is more than one story high, climbing to the roof line to do work can be hazardous. If you're selecting seamless gutters, the complexity of cutting and fitting the various materials is far more than the average DIY homeowner can handle. Improperly preparing or installing gutters leaves a home vulnerable to leaks and water damage that can lead to mold, mildew, roof damage, and a faulty foundation.
Many people upgrade their gutters at the point of installation by adding gutter guards when having new aluminum gutters placed on their homes. Gutter guards are gutter protection systems that go over gutters in order to keep out large pieces of debris. They can be vital in areas where leaves and other debris fly onto roofs. By keeping debris out, gutter guards ensure that water can flow through gutters without major clogs that can lead to water damage and mold.
With an average price of $1,200, a gutter guard can cost almost as much as new gutters. With the average price per foot for new gutter guards somewhere between $5 and $9, most homeowners are paying $700 to $1,700 for guard systems. The type of guard system installed can dramatically alter cost.
| Add-On Options | Cost |
|---|---|
| Plastic screen | $80–$200 |
| Foam | $400–$650 |
| Brush | $600–$850 |
| Perforated Aluminum | $600–$1,050 |
| Steel Screen | $800–$1,450 |
| Micro-mesh | $900–$1,550 |
| Reverse Curve | $1,150–$4,300 |
Aside from doing a DIY installation, there aren't many ways to reduce gutter installation costs. Getting multiple quotes from local gutter companies is a great start. Of course, the best way to cut costs on new gutters is to keep up with gutter installation as soon as new gutters are installed to prevent damage or premature gutter failure.
New aluminum gutters can last up to 30 years when cared for properly. Aluminum is likely to last longer in low-humidity areas that do not expose the metal to salty air. However, aluminum is a good choice for cold, wet, and snowy climates.
While aluminum gutters are among the most affordable gutters, they are not actually the cheapest choice. At just $3 to $10 per linear foot, vinyl gutters are actually the most affordable gutters on the market. Vinyl gutters can stand up to humid and coastal environments better than aluminum gutters.
