Zinc gutters are a more expensive gutter material, costing on average $6,000 or more.
If you're thinking about upgrading to zinc gutters, you may be wondering if this metal will cost a pretty penny. With a price that ranges from $4,500 to $7,500 for materials and installation, zinc is the most expensive gutter option. However, zinc's longevity and anticorrosive benefits make it an attractive option compared to aluminum and other cheaper metals. Use this guide to get an idea of zinc gutters cost at your home.
Like any major household project cost, zinc gutters cost can vary based on the specifics of your home. Any specialty options you choose can also impact price. Here's a look at the major cost considerations with zinc gutters.
The amount of roofing on your home is one of the biggest factors for zinc gutters' cost. The standard price per linear foot of zinc gutter is between $15 and $30. With most one-story homes having roughly 200 feet of gutters, homeowners in standard-sized homes can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 for zinc gutters before labor costs. If you live in a larger home or two-story home, you can expect to pay anywhere from 30% to 50% more.
A home's gutter system should have a downspout every 30 to 40 feet. Downspouts are needed because they move the water that is collected in your gutters away from your home's roof and foundation. Downspouts used with zinc gutters cost about $18 to $25 per linear foot.
Aside from just paying for gutters, homeowners also need to factor in costs for gutter accessories. This includes downspout screens, gutter foam, gutter flashing, and splash blocks. Downspout screens that are needed to clear debris from openings can cost up to $10 each. If you're adding rodent guards, that adds another $5 per unit. Gutter foam typically costs $2 per linear foot.
Gutter flashing that is used to create a waterproof barrier behind gutters to protect against water damage costs roughly $20 per foot. Each splash block added to a gutter system costs $10 to $12.
If you'll be paying roofing or gutter pros to install your gutters for you, you'll need to factor in labor costs. The cost for gutter installation is around $75 per hour. With most gutter installations taking between two and four hours, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for installation.
Traditional gutters are called seamed gutters. If you opt for seamed zinc gutters, you'll pay around $30 per linear foot instead of the average cost of $35 per linear foot that's charged for seamless gutters. Seamless gutters prevent leaks and breakage by offering one continuous gutter system instead of a segmented gutter system.
With zinc gutters, homeowners can choose between K-style gutters costing an average of $29 per linear foot and half-round gutters costing closer to $30 per linear foot. K-style gutters are popular in high-rainfall areas due to their depths of 5 inches to 6 inches. While less common than K-style gutters, half-round gutters are priced for their aesthetic value, which is often appreciated by people restoring historic homes. They also handle heavy rains. When choosing zinc gutters for their architectural benefits, many homeowners opt for half-round gutters.
If you're doing a gutter replacement, your existing gutters will need to be removed before your new gutters can be installed. Like zinc gutters' cost for installation, removal costs are largely based on home size. Most companies charge between $1 and $2 per linear foot to remove all existing gutters and connecting parts.
While you're tearing up the gutters, you should consider doing any other projects that can boost your home's defenses against moisture. Ask your gutter installers to let you know if they spot any problems that need addressing while they're up near the roof before they complete installation. It's also not a bad idea to bring in roofing pros to conduct a basic roof inspection prior to gutter installation.
If there are any outstanding issues with your roof, the best time to make repairs is before new gutters go on. Unfortunately, you'll probably need to tear your newly installed gutters away if you need to do major repairs or renovations to your roof after they have already been installed. While a major roof repair can cost anywhere from $350 to $1,150, the average cost to fix a roof leak is $750. Fixing flashing can cost $350 to $500.
When choosing a high-end gutter option, there's not always room to cut costs. Zinc gutters can cost twice as much as other options in some cases. However, there are some ways to save on gutter replacement costs.
If you feel confident enough to climb up to your gutters, you can consider removing your gutters on your own before pros come to install your new gutters. Just make sure that your gutter company actually charges extra for gutter removal before you do this. In some cases, gutter removal may be included for free in your estimate.
While you may not be able to save money when installing new gutters, you can always save money on future replacements by taking proper care of your gutters today. Regular gutter cleaning will help to extend the lifespan of zinc gutters. Be sure to address any signs of dirty, worn, or broken gutters as soon as they become noticeable. Be sure to fit annual gutter cleaning costs totaling between $119 and $124 into your long-term budget.
When installing zinc gutters on your own, the price per linear foot is between $15 and $30. While you'll save roughly $75 per hour in labor to knock about $1,000 off the total project cost, a DIY installation may have you paying more per unit for gutters, downspouts, flashing, and other materials because you won't be getting the contractor rates that gutter companies are able to obtain. Estimating the amount of materials needed on your own can also be challenging.
While the cost to have zinc gutters professionally installed is between $4,500 and $7,500, DIY zinc gutter installation is closer to $3,000 to $6,000. This is one project where room for error is nonexistent. Unfortunately, incorrect installation can lead to gutter clogs or breaks that cause extensive damage to your home's roofing or foundation, which will more than erase any cost savings. If you don't already have experience with gutter systems and roofing, it's best to start by getting quotes from local gutter installers.
Aluminum gutters cost between $4 and $14 per linear foot. At $15 to $30 per linear foot, zinc gutters can cost nearly twice as much as other types of gutters. The only gutters that are more expensive than zinc gutters are copper gutters which can cost between $20 and $40 per linear foot.
Zinc gutters can truly last a lifetime. As one of the strongest materials used for roofing and gutter systems, zinc can last up to 90 years. Even copper gutters don't last as long as zinc gutters. Zinc gutters are a long-lasting investment in both the value and appearance of your home.
While zinc gutters will not crack, fade, or rust with time, they will change in appearance as the years go on. This "maturing" is actually one of the reasons why zinc gutters are so prized. Over time, a grayish patina forms on zinc gutters to create a stately, rustic look. This patina actually makes zinc gutters more durable by making them resistant to chemicals.
