- Home size
- Year built
- Location
- Color choice
- Type of material
- Number of downspouts
- Height of work
- and, of course, who you hire to install your gutters
That said, there are some national averages you can look at to get a sense of the overall cost.
Seamless gutters typically cost between $3 and $5 per foot, so depending on the size of your home you can expect to spend anywhere between $172 and $269. As a general rule, custom bent aluminum presents the best value in terms of function, look, and durability. Materials such as copper or steel cost significantly more per foot.
Materials
Aluminum seamless gutters are popular in most climates, and if properly installed, this type of gutter should last you at least 25 years. It is by far the most common choice for seamless gutters, but it isn’t your only option. Other possibilities include copper and coated steel.
Here’s a quick overview of how these materials compare:
Steel
Advantages: Generally, steel is the cheapest choice for seamless gutters. It’s also more sturdy and less prone to denting than aluminum.
Disadvantages: Steel gutters have a maximum lifespan of roughly 20 years, meaning they’re less long-lasting than other materials. They’re also heavier than aluminum gutters, so they have a higher chance of filling with snow, ice, or leaves and pulling off of the house.
Aluminum
Advantages: With a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, this material is long-lasting, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. You can choose from numerous finishes, and it’s easy to paint if you want to change the color down the line.
Disadvantages: Aluminum dents more easily than steel, and to a lot of folks, it’s just not as pretty as copper.
Copper
Advantages: Copper gutters have remarkable longevity, expected to last anywhere between 50 to 100 years. It’s also a popular choice because of its distinctive aesthetic appeal.
Disadvantages: Copper is more than twice the price of aluminum and can be almost triple the price of coated steel.
Other Cost-Impacting Factors
When determining your project budget, consider the number of stories on your house. Installation is more difficult on multi-story houses, so installation costs are accordingly higher. The design of your home will also influence the price of gutter installation. A house with more than the average six corners will have a significantly higher installation cost than a more basic home design.
The climate and average rainfall where you live are also influencing factors because they will determine how big your gutters need to be. While the average size is five inches, gutters can range from three to seven inches, with the size of the roof influencing how big the gutters have to be.
Also, keep in mind that you might want accessories and additions beyond the basic system. If you want downspout extenders, rain barrels, splash blocks, rain chains, or gutter guards, you’ll have to pay for that on top of the costs detailed above.
Are Seamless Gutters Worth It?
Whichever gutters you choose, they’ll have a lot of responsibility. Here’s what a proper gutter system can do for your home:
- Protect your gardens and shrubbery from water damage and rot
- Reduce the risk of damage from ice dams
- Divert water away from siding, fascia, and exterior walls to prevent mold and staining
- Prevent leaks, and accompanying mold and mildew, in the basement
- Protect the home’s foundation
With that in mind, there are a lot of reasons to invest in seamless gutters. They’ve gained popularity because they offer up to two dozen color choices, so just about every homeowner can find a shade to suit their preference.
While most seamless gutters are more expensive than vinyl sectional gutters, they also last much longer and are less likely to snap or warp. They’re also significantly more resistant to leaks than sectional gutters, thanks to their one-piece design. In the end, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons and decide what works best for your home. And when you need local Los Angeles roofers to help get that job done, call Guardian Roofs to get it done right!
