2022 Gutter Repair & Replacement Cost
Gutters are a commonly understated component of your home’s exterior. When they start to malfunction, they can cause a lot of hassle and headaches for homeowners. Broken, damaged, warped, sagging, or faulty gutters are issues that often lead to a much bigger problem down the line.
Persistent leaks that come from your gutters can channel water onto your home’s brickwork and foundation. From foundational damage to pooling water on the ground, gutter troubles, if not properly addressed, can lead to very expensive repairs.
Most gutter repair professionals are able to correct a wide array of problems that come up, such as dented, sagging, broken, disconnected, or clogged gutters and downspouts. They can even handle issues related to rust and corrosion, leaks or holes, and more. Since non-functioning gutters can result in major property damage, it’s important that you have them repaired as soon as possible. But, how much are gutter repairs going to cost you?
The average gutter repair cost is $361, and professionals charge an average of $12 per linear foot. It can cost $1,600 to repair rotting gutters and only $355 to repair a clogged gutter or downspout. You can expect to pay $1,887 to replace your gutters if they are beyond repair, and only $160 to repair or replace a downspout.
Having functioning gutters attached to your home is crucial to avoid damaging your roof or foundation, flooding your property, or having the gutters rip off of your home. Any of these scenarios would be considerably more expensive to fix than a simple gutter repair. Continue reading for our comprehensive breakdown on gutter repair costs, along with the answers to likely many of your questions related to gutter repair and how to prevent future gutter troubles.
Common Gutter Troubles
In most cases, you can keep gutter problems at bay by staying proactive about maintenance. However, here are some of the most common issues that can arise with your gutters and require repairs:
- Leaks: Leaks are, arguably, the most common problem that homeowners have with their gutters. Once gutters start to spring a leak, it can lead to more significant issues if left unaddressed. One of the main causes of leaky gutters is loose fasteners, as over time screws and hangers that hold up the gutters can pop out. Holes and cracks are other common reasons for gutter leaks.
- Gutter Joint Separation: If you notice that your gutters are separating at the joints, this issue is usually caused by clogs and debris accumulation. These joints are especially vulnerable to pulling apart because of the weight of clogs and water in the system.
- Poor Downspout Draining: Downspouts require specific direction in order to function properly. If they drain too close to your home, this can cause pooling water around your house. Your downspouts need to extend several feet from your house, otherwise, you’ll have water dumping right into your basement or settling next to your foundation.
- Improper Slope: Most homeowners don’t even consider the slope of their gutters. Like downspouts, the gutters themselves need to be angled correctly. The gutter slope, also called the pitch, is the amount the gutter is angled downward to direct the path of water. If the slope isn’t positioned properly, water will pool in the system and spill out the edges.
- Ice Dams: Ice dams are one of the more concerning issues with gutters, especially for folks who live in colder climates. They are the result of snow melting off of your roof and collecting in your gutters. When the water gets into the gutters, it freezes and this ice forms an ice dam. Ice dams will weigh down your gutters and can pull them away from your home.
- Clogged Gutters: Aside from gutter leaks, clogged gutters are perhaps one of the most common issues that homeowners have with gutters. Gutters can become clogged with pretty much anything that blows in the wind – including leaves, insects, pine needles, and the like. When the water is blocked and cannot flow properly in your gutters, it becomes clogged and excessive weight and strain is put on the system.
- Gutter Gardens: If your gutters are full of debris, the combination of materials may lead to plants growing in the system. With access to rain and sunlight, you may start to notice a garden growing in your gutters. This issue can weigh down the gutters, clog the whole system, and cause the joints to separate.
- Inadequate Pipes: The number of pipes that you need depends on the size of your home and the length of your gutters. Generally speaking, you should have no more than 15 meters of gutter draining into just one rainwater pipe. Improper sizing could lead to gutter damage.
Gutter Repair Cost Factors
The cost of gutter repair will vary based on the condition of your gutters – whether they’re dented, clogged, sagging, disconnected, or broken. Gutter repair cost also depends on the cost of materials, the height of your home, the extent of the labor required, and more.
Gutter Material Costs
The material that your gutters are made out of directly impacts the cost of repairs. Whether your gutters are seamless or conventional sectional, aluminum is the most common material. In some cases, gutters are made out of vinyl (PVC plastic) and galvanized steel – however, steel gutters tend to be more common among commercial structures. Many contractors advise against using PVC gutters since they tend to be made cheaply and can become brittle with age.
Gutter material influences repair cost, especially if entire sections need to be replaced in order to correct the issue. For instance, copper gutters are considerably more expensive than aluminum, costing upwards of $25 per linear foot (compared with $5 for aluminum gutters).
Home Height
The height of your home, or structure that the gutters are installed on, affects the cost of repair. Generally speaking, single-story homes are the most affordable at an average cost of approximately $170 per gutter repair job. Meanwhile, two-story homes cost an average of around $330 per job, and multi-story structures will run you about $500 per job for gutter repairs.
| Home Height | Average Cost |
| One-Story Home | $170 |
| Two-Story Home | $330 |
| Three or More Stories | $500 |
For homes higher than two stories, you are usually charged more than lower stories because of the complexity of the job. In most cases, a higher ladder is required in addition to special equipment for taller homes which can alter the price. Not to mention, higher homes come with an increased safety risk for the contractor.
In these instances, it’s always a good idea to hire licensed, bonded, and insured contractors for these gutter repairs. This will protect both you and the contractor should an incident or injury occur during the project.
Surrounding Surfaces
Oftentimes, the surfaces that surround gutter systems will affect the cost of repair. For instance, wooden fascia boards and soffits are subject to water damage if the gutters aren’t distributing the water away from the home as they should. Gutter contractors will typically repair these types of problems as a gutter repair package for an additional fee that covers the extra materials and labor.
Gutter Repair Cost Overview
With these factors in mind, the average cost of gutter repair is between $178 and $546, with most homeowners paying around $361. Depending on the height of your house, gutter materials, and the type of repair, you could pay as little as $90 or as much as $1,150 for gutter repairs. Professional contractors usually charge from $4 to $30 a linear foot for labor, which is the typical pricing model for the industry.
If your gutters require a full replacement, costs will fall between $1,600 and $2,175 for the job. Whereas, just downspout repair costs an average of $5 to $11 per installation, with the average home of 200 feet of gutters needing approximately six downspout installations. Detaching and disposing of faulty downspouts will run you about $100 a job.
It is absolutely crucial that you have functioning gutters on your home. This ensures that your home is protected against flooding in your yard, damage occurring to your roof or foundation, and the gutters separating from your house. Each of these scenarios are major issues that will be far more expensive to fix than the cost of gutter repairs. The following table displays a brief overview of gutter repair costs:
| Average Cost | $361 |
| Average Range | $178 to $546 |
| Low End Cost | $90 |
| High End Cost | $1,150 |
Seamless Gutters vs. Standard Gutters
When it comes to choosing between seamless gutters and standard sectional gutters, one of the major issues that homeowners have is the pricing. Seamless gutters are much more expensive than their standard counterparts for both labor and materials. This means that the cost to repair seamless gutters is much more than sectional gutters.
Though, in the long term, seamless gutters may cost you less since they tend to be more resilient, durable, and have a longer lifespan. Seamless gutters are more resistant than sectional gutters and are easier to keep clean and free of clogs, meaning you’ll have less of a need for professional cleanings and repairs related to clogging.
Seamless Gutter Repair by Problem
With frequent cleaning, proper care, and necessary maintenance, your seamless gutters can last for many years with very few issues. However, like anything, it’s possible for things to go awry and your gutter system may require repairs. The cost to repair seamless gutters varies considerably, depending on the amount of labor required to fix the problem.
Generally speaking, you could pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 to repair seamless gutters. The following table outlines some common gutter repair jobs, along with average costs:
| Gutter Problem | Average Repair Cost |
| Clogged Gutter or Downspout | $110 to $600 |
| Leaking Gutter | $500 to $600 |
| Dented Gutter | $550 to $650 |
| Sagging Gutter | $600 to $700 |
| Water not Draining Properly | $650 to $750 |
| Crack or Hole in Gutter | $700 to $800 |
| Rotting Gutter | $1,000 to $1,200 |
Box Gutter Repair Costs
The cost to repair box gutters averages between $20 and $50 per linear foot. Whereas, those that have a curved structure range from $40 to $50 per linear foot, for materials only. Installation costs could add an additional $70 to $100 per linear foot for the repair. Repair costs for box gutters tend to be higher than other alternative options since these gutters are built into the structure of the house.
Installation prices are the same for box gutters that have copper or stainless steel linings, instead of standard galvanized steel lining. Additionally, the repair might require extra work depending on the condition of the fascia boards that are holding it up. The cost of fascia repair before reinstalling the gutters costs an average of $6 to $20 per linear foot.
Aside from minor structural differences, the same factors that impact the cost of repair for standard gutters also impact the cost of box gutter repair – including materials and the height of your house.
Downspout Replacement Costs
The cost to replace downspouts ranges from $5 to $11 per installation, depending on the materials that the downspouts are made out of. Detaching and disposing of your old, damaged downspouts averages about $100 per job. In some instances, your home may not have a downspout drainage system and need to have one installed in order for your gutters to function properly.
A professional contractor can design and implement a downspout system for you for an average cost of $160 total. The table below outlines the average downspout replacement cost based on material:
| Downspout Material | Average Cost (per linear foot) |
| Vinyl | $5 to $8 |
| Aluminum | $5 to $7 |
| Galvanized Steel | $10 to $11 |
Gutter Repair vs. Replacement
Depending on the extent of the damage to your gutters, you may have to have more two or three sections fixed or replaced. In this case, it is usually best to replace all of your roof gutters. While the price may be higher than a basic repair, full gutter replacement guarantees that you won’t have new issues pop up in other areas of your system down the line.
The average cost to have your entire gutter system repaired ranges from $1,600 to $2,200. However, if only a few areas need repairing, costs will stay close to the national average – around $361. Ultimately, the cost to repair gutters is going to depend on how bad the damage is, the overall height, and the number of areas that need to be fixed.
A reputable, local gutter repair company will have no issue quickly fixing any of your gutter problems. However, it’s always recommended that you reach out to at least three professionals in order to ensure that you get the best price and that the contractor has the necessary experience to perform the repair.
How to Prevent Gutter Damage
Of course, you can’t stop the wind from blowing and causing damage to your gutters. However, you can monitor the trees around your home for safety. You can also prevent both gutter and roof damage by regularly pruning trees that overhang your house and doing frequent inspections.
Regular gutter maintenance is the key to extending the life of your gutter system and keeping them clean and undamaged. Though, you can call a gutter cleaning company if you’ve gone too long without cleaning your gutters. Or, better yet, consider installing gutter covers that prevent debris from collecting in the first place. This proactive step can help you avoid extensive gutter damage and costly repairs.
How to Save Money on Gutter Repair
Gutter repairs don’t have to break the bank and there are preventative measures you can talk to save money on gutter repair costs.
- Keep your gutters clean. The most common cause of gutter issues is the buildup of debris in the system. By keeping your gutters clean, you won’t have to call in professional help as often – if at all.
- Do an inspection. About once a year, and ideally before your first big rainstorm, do a quick walk around the outside of your home to see if you have any spots where the gutters aren’t functioning properly. Doing this inspection will ensure that you avoid water accumulation and possible property damage.
Note: Always be incredibly careful when you’re climbing up a ladder to inspect or clean your gutters. Statistics show that approximately 500,000 people in North America get injured each year simply from falling off ladders.
Related Questions
When should gutters be replaced?
The average life expectancy of aluminum or galvanized steel gutters is 20 years, while copper gutters typically last around 50 years and vinyl gutters may only last 10 years. However, a professional gutter installer near you will be able to give you the best estimate in terms of the longevity of the type of gutters you choose. Additionally, they will be able to advise you on the proper seasonal gutter maintenance timelines throughout the year.
Do I need to install gutter guards or hangers?
Installing gutter leaf guards or hangers offers additional protecting for your gutters, reducing the amount of buildup and debris. These also prevent the need for frequent cleaning. If you’re having constant issues with buildup, gutter covers or hangers are incredibly beneficial.
Do roofers or plumbers fix gutters?
In some instances, replacing roof tiles may be necessary for your gutters to drain properly. However, this may not mean that a professional roofer can perform both the roof and gutter repairs. Make sure that you always check with the contractor first about the services they offer!
Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.
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