Beyond the size of your roof, the type of gutters you choose is the other major cost factor here. Each gutter type boasts unique cost ranges, in addition to preferred use case scenarios, pros and cons.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are the most popular type, and for good reason. This material provides the most bang for your buck, offering a relatively budget-friendly cost range while still providing many of the features inherent to its costlier cousins. Aluminum gutters cost $5 to $15 per linear foot on average. These gutters are easy to install, helping to keep labor costs down. They offer increased durability compared to vinyl, but can be more prone to damage from debris and wind.
Vinyl Gutters
If you’re really on a tight budget, go for vinyl gutters. This is the cheapest material available for gutters, costing $4 to $7 per linear foot. Vinyl gutters certainly get the job done, but there is an element of “you get what you pay for.” Vinyl is a bit more fragile than metal or wood, so these gutters tend to crack as the years wind on. With that in mind, these gutters hit the lower end of that 15-to-20-year lifespan. Still, the price is right.
Copper
Looking for an incredibly durable option that’ll withstand even severe weather events without breaking a sweat? Consider copper gutters. Of course, with all of this increased durability to get a price boost to match.
Copper gutters are typically the most expensive option, with a price range of $18 to $40 per linear foot. That’s over three times the cost of vinyl gutters. However, most pros will tell you that their strength and durability make them worth the price tag. Also, copper gutters require reduced repairs through the years, so they could pay for themselves after a while.
Zinc
Zinc is also on the expensive side, like copper, but these gutters are built to last. Pre-weathered zinc gutters cost $12 to $32 per linear foot, but they boast a self-healing surface that resists scratches and scrapes. Zinc also doesn’t rust, even when exposed to high levels of moisture.
Just like Superman, zinc gutters do have one big weakness that copper doesn’t have: It’s vulnerable to salt water, so if you live near the ocean go with another material. The salty air won’t destroy the gutters, but it will stain them over time.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is virtually indestructible, so the durability is on point. The cost is also pleasing, at $10 to $20 per linear foot. For the price, you get gutters that resist dings and leaks, in addition to damage associated with severe weather events.
These things are heavy, so installation and repairs are time-consuming, upping the labor costs. This is also not the best material if you live near the ocean, as steel doesn’t respond well to the salty air.
Wood
Wood gutters are fairly expensive, at $20 to $32 per linear foot. This material is also prone to rot and moisture damage. The durability rating also struggles when compared to heartier materials. So why would you spend the money on a material that isn’t even that durable? It’s all about aesthetics. Wood gutters are gorgeous, turning a typically utilitarian roof fixture into something that actually adds to the visual appeal of your home. This is especially true if the wood matches the pre-existing look of your house.
Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters
Most gutters are sectional, breaking down into pre-cut lengths of 5, 10 or even 15 feet. These pieces link up and line with the edge of your roof. Sectional gutters are cheaper than seamless gutters, as they are much easier to install. Count on paying anywhere from $4 to $30 per linear foot when installing sectional gutters. Though a durable option, the attachment points weaken over time, which can lead to leaks or corrosion.
Seamless gutters look better and can exactly match the dimensions of your roof, as sectional gutters are tied to the length of the pre-cut pieces. They also offer increased durability and longevity, as there are no attachment points. Installing seamless gutters costs $8 to $40 per linear foot, depending on the material.