How much does it cost to install seamless gutters?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Seamless gutters are a type of gutter system made with long continuous sections without any seams. They are made on-site, extruded to the exact measurements of your home rather than pieced together from small sections that need to overlap. This style of gutter reduces leakage and allows for easy gutter cleaning each season. The cost for seamless gutter installation is impacted mostly by the size and material of the gutters because they must be made on-site for you.

The national average cost to install seamless gutters is $1,400 to $3,000, with most homeowners spending $1,582 for 150 linear feet of installed galvanized steel seamless gutters. This project’s low cost is $1,145 for 120 linear feet of installed vinyl seamless gutters. The high cost is $7,520 for 150 linear feet of installed copper seamless gutters.

Seamless Gutters Price

Seamless Gutter Installation Cost per Linear Foot

Seamless gutters have a wide range of costs, depending on the material. Costs start at $6 a linear foot installed for materials like vinyl and go as high as $50 a linear foot for luxury materials like copper and zinc. Linear feet refer to the length of the area you are installing the gutters on in 12” increments. Because they are made to order for your home, you can get exact measurements without any leftover material. Below are the average costs for seamless gutters of some of the most common installation sizes.

Seamless Gutter Installation Cost by House Size

The amount of gutters you need is partially determined by your house size. Not all areas of your roof or your home’s perimeter need guttering. Placement is determined by your roof type, foundation, and where the rainwater needs to be directed. Some roofs require more guttering even if they are the same size because of factors like roofing and rainwater direction. For example, hipped roofs may require more guttering than gable roofs. Below is an estimate of how much your gutters may cost based on the home size. Keep in mind that your numbers could be different based on other factors beyond size.

Average Cost of Seamless Gutters by Number of Stories

The number of stories your home has may also impact the cost of your installation. Typically, larger homes may have more stories than smaller homes because it is easier to build up to gain square footage versus building out. In addition, taller homes require longer downspouts than shorter homes, which can slightly impact the cost of your project. Overall linear footage and material impact the cost of your project more than the number of stories. Below are the average costs based on the number of stories, with a single story home having between 800 sq.ft and 1,500 sq.ft., a two story home having between 1,500 and 2,500 sq.ft., and a three story home having between 2,000 and 3,000sq.ft.

Costs of Seamless Gutters by Material

One of the biggest decisions needed before setting up a contract with a seamless gutter installer is deciding on the material for the project. Budget usually affects the type settled on as well as aesthetics.

Vinyl Seamless Gutters

The cost of vinyl seamless gutters averages $6 to $11 a linear foot installed. The material alone costs $2 to $6 a linear foot. They are popular with many homeowners on a budget because they are inexpensive. Vinyl is also easier to install than other materials, as well as being long-lasting and resistant to corrosion. On the downside, there are few style choices with vinyl, and it can be susceptible to damage from very cold temperatures.

Galvanized Steel Seamless Gutters

Galvanized steel seamless gutters cost $12 to $20 a linear foot installed. The cost of this material is $5 to $13 a linear foot. Galvanized steel is a popular material to use for this type of installation because it is weather-resistant and durable. It will not dent easily and stays strong and sturdy for many years. On the downside, galvanized steel can be tricky to install because it is heavy, and it is not available in as many colors or varieties as other materials.

Aluminum Seamless Gutters

Aluminum guttering is also inexpensive, ranging from $14 to $20 per foot installed. On their own, it costs $10 to $13 a linear foot. It is easy to install and highly resistant to rust, so it can last for years when maintained properly. However, it has disadvantages like the fact that it dents easily and is susceptible to damage in extreme temperatures.

Galvalume Seamless Gutters

The cost of seamless galvalume gutters is $24 to $30 a linear foot installed. The cost of the material is $20 to $23 a linear foot. Galvalume is one of the strongest materials you can buy for your seamless gutter, and it lasts 30 years or more with proper care and cleaning. It is highly resistant to weather damage and corrosion but can dent easily in some cases. Galvalume is a finish that goes over the metal, much like galvanizing does to steel. It is a blend of zinc, aluminum, and silicone, and it helps protect against corrosion better than standard galvanized steel.

Copper Seamless Gutters

The cost of copper seamless gutters is $29 to $40 a linear foot installed. The material cost is $25 to $33 a linear foot. Copper is another popular and durable material you can choose for your installation. It is slightly more expensive and it can be tricky to install because of its heavy weight, but it has many advantages. It is stylish and attractive, has an estimated lifespan of 40 years or more, and is resistant to dents, weather effects, and corrosion.

Zinc Gutters

Zinc guttering is among the most expensive at $40 to $50 a linear foot installed. The cost of the material alone averages $36 to $43 a linear foot. Zinc is extremely durable and can last for 80+ years, so you probably will not have to replace it in the future. It is resistant to dents, heat, and corrosion, although a patina sometimes forms on the surface due to weather exposure. This patina is not a defect and can sometimes be desirable as it can enhance the color of the metal and help it blend in better with some architectural styles.

Seamless Gutter Prices by Style

Choosing between styles for seamless gutters comes down to aesthetic preferences and budget. Some homeowners prefer a more vintage look and will go with styles like Victorian ogee, while those leaning toward contemporary styles go for options like V-shaped guttering. Not every material is available in every style. Aluminum comes in the most styles, including the popular K-style and more modern European guttering, which can give you the look of a U-Style while holding more water. Other materials only come in one or two styles, most commonly the K-style and U-style. Fascia, Victorian ogee, and V-shaped are the least common. Fascia guttering is designed to be used as both a gutter and a fascia board at the same time, hiding the underside of your rafters. These and Victorian ogee are the most decorative gutter styles. V-style guttering tends to hold the least water, while K-style and European hold the most. Not all manufacturers offer all styles, so if you want a specific style, you may need to shop around to find it. Below are the average costs of the various styles, both for the material and installation.

Labor Costs to Install Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are made on-site to your home’s measurements. This means installation requires the installer to first measure your home. They are then extruded into the shape and size required using the selected material. This costs approximately $6 to $50 a linear foot, depending on the material. Most have installation costs of around $4 to $7 a linear foot, but difficult materials, decorative, and gutters in difficult-to-reach areas will have higher installation costs. This means that the average cost to install gutters ranges from $600 to $1,050 in labor.

Some installers charge an hourly rate as opposed to a linear foot rate. In this case, expect to pay between $60 and $80 per hour for labor, which begins when the installer arrives and includes the time needed for measurements and forming the gutters. The installer may also add surcharges based on several factors. For example, if you are out of their service area, you may need to pay a $0.50 per extra mile fee. Removal of old guttering is also subject to a fee ($0.65 - $0.85 per foot).

Cost of Seamless Gutters With a Leaf Guard

Leaf guards or gutter guards can be installed onto your seamless gutters to prevent leaves and other debris from causing clogs and blockages inside the gutter. This means you will not have to clean out the gutter as often, saving you a lot of time and hard work. Leaf guards come in various forms, and the total cost varies when installing them on already installed gutters. The average gutter guard installation costs $1,200 to $2,000 in addition to the costs of your gutters, or $2,600 to $4,000. However, you can buy seamless gutters with leaf guards already attached, ranging from $20 to $40 per foot, making the average installation cost $3,000 to $6,000 all-inclusive.

Pros and Cons

Seamless gutters have positive and negative attributes to consider before purchase. They are stronger and less prone to leaks than seamed gutters. Because they are made of one long piece, they also have a cleaner appearance with no overlapping areas or visible seams. Due to the lack of seams, there are fewer places that can wear out over time, which can give you longer-lasting gutters.

On the other hand, they cost more regardless of the material. And because they are made on-site to order, these cannot be installed DIY. Therefore not only is the material cost higher than seamed guttering, but they are also more expensive to install. You will purchase your gutters from the people who install them. This means you cannot save by purchasing them during a sale and shopping around for someone to install them later.

Because they tend to outlast seamed gutters, many people believe the extra costs are worth it.

Maintenance

Although seamless gutters require less maintenance than traditional systems, they still require regular cleanings and inspections. Even seamless guttering can collect leaves and debris, which can lead to them becoming less efficient with time. The average cost to clean gutters is $190, and it is recommended that you have them cleaned at least once a year.

The exterior of your gutters can also retain dirt and debris and should be cleaned as needed. This is not necessarily the case for every material. For example, copper and zinc will form a natural patina over time, which should not be removed.

If you need to clean the exterior of your gutters, power washing is usually considered the best method. The average cost to power wash a home, including the guttering, is $625.

If desired, some manufacturers offer a stain protectant that they can apply to help keep them from discoloring. Starting costs are around $100 to $150, and it may need periodic applications. If needed, spot cleanings may be done with a mild detergent mixed with water. Check manufacturer recommendations before using any products to avoid damaging any of the materials.

It is not unusual for the appearance of seamless gutters to change over time. Depending on the material and weather conditions, the finish may dull or develop a patina. Any type of exterior coatings can also fade over time. These changes don’t impact the functionality of the seamless gutters.

Seamless Gutters vs Regular Gutters

Seamless and seamed standard gutters both direct water away from your foundation, helping save your home from future moisture issues. They essentially work in the same way, and from a distance, they may not look too different from one another.

The biggest difference between them is in how they are made. Standard gutters are made in set lengths. These are pieced together and cut as needed to give you the amount of gutter you need. They have seams, which can be a cause of leaks over time.

Seamless guttering is made of one long piece. They are made specifically to order for your home, rather than pieced together from readymade parts. This means they have no seams and fewer points of potential failure. They also have a cleaner, nicer-looking appearance.

Beyond this, the other big difference between the two is cost. Seamless gutters are made to order and are a little harder to install because the pieces are so large. This means they are more costly than standard gutters, which can be purchased at a hardware store and installed by a handyman. This cost difference can be mitigated because seamless guttering tends to last longer, so you pay less over time.

Below are the average costs for 150 linear feet of seamed and seamless gutters, using the most common materials.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Downspout Installation

Your gutter system also needs downspouts to help funnel the water away from the foundation. These are generally included in the overall cost, but they can also be purchased and installed separately. They cost roughly $480 for most installations.

Painting

Some materials can be painted to match the rest of your home. Aluminum is one of the most commonly painted gutters, but many other materials may be painted as well. This has an average cost of $2 to $3 a linear foot.

Gutter Guards

A good way to help keep your gutters from clogging is to install a gutter guard over the tops. Gutter guards come in many different forms, from screens to more complex tops. They cost an average of $1,200 to $2,000 per installation.

Heat Tape

If you are worried about your gutters freezing over in the winter, you can have heat tape installed inside them. Heat tape is a protective electrical wire placed inside them as a way to prevent freezing during the winter. The average cost to install heat tape is between $550 and $650 for a standard size home.

Wire Mesh Screens

Wire mesh screens are a form of gutter guards. They are often less expensive than other types and can let water through while keeping leaves and debris out. They cost between $1.50 to $2.50 a linear foot.

Rain Chains

Rain chains are an alternative homeowners are using instead of downspouts. A rain chain works like a miniature waterfall and diverts water from a gutter through a series of bowls and cups. This can be attractive and a beautiful addition to many exteriors. Rain chains are inexpensive and cost around $100 to $300 each.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Most townships will not require a special permit or license to have seamless gutters installed. Always check with your contractor or municipality to be sure.
• DIY. Seamless gutter installation is not a DIY project. They are made on-site for your home and are installed by the people who make them. You cannot purchase them separately.
• Fascia repair. In some cases, you may need to replace your fascia board when you install new gutters. If the fascia is in good shape and only requires minor repairs, then you may be able to salvage it before installation. Fascia repairs cost between $50 to $100 on average, while installations cost an average of $6 to $8 per foot.
• Season. Summer is the ideal time to install seamless gutters, before the rain and snow of the fall and winter months. However, they can be installed at any time of the year.
• Location. The location may be determined by multiple factors, including roof slope and rain amount. Talk to your contractor about where the ideal location for your guttering may be.
• Drainage. Your gutters are designed to help manage rainwater. In some cases, this may require additional downspouts or downspout extensions to help with drainage.
• Warranty. Many seamless gutters include a lifetime warranty with purchase in case of structural failure. Ask your installer about coverage inclusions and limitations.