Last updated: July 10, 2026 · Prices reviewed quarterly
Replacing gutters costs $12 to $25 per linear foot installed for the aluminum systems most U.S. homes use — roughly $2,800 to $5,200 for a typical single-family house, with $4,000 a fair national average in 2026. Budget vinyl brings that down and copper multiplies it: the honest range across materials runs $4 to $40 per linear foot.
Gutter replacement cost per linear foot by material
| Material | Installed cost / linear ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl / PVC | $8 – $12 | 10–20 years |
| Aluminum (sectional) | $3 – $20 | 20 years |
| Aluminum (seamless) | $8 – $28 | 20–30 years |
| Steel | $10 – $25 | 20–30 years |
| Copper | $25 – $40+ | 50+ years |
Figures cross-checked against 2026 guides from Angi, This Old House and NerdWallet. A typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft house needs 150–200 linear feet of gutter.
Seamless vs. sectional: the $500 that pays for itself
Sectional gutters snap together from 10-foot lengths — cheap, DIY-friendly, and every joint is a future leak. Seamless gutters are rolled on-site to exact lengths, leaving joints only at corners and downspouts. They price $8–$28 per foot against $3–$20 for sectional, and for most homes the difference over 150 feet is a few hundred dollars — usually recovered in avoided resealing and fascia repairs within a decade.
What adds to the quote
Downspouts run $5–$12 per linear foot extra (a house needs one per 30–40 feet of gutter). Second-story work adds 20–30% for ladders and staging. Fascia rot discovered at tear-off prices at $6–$20 per linear foot to replace — the most common surprise line item. Gutter guards add $5–$15 per foot for quality mesh; worth it under heavy tree cover, skippable otherwise. Old gutter disposal is usually included — confirm it in writing.
Why failing gutters cost more than new ones
Gutters exist to move roof water away from the structure. When they overflow, water sheets down siding and pools at the foundation — the classic path to a wet basement. If you are already seeing interior signs, price the real problem first: our guides to basement flood cleanup and water damage restoration costs show what deferred drainage actually invoices at. A $4,000 gutter job is cheap insurance against a five-figure foundation repair.
How to save
Get quotes in late fall through winter — gutter crews discount in the off-season. Replace gutters together with a roof replacement and save the overlap labor (and protect the new roof edge). Skip oversized 6-inch gutters unless you have a large or steep roof; 5-inch K-style handles most homes. And if quotes vary wildly, check what gauge aluminum each bid uses — .027″ is the residential standard, .032″ the heavy-duty upgrade.
FAQ
Can I replace gutters myself?
Single-story sectional vinyl: yes, over a weekend, for $600–$1,200 in materials. Seamless requires the roll-forming truck — pro-only. Two-story DIY gutter work is where emergency rooms get involved; price a pro.
How do I know they need replacement, not repair?
Isolated leaks and loose hangers are repairs ($150–$600). Rust-through, separation from the fascia in multiple places, or sagging runs that no re-pitching fixes — that is replacement territory.
Do new gutters add home value?
Not on the appraisal line, but failed gutters flag deferred maintenance to every inspector and buyer. Copper aside, think of it as protecting value rather than adding it.
Prices on this page are researched estimates compiled from the cited sources; your local costs will vary with market, access and scope. Always get multiple written quotes from licensed professionals before committing.