Gutter Costs
Jeffrey Anderson | Improvement Center Columnist | December 13, 2011
You may not be able to place a monetary figure on the return you can get back on your investment in new gutters, but they can pay dividends just the same. If you don't have gutters, or your gutters aren't performing as designed, the landscaping can wash out around your home's perimeter. That could lead to water leaks and possible structural damage. New gutters can also improve your home's exterior appearance, and good curb appeal can play a big part in attracting a buyer when the time comes to sell. The big question when installing gutters is which style should you choose?
Gutter costs and styles for your home
All gutters and downspouts work pretty much the same--they gather rainwater from your roof and channel it away from your home. So with all styles of gutters capable of performing their task adequately, your decision is often based on your budget and whether you want your gutters to blend in with your home or act as an accent. If you're planning on installing your own gutters, how DIY-friendly the various styles are can also be fairly important. Here are a few to consider for your project:
- Vinyl gutters--vinyl is easy to work with and can be very economical. You can purchase everything you need to do your own vinyl gutter installation at most home improvement stores, but you are often limited in color selections. However, many people have white soffits on their homes and if you fall into that category and want your gutters to blend in, vinyl can be a good choice. Expect to pay about $1 a foot to purchase vinyl gutters
- Aluminum gutters--this is probably the most popular gutter material for homeowners. If you choose a seamless gutter, you'll have very few joints that may leak in the future. Aluminum gutters are available in a wide range of colors, so they can either blend in with or accent your home. Gutter costs for this material are about $2.75 a foot.
- Copper gutters--if you want to have the most beautiful gutters on your block, copper can be a good choice, but it's going to cost you. Copper ages well and is often more attractive after a few years than when first put on your home. Copper gutters can cost about $7 a foot
These prices are all approximate and don't include installation costs. If you want a more comprehensive estimate from a local gutter contractor, please fill out the form on this page.