Vinyl gutters are the top choice for strict, low-budget DIY projects in mild, dry climates. However, aluminum gutters are the industry standard. Aluminum offers superior longevity, resists extreme weather, and can be installed seamlessly to drastically reduce the risk of leaks.
Aluminum gutters are known for their robustness and ability to withstand various weather conditions. They are less likely to warp or crack, making them a more long-lasting option. On the other hand, vinyl gutters may not hold up as well in extreme weather, and they are susceptible to warping in hot climates.
For installing 200 linear feet of gutters, costs vary based on factors such as materials and labor. Expect prices from $600 to $1,500 for labor alone. Selecting between vinyl, aluminum, steel, or copper affects total expenses. Proper installation techniques guarantee effective drainage.
Vinyl gutters typically last 10 to 20 years. While they are incredibly affordable and resistant to rust, they have the shortest lifespan of all gutter materials and are prone to becoming brittle or cracking in extreme temperatures.
The Cons of Aluminum Gutters
Whereas copper gutters regularly last for over 50 years, aluminum gutters tend to give in within 30 years. This is because they're much more prone to rusting. In addition, aluminum gutters don't tend to have that "high-end" aesthetic that copper gutters have.
Some studies show that people exposed to high levels of aluminum may develop Alzheimer's disease, but other studies have not found this to be true. We do not know for certain that aluminum causes Alzheimer's disease. Some people who have kidney disease store a lot of aluminum in their bodies.
Seamless gutters typically cost $8 to $28 per linear foot installed. While more expensive than sectional systems (averaging $3 to $20 per linear foot), they reduce leak risk and require less maintenance over time. Pricing varies based on material, home height, and accessibility to your roofline.
Look/Style
The wider the fascia, the smaller the gutter will look. So, if your fascia is 1”x6” you are most likely going to install 5-inch gutters. If your fascia is 1”x8” or 1”x10” you are going to need 6-inch gutters to keep everything looking proportional.
For an average 2,000‑square‑foot house you'll need roughly 200 linear feet of gutters.
LeafFilter faced a major nationwide class-action lawsuit ( Zilinksky v. LeafFilter North, LLC) regarding false advertising and a defective gutter guard system. The lawsuit alleged the product failed to prevent debris buildup and actually clogged, causing homeowners to deal with overflowing water and expensive cleanup costs.
Ideally, gutter replacement should occur during mild conditions for both ease of installation and system performance. Spring and Fall: These seasons typically offer moderate temperatures and lower precipitation, making them the most favorable times for installation.
Is New Siding, Insulation, or Gutters Tax Deductible? In most cases, replacing siding, insulation, or gutters is not tax-deductible as a home improvement. However, certain upgrades that improve energy efficiency may qualify for federal tax credits under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
There is no single "best" gutter brand, as the right choice depends on your budget and climate. However, for high-quality professionally installed seamless systems, LeafFilter and LeafGuard are top-tier choices. For DIY options, Gutterglove stands out. Aluminum is the most popular and balanced material.
A few factors to consider when selecting a gutter system include how well it holds up in your climate as well as the appearance, material, ease of maintenance and life span. Gutters can do more than protect your home. They're also a way for you to conserve water by directing it into a rain barrel.
The most common gutter sizes for residential homes are 5-inch and 6-inch. The 5-inch gutter is the industry standard for most standard homes, while the 6-inch size is frequently used for larger roofs, steep rooflines, or areas with heavy rainfall.
The gutters should ideally be installed with a slight pitch, approximately 1/4 inch for every 10 feet, heading towards a downspout. This slope ensures that water flows naturally toward the downspout without stagnating or spilling over.
Many new homes are built without gutters primarily to cut construction costs, as builders assume buyers can add them later. However, they may also be omitted intentionally if the home features deep, extended roof overhangs, perfectly sloped natural grading (the slope of the yard), or if it is located in an arid climate where heavy rainfall is rare.
Having gutters installed is a smart investment to protect your home from foundation damage, roof leaks, and landscaping issues. Lowe's offers professional gutter installation services, with costs typically ranging from $1,000 to $6,300, depending on the size of your home and the type of gutters you choose.
Cheap gutters can crack or buckle more easily than more expensive types. By investing in a quality gutter system upfront, you get a gutter that should last much longer and require less repair. Be sure to compare the different types of rain gutters and evaluate your budget before making a final decision.