Whether your Chicago dwelling is a Bungalow, Chicago Greystone, Worker Cottage, or a Historic house, gutters are a vital part of your home. The cost of gutters includes:
- The width of your gutters
- The length of your gutters
- The gutter materials you choose
- Add-ons such as gutter guards
- Your downspouts
- Your geographical location
- The labor it takes to install your gutters
Typical residential aluminum seamless gutters cost approximately $10 per for the materials and installation. If your house needs 150 feet of aluminum seamless gutters, it would cost approximately $1,500. Gutter installation and materials, from a reputable contractor, for many homes total between $1,400 and $3,000—depending on the size of the dwelling and the material you choose.
How Materials Impact Gutter Installation Cost
Aluminum or vinyl gutters are the most cost-effective gutter materials, and are what’s typically used on most homes. There are advantages to other gutter materials, like zinc and copper, but they cost more than aluminum. Here are some approximate costs for various gutter materials:
- Vinyl—$3-6 per foot
- Aluminum—$6-14 per foot
- Galvanized steel—$8-12 per foot
- Copper—$15-30 per foot
- Zinc—$20-25 per foot
- Galvalume—$20-30 per foot
How Gutter Materials Compare
- Vinyl or Aluminum—cost-effective, but may dent
- Galvanized Steel—durable and weather resistant
- Copper—lasts 40 years, stylish
- Galvalume—lasts 30 years
- Zinc—lasts 80 years
How Gutter Styles Impact Cost
There are several different styles of gutter systems to choose from. It’s an aesthetic choice, since they will all function well and get their job done. If you prefer a contemporary style, a V-shaped gutter will look great on your home. Here are some gutter styles to consider, and their approximate cost.
- U-Style Gutters—$4-6
- K-Style Gutters—$5-8
- Fascia Gutters—$5-10
- Victorian Ogee Gutters—$8-15
- V-Shaped Gutters—$9-15
- European Seamless Gutters—$12-16
Seamless Gutter Installation Cost for Labor
When you hire a professional to install your seamless gutters, they will typically charge $4-7 per foot of gutter installation. If they opt to charge hourly, their services run approximately $60-80 per hour, and it may take up to four hours to install your new gutters. There will also be a charge factored in to remove your old gutters—approximately $0.65 per foot.
How Your Roof and Home Exterior Impacts Gutter Installation Costs
If you have a roof that has extra height, slope, or pitch, there may be an additional charge. Your home’s corners and gables may incur a fee when it comes to gutter installation. Also, the number of stories there are in your home will impact your gutter installation cost. If added safety equipment is needed to install your gutters due to the nature of your home exterior, there will be extra cost.
The Cost of Gutters with Gutter Guards
It’s smart to choose to have gutter guards installed in order to keep debris and leaves out of your gutters. You can avoid the hassle and danger of climbing a ladder a few times a year to do the dreaded gutter cleaning necessary if you don’t have gutter guards.
If you have gutters with gutter guards attached installed on your home exterior, it will cost approximately $20-40 per foot. If you simply have gutter guards installed on your gutters, it will cost approximately $1,900.
Seamless Gutters vs. Standard Gutters
When deciding between seamless or standard gutters (with seams), consider the overall aesthetics, function, and cost. Seamless gutters look better, yet cost more for materials and labor. But over time, seamless gutters may save you money because they often last longer than standard gutters with seams. Seamless gutters are less likely to leak or crack, so you can save on repairs if you choose seamless gutters over standard gutters. Seamless gutters come with a lifetime warranty, giving homeowners confidence in their investment.
Gutter Size and Cost
Most gutters are either 5” wide or 6” wide. Their width will factor into the overall cost of gutter materials.
Downspout Installation Costs
Part of your gutter system includes your downspouts. They are vital to the proper functioning of your gutters. Since the purpose of gutters is to channel water away from your home, prevent water pooling and avoid foundation damage, the downspout is important. A downspout is needed every 20 feet of your home. Vinyl downspout installation begins at $740.
The Cost of Not Installing New Gutters
If you invest in new gutters, it pays in the long run. If you choose not to install gutters on your home, over time—it will cost you. A home without gutters will eventually see water pooling around its perimeter. Although water pooling looks like a minor problem, it can lead to saturated soil around your home, and eventually cause foundation problems—and that’s a time-consuming hassle. When rain comes down and your home is not protected with gutters and downspouts, the foundation of your home can erode, your basement may leak, your roof may rot, and your attic could mold.
The LeafCo Gutters Difference
At LeafCo Gutters, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to have home exterior problems. That’s why we developed a simple process to help Chicago homeowners get the gutter installation they need—stress-free. When you choose LeafCo, you tap into our 35 years of experience installing gutters.
Our highly skilled and trained installers do it right the first time. Our proven reputation along with our 5-year warranty gives homeowners confidence. We offer timely installation that’s easy and convenient.
Protect your biggest investment—your home—with reliable, beautiful new gutters. Get a free quote today.