Gutters play an important role protecting your home from water damage. The next step is to decide if you’ll DIY or hire a professional to install them for you. Since not all gutter installation companies or big box/hardware stores offer the same services or brands. Estimates can vary from one company to another. It’s helpful to know the factors that will determine how much your new gutters will cost.
Factor #1 – Gutter Material
When buying new rain gutters, the gutter material you select directly impacts the total cost of a new gutter system installation. Common gutter materials include vinyl gutters, copper gutters, and aluminum gutters. A vinyl gutter system is the least expensive. While copper gutters are the most expensive, they give a home’s exterior a timeless curb appeal. Aluminum gutters are the popular choice of today’[s homeowners because they are affordably priced, come in a wide range of colours, and are appropriate for most climates.
Factor #2 – Roof Configurations
Gutters should be placed along the edge of each roof slope. A single storey house with a roof ridge and two sloping sides will require a less complicated installation than a two-storey residence with dormer windows.
The larger the home or the more complex its roof configuration, the more labour and specialized equipment is required for a successful installation. Longer gutter runs might be harder to install – and therefore need more installation technicians – if the roof is high off the ground or the gutters have to pass through hard-to-reach places.
Factor #3 – Number of Downspouts
Another factor that affects the total cost of a gutter installation is the number of downspouts the gutters need to efficiently handle the volume of water exiting the gutter system. Downspouts are typically placed at each end of the gutter run. However, gutter runs longer than 25 feet might require additional downpipes.
Factor #4 – Gutter Types
There are two main gutter types – sectional and seamless. Both have their pros and cons that will affect how efficiently they perform and how long they will last. Generally, sectional gutters are less expensive to install than seamless. However, because they tend to last longer than a sectional gutter system, seamless aluminum gutters are more cost-effective.
Sectional Gutters
Sectional gutters are made up of lengths of guttering that are joined together to form a gutter run. Since they have more seams which are vulnerable to wear and tear, a sectional gutter system can be prone to leaks as it ages. Sectional gutters are usually manufactured from aluminum, vinyl, and steel, joined together with sealant and supported by brackets. Advantages of sectional gutters include easier to install; can be installed do-it-yourself; and labour costs are lower than the cost of a seamless gutters installation.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are manufactured on-site from metal coil stock fed into a portable gutter machine. Because seamless aluminum gutters have fewer seams – only at the corners where a gutter run changes direction – there’s less chance of leaks. They are usually made from metals such as aluminum, copper, or steel. While seamless vinyl gutters are an option, many homeowners go with seamless aluminum gutters or seamless copper gutters because they last much longer than vinyl whether they are sectional or seamless. Advantages of seamless gutters are: custom cut to fit your roof line; has better curb appeal; and don’t require as much maintenance.
