As a homeowner, you probably don’t realize how important gutters are until they stop working. Their main job is to collect water off the roof and divert it away from your home’s foundation. This simple task plays a huge role in maintaining your home’s structural integrity.
Other than fire, water has the potential to cause the most costly damage to your house. Most gutter problems can be avoided through regular maintenance; sometimes you simply must replace them.
How much does it cost to install a durable, dependable gutter system?
Determinants of Gutter Replacement Cost
The following factors play a role in determining how much you pay for gutter replacement:
- Type of Gutter
Aesthetic value and functionality both play a role in picking a gutter for your home. Gutters are made of various materials. The three most popular are vinyl, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Vinyl gutters are lightweight, easy to install, and affordable. Aluminum systems are seamless and able to withstand extreme cold. They can also be painted to match your home’s exterior.
Though costlier than the other two, stainless steel gutters are durable and don’t rust over time. Other types of gutters are made of wood, copper, zinc, and plastic.
- Size of Your Home
This refers to both square footage and number of stories. Contractors bill per linear foot of gutter installed. The larger the house, the more guttering will be needed. You’ll also need more downspouts and drainage areas.
For multi-story houses, the contractor will need more manpower and equipment than usual. More stories also increase complexity, safety and insurance requirements.
- Labor Costs
A professional gutter installation increases the budget but also guarantees high-quality work. Labor costs vary depending on the size of your house and how long it will take to install the gutter.
- Type of Contractor
Every contractor has a preferred system of charging clients. Some have a fixed rate which they charge you per hour, while others bill every job uniquely. A contractor might charge you extra for removing your old gutter or designing a new one.
Some also consider factors such as how many corners your house has. Corners make gutter installations more time-consuming. A good starting point for most contractors is to charge you a fixed amount per linear foot.
They then add more charges depending on the gutter system’s other needs.
- Relevant Enhancements
A gutter system integrates many accessories. These include splash blocks, roof flashing, hangers, leaf guards, and downspouts screens. Although some are optional, installing them prevents problems such as gutter clogging.
They also make your gutter sturdier and able to withstand severe storms. The long term benefit is durability, which makes your investment worthwhile.
As you can tell from these factors, it’s not easy to arrive at a fixed rate for gutter replacement. All we can consider are averages. A decent job could cost you between $1,000 and $3,000 for 200 feet, depending on the accessories you choose to add.
Why it Makes Sense to Pay for a New Gutter
Gutters make sure your roof complements the rest of your house without causing any harm. They’re also beneficial in the following ways:
- Keeping your foundation strong, especially if you have a basement. The key to a durable foundation is dryness. Gutters prevent rainwater from collecting around and weakening it.
- Preventing damage to the siding. If water doesn’t divert from your roof properly, it ends up running along with your siding. Over time, this causes damage such as warping and rotting. It also increases your repair costs.
- Preventing soil erosion, which is caused by rainwater carrying off surface nutrients. With time it becomes harder to have a garden or any greenery in your compound.
- Maintain the value of your house. As stated before, water damage to a house is second only in severity to fire damage. Problems such as rotting siding, mold and leaking basements are not good. They’ll present a liability if you ever decide to sell. Potential buyers will be turned off by the possibility of costly future repairs. You’ll either have to do these yourself or sell at a huge discount. Having a durable gutter prevents these issues.
Find a Professional Gutter Contractor
Straight Line Construction is California’s premier gutter replacement contractor. We’re only a phone call away if you need any home improvement services in El Dorado and Sacramento counties. We never outsource, so expect us to deliver quality as promised.
Other residential services include roof, siding, deck, and window repair and replacement. We also offer affordable and flexible financing options. Our incredible employees are always ready to fulfill contracts to your satisfaction.
Connect with us today for more information on our services.
