How Much Does Gutter Repair Cost?
Is there water dripping into your expensive flower beds? Is water rushing through your gutters back up onto your roof? See water flowing down your brand-new siding? Is the paint peeling on your porch because water is dripping between your gutters and your home’s fascia?
We get it.
Your largest asset’s first line of defense against expensive water issues is your home’s gutter system and while its sole purpose is to protect your home from damage, those gutters can’t protect themselves from it.
Gutters are long stretches of steel, copper, wood, vinyl, or aluminum U- or K-shaped channels that work to direct precipitation away from the structural features of your home and reduce the potential for major (and expensive) repair costs. They are a preventative measure that’s crucial to the safety of your home and your family.
They are comprised of horizontal runs along the roofline of your home and vertical ones called downspouts that guide the water safely downward and away from the foundation and soil surrounding it.
If you’re seeing these common water-related problems happening at your home, it might be time for some overdue gutter repair – and you’re probably wondering how much that’s going to set you back.
We get that question all the time so… let’s tackle it.
Average Cost of Gutter Repair in the United States
While it’s challenging to come up with a solid number, national averages come pretty close but the final bill is based on a large number of specific factors or issues that you’re experiencing at your home – and your location.
Whether you’re dealing with a small drip or an avalanche of water every time it rains or gutters that are dented, hanging on by a thread, or completely ripped off your home – the cost will differ. The material that your gutter is made of as well as the height of your home also contribute to the repair costs.
According to reported data across the nation, the average cost of gutter repair ranges from $143 to $604. Some homeowners see a much larger invoice and some, a smaller one.
Average Cost of Gutter Repair in the US | Aluminum Gutter Repair Average per Linear Foot | Vinyl Gutter Repair Average per Linear Foot | Steel Gutter Repair Average per Linear Foot | Copper Gutter Repair Average per Linear Foot |
$143 – $604 | $5 – $7 | $4 – $7 | $10 – $16 | $27+ |
Based on the size of your home, the cost incurred from additional labor to climb to second or third (or more) stories to make repairs will also inflate the final bill for gutter fixes. While depending again on the type of gutter material and the location of your home (New York City may be more expensive than rural Kansas), the national averages should be considered when preparing for a gutter repair technician.
| Single Story Gutter Repair Average | Two-Story Gutter Repair Average | Three-Story Gutter Repair Average |
$160 | $315 | $510 |
Signs and Causes of Gutter Repair Need
At the beginning of every season, take the time to inspect your property by first walking around your home and noticing signs of gutter malfunction that may require immediate repair to avoid further damage and greater repair bills.
It only takes a few minutes to scan your eyes up and down the house from gutters down to the foundation and check for any concerns. If you are not well-versed in home repair, ask a neighbor, family member, or an expert to take a look with you to see if these issues may cause you a problem in the future.
- Staining on your Exterior Walls
- Rusted Gutter Runs
- Visible Gaps between the Gutters and the Fascia
- Peeling Paint
- Mold and Mildew
- Moss Growth on Patios and Decks
- Foundational Soil Erosion
- Basement Wall Moisture
- Gutter Cracks, Dents, Separation, or Other Physical Damage
- Standing Water in the Yard
- Sagging Gutters
- Water accumulation within the Gutter Runs
- Excessive Mosquito Problem
- Ant or Spider Invasion inside the Home
- Animals Visiting your Attic or Basement
Health Risks Associated with Non-Functioning Gutters
Most homeowners analyze the monetary costs associated with water damage due to malfunctioning or improperly installed gutter systems but don’t realize the health risks that come with that excess water penetrating the house. Family members who are very young, elderly, or have underlying conditions may be especially sensitive to water-caused health risks.
Respiratory Conditions or Challenges
Water seeping through the concrete or stone foundation or pushing up into the attic due to non-performing drainage systems can contribute greatly to mold and mildew growth in your basement or attic spaces. It only takes a few days before it can begin to cause respiratory difficulties among family members continually exposed to it.
Electrocution
From a young age, people are educated on the dangers of potential electrocution and we all know that water and electricity do not mix. Water is a conductor and when rainwater is allowed to enter the home because of non-functioning gutter runs and downspouts, it can pass the current along to your family members. While most appliances, lamps, etc. have safety surge protection, many don’t.
Contact with Contaminated Water
Over time, water can become contaminated with rust, bacteria, and fungi that can be passed along to humans and pets. Sometimes that contamination comes from gutter leakages.
Slips and Falls
Where there is water, shade, and oxygen, moss tends to grow and create slippery conditions on your decks and patios. Children and adults alike don’t tend to watch every foot placement when walking around the property and are prone to slips and falls due to water-caused moss from faulty gutter systems.
If water flows up and out of the gutters, it can get into your attic and when that water accumulation goes unnoticed, it can begin to leak through your ceiling, leaving puddles on the floor – and it’s only a matter of time before someone could slip, fall, and be potentially seriously injured.
Insect or Animal Contact
When the fascia behind the gutters begins to rot, it can result in animal or insect invasions like squirrels, raccoons, birds, and even snakes entering your attic. While most animals are not infected, there’s always the risk of rabies.
Gutters left untreated can collect debris and harbor excess water which creates the perfect breeding ground for pesky mosquitos which may carry viruses including the West Nile virus.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro Repair Company
Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money on their home costs whether that be unplugging electronics when not in use, setting the thermostat to lower temperatures during the day or at night, and even considering a do-it-yourself gutter repair.
Before dusting off your old tools, putting on your safety glasses, and dragging out the extension ladder, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether to use the old “elbow grease” or to hire a professional gutter repair company to take care of it on your behalf.
Consider the material used to craft your existing gutter system. For lightweight and easy-to-install materials like vinyl and aluminum, a well-versed handyman could get the job done on their own, but if your gutters are made of copper or expensive steel metal, it might be best to hire someone who is vastly experienced in the repair of high-cost materials.
If you have a two- or three-story home, climbing an extension ladder to new heights may pose a massive danger to homeowners looking to DIY their gutter repairs. Professional gutter techs have specialized safety gear to reduce the likelihood of accidents as well as liability insurance protections.
Also, consider your time. Gutter experts can make repairs in a fraction of the time since it’s their literal area of expertise. What may take you an entire weekend, may take an hour or two for a pro to tackle.
What are the Steps in the Gutter Repair Process?
Like with any repair project, the first step in the gutter repair process is to assess the gutter damage, where that damage is located, and whether it can be fixed or must be replaced. Thoroughly clean out the entire gutter system – removing any debris, leaves, dust, and dirt and using a biodegradable cleanser to start with a fresh gutter (especially if needing to apply sealant or accessing fastening points).
Once all repairs are completed and all sealants have had the ample amount of time to cure properly according to manufacturer directions, use a garden hose or bucket of water to test your gutters and walk around the house looking for any recurring or additional issues.
Sagging Gutters
If your gutters appear to sag from the attachment point bending down and outward, you may have loose gutters that are causing the sagging. Safely climb an extension ladder to assess the issue using a construction level and if possible, refasten the gutters with gutter screws. If the fascia board has rotted and decayed over time, it may be necessary to remove the gutters, replace or rebuild the fascia board, and reattach the gutters to ensure they remain secure.
Loose Downspouts
With the constant flow of water, downspouts can become loose and shake when channeling water away. Traditionally, they become loose due to torn-out or loose screws that hold the downspout straps to the house. If the connection to the main gutter system is the culprit, consider adding a gutter outlet to secure the two pieces together with both sealant and screws.
Leaking Seams
If your house has gutter sections instead of one long gutter run, the sealant used to make them water-tight may have cracked, worn, or dislodged and it’s crucial to reapply. If you have not cleaned your gutters well, the sealant may not adhere properly – before you get started, double-check your handiwork.
The leak could be in the gutter run lengths, at the end caps, or the corners (inside or outside). Tap your end caps back onto your gutters if they have loosened and use a caulk gun with a tube of sealant resistant to changing weather/outdoor use and reseal any cracks.
If the leak is due to a rusted spot in the gutters, sand it well with a scouring pad to stop the rust from spreading, and consider sealing it with outdoor sealant as a short-term fix until you can replace that section of gutters.
Dents
Dents happen as major wind and rain storms wreak havoc on your property and drop large tree branches or full trees onto the drainage system. If the dent is minor, use a rubber mallet and lightly bang the dent until it’s back to normal. If it is a major denting or damage issue, the section of the gutter may need to be replaced entirely. Use caution not to create more denting if you are not experienced with this type of repair.
Correct any Sloping Issues
A slope isn’t just for roofing but your gutters must have a slight slope to them for water to move from one end (or a corner) toward the downspouts. Your gutters may have loosened over time in various places – evening out the slope, or maybe they weren’t installed with the correct slope.
For every 10 feet of gutters, the slope should decrease ¼ of one inch. If this is your issue, remove and refasten gutter sections to achieve the preferred slope measurement. Be sure to inspect the fascia as you remove them to make certain that it’s not rotted and is not the cause of your gutter slope problem.
Final Thoughts
It’s quite the challenge to gauge the exact cost of making gutter repairs to protect your home from massive water damage issues including foundation cracks, basement flooding, mold and mildew issues, animal invasions, siding rot, peeling paint, and devastated landscaping.
There is a long list of aspects to consider before calculating that final total including the gutter material, the extent of the damage, and even the location of your home – they all go into pricing computations.
One effective method of water-damage prevention is to schedule two annual gutter cleanings. Whether you decide to DIY your maintenance or hire a gutter cleaning expert, have your gutters cleaned and inspected once after the spring storms are done and again after all the autumn leaves have left the trees barren. This gutter maintenance task allows you to spot potential issues and get rid of larger ones before they’ve had a chance to cause you, your family, and your wallet any stress.
However, no matter the cost, it’s crucial for the safety of your home’s structural elements, the value of your home and the health of your family to keep your gutters well maintained – and address any repair needs far before they cause massive issues and become even larger costs.