Material: aluminum vs steel vs copper vs vinyl
| Material | Installed / ft | Notes |
|---|
| Vinyl | $3.50 – $6 | Cheapest, DIY-friendly, gets brittle in cold |
| Galvanized steel | $6 – $10 | Strong, but eventually rusts |
| Aluminum (seamless) | $7.65 – $17 | The value standard — rust-proof, 5″ or 6″ |
| Zinc | $14.71 – $25 | Long-life, develops a protective patina |
| Copper (half-round) | $25 – $45 | Premium; lasts decades and patinas |
Seamless aluminum is the default for most homes — rust-proof, formed on-site to length, and a fraction of copper's cost.
5-inch vs 6-inch, and why seamless
Two sizing choices drive performance. 5-inch K-style ($7.65–$13/ft) handles most homes; 6-inch ($10–$17/ft) carries roughly 40% more water and clogs less — worth it for large roof areas, steep pitches, or heavy-rain regions. Seamless gutters (formed on a truck to your exact run) leak far less than sectional gutters joined every 10 feet. And don't overlook downspouts: too few or undersized, and even a big gutter overflows — the downspout count and placement matter as much as the gutter itself.
Are gutter guards worth it?
Guards range from basic mesh/screen ($4.71–$8/ft) to premium micro-mesh ($11.76–$20/ft). They meaningfully cut cleaning — which otherwise runs $0.88–$1.50/ft one to two times a year — but they're not truly maintenance-free; fine debris still needs occasional attention. The clearest payback is under heavy tree cover, or on a 2-story home where ladder cleaning is genuinely risky. One thing to address first: if water has already overflowed and rotted the fascia, repairing it ($14.71–$25/ft) is part of the job, because new gutters need solid fascia to hang from.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gutter installation cost in 2026?
Aluminum K-style seamless runs $8-$20 per linear foot installed in 2026 — the most common choice. Galvanized steel $5-$13/LF. Copper half-round $30-$60/LF. A 1-story 120 LF home in aluminum runs roughly $2,700-$4,400 installed; a 2-story 200 LF home with guards runs $6,800-$11,500.
K-style vs half-round?
K-style (the standard) holds more water and uses cheaper aluminum brackets. Half-round is more decorative, sheds debris better, and is usually paired with copper or zinc. Half-round costs 30-60% more for the same length and rarely makes sense in aluminum.
Are gutter guards worth it?
Mesh / screen guards ($3-$10/LF) reduce cleaning frequency by 50-75% — usually worth it. Premium reverse-curve / micro-mesh systems ($10-$25/LF) are a bigger commitment and benefit homes with heavy tree cover. Cleaning still needed eventually.
How long do gutters last?
Aluminum: 20-25 years. Galvanized steel: 15-20 years. Vinyl: 10-15 years. Copper / zinc: 50-100 years. Replace if you see widespread sagging, separated seams, multiple rust spots, or if the fascia behind them has begun rotting.
How much do gutters cost?
$8-$20/LF aluminum installed. Steel $5-$13/LF. Copper $30-$60/LF. A typical 200 LF 2-story home in aluminum with screen guards: $6,800-$11,500.
Can I DIY?
Sectional aluminum or vinyl on a 1-story home: yes, with a partner and ladder. Seamless aluminum requires a $2k+ on-site brake — pro install. 2-story homes generally pro work for safety.
How much do gutters cost?
A 1-story 120 ft aluminum job runs $2,700-$4,400; a 2-story 200 ft system with screen guards $6,800-$11,500. Vinyl is cheapest at $3.50-$6 per foot, seamless aluminum $7.65-$17, and copper $25-$45. Cleaning alone is $800-$900 for a 200 ft pro service.
Should I get 5-inch or 6-inch gutters?
5-inch K-style handles most homes. Step up to 6-inch ($10-$17 per foot) for large or steep roofs and heavy-rain areas - it carries about 40% more water and clogs less. Downspout count matters as much as gutter size.
