Rain Gutter Installation Costs

Whether looking to carry out a gutter or gutter guard replacement or installation on your home, most homeowners just want to know how much the actual installation, or gutter replacement, is going to cost. This is no surprise since such installations are oftentimes rather costly. Well, you've come to the right place, RenoQuotes.com has you covered with this eavestrough installation cost and maintenance guide.

Note that throughout the article, we will be referring to both gutters and eavestroughs, which are one and the same. 

Are gutters worth the trouble?

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The main purpose of roof gutters is to drain rainwater or melted snow to ensure it doesn’t build up around the foundation walls. By collecting and draining the water properly, gutter installations minimize the risks of water leaks and floods that could negatively affect your house. They also protect the roof from excess humidity, filling a crucial role in terms of building protection. Furthermore, keeping rainwater away from the foundations will also protect your landscaping from any damage. For this reason alone, since landscaping costs are expensive too, make sure your house is equipped with a good gutter system from was installed by a trusted industry company.

Is it cheaper to install your own gutters?

It is possible to DIY a gutter installation process. However, the person completing the task will have to read up a lot on the subject, as the risk of error is significant.

For example, errors can easily be made when calculating the slope. Any mistake, even a minor one, could snowball into several problems that could affect the house as a whole. Therefore, unless you’re a seasoned handyman, it’s always better to hire a roofing company or a trusted contractor with excellent customer reviews to carry out the gutter system installations or repairs.

Average DIY or Professional Gutter Installation Costs in Canada

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Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are very affordable (from $3.50 to $6 per linear foot) but their service life is shorter than that of aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper gutters. Note that vinyl gutters are the easiest to install and that it offers a great quality/price ratio. However, when damaged, vinyl gutters cannot be repaired. Therefore, they need to be replaced. As such, gutter installation costs are steeper.

Aluminium Gutters

Many people opt for aluminum gutters. Lightweight and rust-resistant, these have to be installed by a professional because they are custom gutters. They are available in many colours and therefore, they can match many exterior sidings. As for their pricing,  they cost between $4.50 and $11 per linear foot.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Both solid and long-lasting, galvanized steel gutters tend to develop rust over time, especially once they cross the 20-25 year threshold. Note that they are especially easy to install and that they require little maintenance. Their price range from $4.50 to $9.50 per linear foot.

Copper Gutters

Copper gutters are very popular because they are especially aesthetic. This option is rather high-end, compared to the above-mentioned options, making it the most expensive option. Also, note the fact that this material is well-adapted for Canadian winters. The price ranges from $18 to $30 per linear foot, however, their service life can be up to a hundred years.

*Prices mentioned in this section include labour costs and accessories (anchors, downspouts, gutter guards). Prices are written on an indicative basis and are subject to change. Furthermore, certain factors could impact the final price that you will end up paying.

How to Estimate the Cost of Eavestroughs

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Each house is different, making it impossible to calculate the exact price of a new gutter installation without getting a contractor to quote you on it. Here are a few factors that can influence the overall cost:

• The length of the new or old gutter;

• The height at which the gutter is being installed;

• The architectural details could create obstacles which will have to be circumvented;

• The time of the year at which the job is being completed. The geographic location of the house (the distance that the contractor will have to travel to get to your house);

• Installing the gutter system yourself or getting it done by a professional;

• The types of anchors and accessories that will be used to install the gutters (for example: adding integrated gutter guards, which could cost an additional $4.50/linear foot)

• The selected material or style of the new gutter(K-style, round, zinc, metal gutters, etc.);

• The colour chosen is uncommon.

New or Existing Roof Gutter Maintenance or Replacement

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Once they have been installed, eavestroughs need to be cleaned and repaired from time to time, or replaced altogether. If your house is surrounded by trees, you’ll have to clean them two to three times a year. In other cases, the clean-up process can be done twice yearly. When carrying out this task, take this opportunity to inspect your gutter guards, roof, and their condition, in general, to ensure they are not water damaged.

When it comes to actually cleaning your gutters, note that the cost of carrying out this task and the way it's determined greatly differs from one company, or professional installer, to another. On that matter, we need to establish the fact that some companies choose to charge a fixed price, while others choose to charge according to linear feet. Moreover, it's worth knowing that some may refuse to charge anything under $300, while others will carry out the job for $200 or less sometimes. That's why it's especially worthwhile for you to get three quotes if you want to get the best deal possible. You can also inquire as to the various payment options offered by the chosen service provider.

If you notice any leaks or any water damage, try to locate the source of the problem and make the proper repairs or gutter replacement to fix the problem at hand (if the material allows you to do so).

*Note that the prices mentioned in this article are average costs obtained from reliable sources; nevertheless, they're subject to change.

Installing Home Eavestroughs: Cost Overview

Would you like to install your gutters yourself? Check out our article How to Install Eavestroughs.

To find out about the average cost of different home renovation projects, check out our Home Renovation Price Guide.