Home Gutter Repairs
A gutter system in good working condition is part of your home’s first line of defense against water leaks and damage. Gutters collect water and direct it away from vulnerable areas like roofs, windows, doors, siding, and foundations. Without them, moisture collection can lead to rot, mildew, mold, and structural damage. A modest investment in the proper care and maintenance of your home’s gutter system helps prevent more serious and expensive repairs in the future.
Overview of Gutter Repair Costs
The average gutter repair project costs between $150 and $650. Project costs largely depend on a gutter’s style, material, and extent of damage.
Repair Costs by Material
Gutter Type | Average Repair Cost |
---|---|
Aluminum gutters | $5 to $8 per linear foot |
Box gutters | $20 to $50 per linear foot |
Copper gutters | $20 to $40 per linear foot |
Steel gutters | $9 to $15 per linear foot |
Vinyl gutters | $4 to $8 per linear foot |
Minor Repair Costs
Minor to moderate repairs include repairing leaks and downspouts, sealing joints, attaching loose gutters, and general maintenance like removing rust and repainting. In general, minor gutter repairs cost $4 to $12 per linear foot.
Repair Type | Average Repair Cost |
---|---|
Leak repairs | $75 to $250 |
Downspout repair | $50 to $100 |
Joint sealing | $100 to $250 |
Clearing clogs | $100 to $250 |
Major Repair Costs
Severe damage to gutters can result in major repairs. Some examples include fixing sagging areas, replacing sections, moving gutters, adjusting gutter pitch, and repairing fascia boards.
Major gutter repairs cost $4 to $18 or more per linear foot. The average project cost for major repairs is between $150 and $600.
Repair Type | Average Repair Cost |
---|---|
Fixing or replacing sagging sections | $75 to $200 |
Adjusting gutter pitch | $80 to $250 |
Fascia board repair | $350 to $2,000 |
Attaching loose gutters | $100 to $300 |
Additional Labor and Material Costs
In addition to the costs mentioned above, you will likely need to pay an additional $4 to $28 per hour for professional labor, depending on your geographic location. Most gutter repairs take 1 to 2 hours to complete, but keep in mind that the extent of repair labor is specific to your situation.
For serious and widespread damage, more gutter or building materials are needed, which also increases costs. For example, if you need to replace whole sections or have roof damage, expect your material costs to be higher than average.
Gutter Replacement Cost Comparison
Depending on the extent of gutter damage, it may not be worth it to make repairs. Gutter replacements tend to be more cost-effective and yield a higher ROI compared to repairs, especially since they do not cost much more than major repair projects. The average cost of a gutter replacement project is $1,050 to $5,280, depending on your home size and the type of gutters you choose.
What Factors Affect Gutter Repair Costs?
There are a few considerations that will impact your project cost. Here is a breakdown of each one:
Gutter Material
Copper and steel gutters usually cost more on average to repair than aluminum or vinyl gutters.
Type and Extent of Damage
Minor repairs like rust removal or fixing leaks will cost less than rerouting gutters and replacing entire sections.
Gutter Accessibility
Some gutter repair contractors may charge more to access gutters on second or third floors, or if the roof pitch is steep with multiple peaks. Cost may also increase from additional downspout material required for two- or three-story homes.
Home Size
A larger home may have more linear feet of gutter damage, which adds more materials and labor to the project cost.
Labor Costs
Local labor rates vary and will impact the repair costs unless you decide to do the work yourself.
Should You DIY Your Home’s Gutter Repairs?
Gutter repairs are a part of home maintenance you can do yourself, depending on the type and extent of damage. Here are several considerations that may impact whether or not you decide to DIY gutter repairs.
DIY Pros
- Cost savings: Doing the work yourself can save you X to X on average, depending on the type of gutters you have.
- Quick turnaround: You can take care of the repairs on your own time and don’t have to wait on a contractor’s schedule.
DIY Cons
- Safety concerns: Gutter repairs require working at heights on a ladder, which poses a safety risk.
- No inspection: A professional gutter contractor has the expertise to spot damage that might not be noticeable to the untrained eye.
- Time commitment: Gutter repairs can take a few hours to complete for minor repairs. Severe damage may require a weekend or more.
Bottom Line
DIY gutter repair makes sense for minor repairs. For major or widespread damage, we recommend a professional gutter contractor for safety and optimal gutter performance.
How to Save Money on Gutter Repair Costs
Depending on where you live, your home’s gutters withstand rain, snow, wind, and UV light season after season. Keeping them in good working condition is the best way to prevent serious gutter damage and high repair costs. Here is a short to-do list we recommend adding to your regular home maintenance:
- Regular Gutter Cleaning: Hire a professional gutter cleaning company or set aside an afternoon to do it yourself. The job includes clearing out all debris and flushing out the gutters and downspouts.
- Annual Gutter Inspection: Examine your gutter system at least once a year, more frequently if you live near large trees or in a region with severe weather. Look for rusty areas, cracks, sagging, holes, and tears.
- Gutter Guards Installation: Gutter guards prevent leaks and rust caused by debris collecting and clogging the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair or replace my gutters?
If your gutters have minor damage, a repair is usually sufficient. If damage is severe or if repair costs are close to a total replacement, a new gutter system offers a better return on investment.
How often should I clean and inspect gutters?
Gutter inspection and cleaning should be a regular part of your annual home maintenance.
Will homeowner’s insurance cover gutter repairs?
Gutter repairs are typically classified under a home’s normal wear and tear and are usually not covered. Check with your insurance carrier for your specific policy coverage.
Find a Gutter Repair Contractor
Repairing your home’s gutters is a lower-cost way to prevent water from damaging your home’s roof, siding, and foundation. An experienced gutter repair contractor’s trained eye can identify vulnerable areas and make the necessary repairs for optimal performance. Tap into Modernize’s network of local professional gutter contractors for a customized quote.
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