Calculating the Return on Your Gutter Replacement

Rain gutters are an integral part of your home’s roofing system. They carry storm water off of your home’s roofline and away from its foundation. That is essential to protecting the structure from water damage. Water seeping into the ground from the roofline can erode the soil around the base of your home, and over time, it will weaken the integrity of the foundation. If your gutters are in a state of disrepair, or your home simply lacks gutters, it may be time to replace your gutters. Hoping to recoup those costs down the road? This guide takes a look at your potential gutter replacement ROI (return on investment) and how to keep project costs low.

Gutter Styles

There are two main styles of gutters manufactured and installed in homes: K-style and half round. Here’s a closer look at each

K-Style Aluminum Gutters

K-style gutters are the most popular style of gutter installed on homes throughout the United States. They got their name because, when viewed from the side, the gutter’s shape looks like a capital letter “K.” This design feature increases the gutter’s rigidity, which is important for areas that receive heavy amounts of stormwater or snowfall.

K-Style gutters are most often manufactured in 5” or 6” inch widths. They are deeper than other types of gutters, so they can move more stormwater off your roofline.

Half Round Gutters

This style of gutter looks like a barrel or circle that’s been cut in half. Half round gutters are more common for older architectural styles, as well as for homes clad in brick or natural stone. 

Though they aren’t as deep as K-style gutters, the open shape of the gutter trough on half round gutters tends to move water a bit faster. They also are simple to clean.

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Considerations for Your Gutter Replacement ROI

Once you’ve decided on a gutter style, there are a few things homeowners should consider before installing new gutters on their homes, all of which will impact project costs and your eventual gutter replacement ROI.

Picking a Gutter Material

The first consideration you’ll have to make is what type of material you want to use. The most common – and least expensive – choice for residential gutters is vinyl, followed by aluminum. However, you could go with galvanized steel or copper gutters depending on your gutter budget.

Matching New Gutters With Your Home’s Architecture

It’s highly unlikely that you would want to install expensive copper gutters on a simple manufactured home, or place vinyl gutters on a fully custom home in an upscale neighborhood. You can discuss your options with a licensed gutter contractor, who can help you pair the right gutter material with your home.

Your Gutter Budget

Aluminum gutters have about a 70-percent market share in the U.S. due to their longevity and affordability. Vinyl gutters, however, are the most affordable. Copper gutters, on the other hand, cost several thousand dollars just for the materials. Your gutter budget will go a long way in determining which type of gutter you choose, and also figure into your return on investment.

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Potential Gutter Replacement ROI

New gutters, unlike a kitchen or bathroom remodel, do little to increase your home’s value. That added value is what helps homeowners capture some return on their investment. However, gutters are an important part of a well-designed home, and their presence on the roofline won’t go unnoticed amongst discerning homeowners if you ever put your home up for sale.

Additionally, while your home likely won’t appraise for greater value with gutters attached, their absence would be noted.

Maximizing Gutter Replacement ROI

A lack of gutters can detract from your home’s value. Here are some ways you might be able to maximize your potential return on investment.

Keep Costs Low

Vinyl gutters are the least expensive on the market. Zinc, steel, and copper gutters are the most expensive options.

Install Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are less prone to leaks than conventional gutter systems. They also are custom-made on site, so they will be a perfect fit for your home’s roofline.

Install the Right Gauge of Metal

If you opt for aluminum gutters, you’ll want to make sure the metal is the right thickness to handle weather conditions in your climate. Thinner-gauge material is fine if you don’t get much rainwater, but if you live in an area with heavy rain or snowfall, you’ll want thicker aluminum, such as .032 to .027 gauge.

Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are screens fit over the top of your gutter and reduce the amount of debris that can collect in the gutter trough. While you won’t get any ROI out of them, you also won’t have to get up on a ladder to clean out your gutters, either. It could be one more feather in the cap for prospective buyers at resale.

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about potential gutter costs versus ROI, it’s time to engage the services of a licensed gutter contractor to make some final decisions. A good contractor will walk you through all your options, weigh costs versus potential return on investment, and install new gutters that provide invaluable protection against the elements for your home.