Do Gutters Increase Home Value? Calculating ROI

Potential Gutter Replacement ROI

Unlike a kitchen or bathroom remodel, new gutters don’t add much to your home’s value. Still, gutters are important for a well-maintained home, and buyers will notice if they’re missing when you sell.

Your home probably won’t be appraised for more just because it has gutters, but not having them will be noticed.

If your wood siding is damaged by years of water splashing against it, you’ll need to fix those areas before selling your home. Those repairs can cost much more than installing new gutters.

Maximizing Gutter Replacement ROI

Not having gutters can lower your home’s value. Here are some tips to help you get the most return on your investment.

Keep Costs Low

Vinyl gutters are the cheapest option. Zinc, steel, and copper gutters cost the most.

Install Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are less likely to leak than regular sectional gutters. They’re made on site to fit your roofline exactly.

Install the Right Gauge of Metal

If you choose aluminum gutters, make sure the metal is thick enough for your local weather. Thinner material works in dry areas, but if you get a lot of rain or snow, go with thicker aluminum, like .032 to .027 gauge.

Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are screens that cover your gutters and keep out debris. They don’t add to your return on investment, but they save you from having to clean your gutters as often. They might also appeal to buyers when you sell your home.

Now that you know more about gutter costs and return on investment, consider hiring a licensed gutter contractor to help you decide. A good contractor will explain your options, help you balance costs and benefits, and install gutters that protect your home from the weather.

Gutter Styles

Most homes use one of two main gutter styles: K-style or half round. Here’s what you need to know about each type.

K-Style Aluminum Gutters

K-style gutters are the most common type found on homes in the United States. They’re named for their side profile, which looks like the letter “K.” This shape makes them more rigid, which is helpful in places with lots of rain or snow.

K-style gutters usually come in 5-inch or 6-inch widths. Because they’re deeper than other types, they can handle more stormwater from your roof.

Half Round Gutters

Half round gutters look like a barrel or circle sliced in half. They’re often used on older homes or houses with brick or natural stone exteriors.

While half round gutters aren’t as deep as K-style gutters, their open shape helps water flow quickly. They’re also easy to clean.

Half round gutters usually cost a bit more to install than K-style gutters. K-style gutters attach directly to the fascia, but half round gutters need brackets. Both types commonly come in 5-inch and 6-inch widths.

Considerations for Your Gutter Replacement ROI

After choosing a gutter style, there are a few important factors to consider before installing new gutters. These will affect both your project costs and your potential return on investment.

Picking a Gutter Material

First, decide what material you want for your gutters. Vinyl is the most common and affordable option, with aluminum as the next most popular. If your budget allows, you can also choose galvanized steel or copper.

Matching New Gutters with Your Home’s Architecture

You probably wouldn’t put expensive copper gutters on a basic manufactured home, or use vinyl gutters on a custom home in a high-end neighborhood. A licensed gutter contractor can help you choose the best material for your home.

Your Gutter Budget

Aluminum gutters are the most popular in the U.S. because they last long and are affordable. Vinyl gutters cost the least, while copper gutters are much more expensive. Your budget will help you decide which type to choose and will affect your return on investment.