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Does My Home Need Gutters?

When selecting a home gutter system, you’ll have an assortment of options to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. Learn more.

Are you doing a gutters project?

Modernize can pair you with three to four pros in your area, so you can compare options and save time and money.

Table of Contents
Updated: Nov 5, 2024 · Written By: Mark Judson · Reviewed By: Kat Gayol
securityexteriorresearch and planning
Gutters protect homes by collecting and diverting runoff water from the roof, safeguarding the foundation. Without a proper system, your home may face leaks and premature wear on decks and siding.

When choosing gutters for your renovation, you’ll find various materials, styles, and guard options, each with unique pros and cons.

fascia gutters

Does My Home Need Gutters?

Gutters may not boost curb appeal like other renovations and often involve unexciting chores—cleaning them on a Saturday isn’t a highlight. This leads some homeowners to question the necessity of home gutter systems.

Depending on your roof and house shape, you might consider skipping gutters. However, having a home gutter system offers many benefits.

Without gutters to collect and divert rain runoff, water can flow toward your home, causing erosion. This may lead to foundation damage, cracked walls and siding, basement flooding, or uneven floors, resulting in headaches and costly repairs.

Gutters also protect landscaping by directing water away from areas that might experience soil erosion.

Homes in dry or drought-prone areas may not need home gutter systems, especially if the ground slopes away, like on a hill.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Gutters?

For most homeowners, home gutter systems extend roof life, reduce flooding, protect foundations, enhance siding investments, and maintain landscaping beauty.

Even for homes that might not need gutters, drawbacks are minimal. However, poor installation, lack of maintenance, or failure to clean gutter systems can create future issues.

Are There Multiple Gutter Types to Choose From?

There are two primary categories for homeowners to consider— material and style.

Gutter Materials

When considering types of gutter materials, homeowners will primarily be presented with gutters made from:

  • aluminum
  • vinyl
  • copper
  • steel

Aluminum is one of the most popular choices thanks to its easy installation, low cost, a range of available colors, and resistance to corrosion.

Vinyl is another low-cost option but comes with some durability shortfalls. Copper and steel are highly durable, but more costly.

Gutter Types

Homeowners will also have the options of K-style gutters, which are the most common and can move high volumes of waters, and half-round gutters, which are an inexpensive alternative, but move a lower capacity.

Additionally, there are a range of gutter guard options — including screen guards, fine mesh guards and surface tension guards — to help keep debris from building up in your gutters.

Find the Right Contractor for Your Gutters Project

Whether you’re ready to begin your project now or need some expert advice, our network of contractors are here to help. With a few simple questions, we’ll find the best local professionals for you

How Expensive Are Home Gutter Systems?

The average cost to install gutters depends on your home’s size, the gutter system’s design, and the chosen materials. Prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, with a national average of $900–$5,000. Most homeowners spend about $1,225.

After initial installation, most gutter systems last several decades with proper cleaning and occasional maintenance. This investment is worthwhile, especially when considering the costs of repairing water damage to your foundation or addressing erosion.

Gutter Replacement Cost Calculator

Take Me There

How Much Maintenance is Required?

In order to make sure your gutters run properly and you aren’t faced with roof damage, it is recommended that you clean your gutters twice per year (more if you have overhanging trees).

In order to streamline regular maintenance, the gutter guards discussed above can prevent debris buildup and clogged gutters, reduce cleaning times, and prevent you from needing a complete gutter replacement.

Should I Invest in a Home Gutter System?

Gutters are a great way to protect your home’s foundation and ensure other home elements like walls, siding, flooring, and landscaping are kept safe from water damage.

Let Modernize help you find a trusted, local contractor who can help you understand your home’s gutter needs and move you one step closer to a gutter system that protects your family — and your home — from the elements.

Find the Right Contractor for Your Gutters Project

Whether you’re ready to begin your project now or need some expert advice, our network of contractors are here to help. With a few simple questions, we’ll find the best local professionals for you

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Welcome to Homeowner Resources! We are the Modernize blog. Modernize pairs more than 3 million homeowners a year with pre-vetted contractors in their area. This blog started because we believe homeowners should know everything about their homes, from how their HVAC works to which front door colors they might love. On Homeowner Resources, you can find information on every part of your home, right down to how you can negotiate with contractors to get the best price. Here's more about the blog.

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