How much does gutter repair cost?

Gutter repair service providers often base their pricing on linear foot of gutter and downspout material to be worked on or replaced. The condition and type of existing gutters factor into the pricing in as well.

For example, Midwest Gutter in Detroit, Michigan, charges by the linear foot for new gutter material (about $5 per linear foot for aluminum) plus the cost of hourly labor. They have a minimum charge of $100 – $150, depending on the job. In almost all cases, they provide an estimate for a flat project rate that factors in the materials and labor costs.

Whether it’s clogged, sagging, dented, broken or disconnected gutters or downspouts, rust or corrosion, holes, or leaks, the repairs will vary in price. The gutter repair cost depends on the cost of parts, the height of the building, the extent of labor required, and any necessary taxes.

Gutter material costs

Whether it’s seamless or traditional sectional guttering, aluminum is by far the most common gutter material. Sometimes gutters are made of vinyl (PVC plastic) and galvanized steel, though steel gutters are more common in commercial buildings than homes. Many contractors advise against vinyl gutters because some are cheaply made and can get brittle with age. Gutter material affects the repair cost, especially if entire sections have to be replaced.

For example, copper gutters are quite a bit more expensive than aluminum gutters, running upwards of $25 per linear foot (compared with $5 for aluminum).

Surrounding surfaces

Gutter systems have surfaces surrounding them that may affect the cost of the repair. For example, wooden fascia boards and soffits are subject to water damage if gutters are not carrying water away from the exterior of the home as they should be. Gutter contractors can repair these kinds of issues as part of a gutter repair project for an additional fee to cover the additional labor and materials.

Cleaning your gutters

Many gutter installation service providers say keeping your gutters free of debris is one of the best ways to avoid the need to make repairs. Many gutter repair service professionals also specialize in gutter cleaning and maintenance but can make repairs or install leaf protection to avoid buildup and keep gutters in working order.

For example, Daniel Ramos of Gutter Master in Renton, Washington, can install gutter guards that help prevent debris from building up in gutters and downspouts.

Warranty on materials and workmanship

Ask about workmanship guarantees and, if you’re having new gutters installed, a materials warranty on the gutters themselves.

For example, Gutters by Boss in Baytown, Texas, specializes in gutters made by Senox, which carry a 50-year warranty. They also offer a 5-year workmanship guarantee.

Other gutter repair experts offer longer workmanship guarantees, depending on the project. For example, Midwest Gutter in Detroit, Michigan, offers a workmanship guarantee of up to 15 years on certain projects.

Traditional sectional gutters are made up of lengths of horizontal gutter fitted together and attached to a building’s eaves, with vertical downspouts that carry water to the ground. Seamless gutters are made of a single piece of material, typically aluminum, and installed as one single piece, then downspouts are attached. If a seamless gutter needs to be repaired, the service provider will likely have to repair it in place because of how they are constructed. In addition, some gutter specialists believe that seamless gutters are more durable and reliable than traditional ones.

The taller the building, the more expensive the gutter repairs may be. These jobs require taller ladders and repairmen who have experience making external home repairs from a ladder. It’s a good idea to hire licensed, bonded and insured contractors for these repairs, which protects both the contractor and the customer should an injury occur during the project.

For example, Phil Dunbar, owner of Dunbar Group of Georgia, is a licensed contractor who has worked in construction since 1985 and specialized in roofs and gutters since 2009. He also maintains Haag certification, which means he is licensed to inspect damaged roofs for the purpose of determining whether property insurance will cover the cost of repairs.

There are a few steps you can take to aid in your decision-making and to ensure that you hire a gutter repairman who will be the right fit for you and your home:

• Determine your budget: Figure out how much you have to spend on professional gutter repairs. Aligning with your pro upfront about your budget will save both you and your repairman time and energy in the long run.
• Gather multiple quotes: Shop around at a few different gutter repairmen to make sure that you're getting the best project cost price. Gutter repairmen will usually give free estimates to potential customers.
• Gutter repair or gutter replacement?: Before you tear out and replace your entire gutter system, determine if a simple repair will fix non-functioning gutters.
• Nail down the costs: At first glance, the job may appear simple and they may quote an average cost – but as the repairman gets further, they may realize that the damage is more extensive. Be sure to get an actual cost estimate, including labor and parts, before the work has been started so you don’t get stuck with a huge surprise bill.
• Ask for reviews: Ask for reviews and follow up with references to make sure you're choosing the right repairman for your home.

For more tips on smart hiring, see our safety page.

Gutter repairs don’t have to blow your budget! Here are some ways to save money on the cost of repairing your gutters:

• Keep your gutters clean: Buildup of debris is what causes many gutter problems. By keeping your rain gutters clean, you won’t need to call in in professional reinforcements so often.
• … But be very careful: It’s estimated that 500,000 people in North America are injured every year from falling off ladders. If your home is very tall or is not a single-story, think twice and be careful before climbing up a ladder to inspect your gutters.
• Do a walk-around: Once per year (and ideally before the first big rainstorm), walk around the exterior of your home to see if there are any areas where the gutters are not properly functioning. Doing this will prevent water buildup and potential property damage!