Gutters are designed to last for many years. Indeed, depending on the material, they can even stay the course for decades. But if you are building your own home or have bought an old home, you might need to invest in a drainage gutter system. If so, you will more than likely be wondering how much this is going to set you back.
Why are Gutters Needed?
The good people at Global Gutter Systems tell us that rain gutter installation is necessary for most homes as it protects the basement and foundations as well as any landscaping around the home. Furthermore, having a good gutter system will prevent water stains and a buildup of mold along the roofline and on the sidings of the home.
The Cost of Gutters
The cost of a gutter drainage system varies quite a bit depending on the material used. For example, vinyl or PVC gutters will be far less expensive than galvanized steel or copper gutters. The size of the roof will also play a role as the larger the roof, the higher the cost (obviously).
According to Market Watch Guides, the average cost for 200 linear feet of guttering costs between $800 and $1,400 for vinyl gutters and between $3,000 and $6,000 for copper. As you can see, there is quite a difference in the relevant prices.
The range in price above is affected by the style and size of guttering that is chosen. There are a number of different types of gutter system available, from K-style to half-round and fascia guttering. The standard gutter width is five inches,but some people opt for wider gutters with widths of up to eight inches.
Another factor that affects the cost of gutters is the location. In some states, prices are higher for materials and labor. Additionally, installation quotes can vary quite a bit from one company to the next.
Which Gutters to Choose
As you can see from above, there is a lot to think about in terms of gutters. The choices you make will affect how much you will pay for the gutters. If you wanted to keep prices as low as possible, then it would be best to go for vinyl gutters. However, if you wanted a more aesthetically pleasing material, then you might opt for aluminum or the high-end copper gutters.
Gutters come in a variety of styles, as mentioned. The most common type of gutter in new homes is K-style. These gutters have a flat back and fit neatly against the fascia boards. They hold more water than half-round gutters, which were the standard style for homes pre-1960. Half-round gutters are most commonly seen on older homes as well as those built in a more traditional style.
Fascia gutters are cleverly designed to be built as part of the fascia boards. They are typically bigger than both half-round and K-style gutters and are better at handling large amounts of rainwater. Nevertheless, because fascia gutters are a part of the fascia board, they need to be professionally installed.
Can You Save Money Installing Gutters Yourself?
Some people will install their own gutters to save money on the overall cost, but it is not recommended for all types of gutter systems. The easiest type of guttering for DIYers to install is that made from vinyl because it is lightweight and easy to cut. However, aluminum guttering can also be handled by those with experience of DIY projects. For the heavy materials and gutter systems that are built-in, it is best to leave it to the professionals.