Seamless gutters require less maintenance and are more durable than some types of gutters, making them popular among homeowners. However, they typically cost more than seamed gutters because they are custom-made for your roof.
This guide explains everything you need to know about seamless gutters, including their cost, how they’re installed and maintenance requirements.
Are seamless gutters better than sectional gutters?
Yes, seamless gutters have more benefits than sectional gutters. Not only do seamless gutters look better on your home than standard ones, but they can actually help avoid property damage, too. Gutters that do not have gutter guards have a smooth inside that can catch debris that tends to accumulate, allowing water to pool and spill over, run down the house wall and seep down into the basement.
“In seamless gutters, however, a lot of debris will just wash right out rather than collect,” said Niki O’Brien, operations manager at Custom Exteriors in Berthoud, Colorado. She added that their company won’t install seamed gutters because they underperform when it comes to clogging and leaking.
The main difference between seamless gutters and sectional gutters is that seamless gutters are made from one continuous piece. Sectional gutters, as the name implies, are made from multiple smaller sections joined together by gutter sealant at the seams.
“Clogged gutters can cause a whole host of problems like ice dams, for instance,” said O’Brien. “As water above the [full] gutter starts to melt, it has nowhere to drain, and rather than flowing off the roof and away from the home, the water backs up under the bottom edge of the shingles and penetrates into your home. This creates interior water damage, mold and mildew and can make for a very expensive repair.”
Are seamless gutters expensive?
Seamless gutters are more expensive than sectional gutters because they’re custom made for your roof. The total cost of seamless gutters depends on the size of the gutter you need and the material you choose.
Seamless gutters cost between $1,500 and $2,000 per 200 linear feet of 5-inch seamless gutters, and 6-inch seamless gutters typically cost $2,000–$2,500, based on recent estimates from Erik Swain, president of Frontgate RPD, a construction and remodeling company in Willoughby, Ohio.
Buying sectional gutters from Home Depot, on the other hand, can cost $400–$1,200 for a similar length (200 linear feet), depending on the material and design you choose.
You’ll also pay for the labor to install them, although seamed gutter installation can be a DIY project.
Cost factors
The total price you’ll pay for seamless gutters can fluctuate between $1,500 and $2,500 per 200 linear feet, in most cases, and the total depends on things such as your home size and the material of your gutters. Let’s explore the five main factors:
- Gutter style and size: Gutters typically come in two widths: 5-inch and 6-inch. Wider gutters can withstand greater volumes of water and cost slightly more than narrower gutters. More intricate gutter styles, such as K-style gutters or half-round gutters, typically cost a few hundred dollars more because they’re more complicated to fabricate.
- Labor: Labor costs make up between 40% and 60% of a seamless gutter installation. Labor rates vary by location, so you should consult local gutter contractors to determine the average price in your area.
- Materials: The most common — and affordable — material for seamless gutters is aluminum, ranging between $6 and $20 per linear foot. Other options are stainless steel and copper gutters, which cost significantly more per linear foot — between $14 and $20 for steel and $20–$40 for copper, according to Swain. The upside is that these sturdier materials last twice as long.
- Roof shape: Your roof’s shape also influences the total cost of installing seamless gutters. If your roof has gables, you’ll have to pay extra because the installer will have to cut more sections to fit around each section.
- Roof size: The bigger the roofline, the more installation labor and materials are used — both factors that increase cost.
How are seamless gutters installed?
Installing seamless gutters is more involved than installing ordinary sectional gutters since they need to be custom-fitted to your roof. Any DIY gutter installation project can be challenging because you have to get the right slope for drainage and maneuver everything while on a ladder. But installing seamless gutters without experience and specialized tools to fabricate gutters that match your home dimensions is impossible.
Below are seven steps involved in installing seamless gutters by a professional.
- Measure and plan: Since seamless gutters need to be custom made on-site, the installer will have to measure each section of your roof before they fabricate your gutters. Some installers take ballpark measurements during the consultation and can provide a price estimate. The installer will also inspect your fascia board to ensure that it’s in good shape and can support your new gutters.
- Place a custom order (if necessary): Alternatively, your installer may have the seamless gutters fabricated at a shop based on their measurements and then transported to your home, but on-site fabrication is more prevalent.
- Hanger installation: The hangers are the supports that attach to your fascia boards and hold up your gutters. These are the first thing to be installed, and they are added by screwing or nailing them into the fascia board.
- Shape the material into gutters: Unlike a sectional gutter installation, seamless gutters are bent and cut to size on-site on installation day. This step involves turning flat sheets of metal using a gutter machine and then cutting the pieces to size.
- Gutter installation: Your installer will clip the gutters into the gutter hangers and make sure that your gutters have the appropriate slope to facilitate drainage. They might need to adjust the hangers.
- Downspout installation: The last step of the installation is attaching the downspouts. The installer will decide on your downspout location beforehand, so this step is quick and easy.
- Final inspection and cleanup: Your installer will check that everything is installed correctly, usually by introducing water into your gutters and making sure everything drains out properly. Finally, they’ll clean up any debris left during the installation.
How long do seamless gutters last?
The life span of seamless gutters depends on the material, how well you maintain them and your local climate.
Aluminum seamless gutters, which are the most popular type, last between 20 and 30 years, on average. “Aluminum gutters offer a good balance between affordability and durability,” Swain said. “They are lightweight, which makes them easier to install and potentially lower gutter installation costs. Aluminum can be easily formed to fit the precise measurements of a house, which is essential for seamless gutters. It’s also available in a wide range of colors, allowing for aesthetic customization to match or complement a home’s exterior.”
Copper seamless gutters last at least 50 years, but they’re the most expensive — up to $40 per linear foot on the high end compared with the $20 you might pay for aluminum. Vinyl gutters, or PVC gutters, are at the opposite end of the spectrum and may need replacing after a decade, but they are the least expensive option. Here’s how long different seamless gutters last, according to Swain.
- Aluminum gutters: 20–30 years
- Copper gutters: 50+ years
- Stainless steel gutters: 50+ years
- Vinyl (PVC) gutters: 10–15 years
- Zinc gutters: 50+ years
If you maintain them, your seamless gutters will last longer, regardless of the material you choose. You don’t have to worry about leaks with seamless gutters, but you should still clean your gutters every six months.
The local climate will also affect the longevity of gutters. Coastal climates with high humidity and salty air can cause some metal gutters to corrode, reducing their life span. Vinyl gutters, on the other hand, do well in wet environments but can warp and fade in hot climates with intense sunlight.
Consider a sturdier material, such as stainless steel, if you live in a place known for heavy snowfall. As a heavier-duty material, it is more likely to be able to support the added weight of snow and ice without bending or breaking.
Maintenance tips for long-lasting gutters
Seamless rain gutters are low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. A good rule of thumb is that gutter cleaning should be done every six months. Clogged gutters can overflow and lose functionality, causing leaks and water damage behind exterior walls that can even lead to foundation issues.
“When the gutter system is not functioning properly, the water finds its way straight down the edge of the home, overflowing the gutters. Not only can standing water around your foundation cause structural damage, but it can leak through basement window wells, causing basement flooding and a whole host of other issues,” O’Brien said.
Too much debris may cause gutters to pull away from your house, warranting a call for gutter repair. Plus, anything that isn’t properly attached is going to tank your home’s curb appeal. If you can’t or don’t want to clean your gutters yourself, you can hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
For a house surrounded by trees, consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup. Gutter Guards America is a popular gutter guard manufacturer for keeping excessive debris out of your gutters. LeafFilter gutter guards are best if you have extreme weather, as they’re made from surgical-grade stainless steel that can stand up to some abuse. LeafGuard gutter guards are a great option if you see excessive rainfall, as they have wider openings in the mesh that are more likely to handle heavy runoff, although they might allow some smaller debris, such as pollen and pine needles, through.
Even if you install leaf guards, you’ll still have to clean the gutters with a hose attachment to remove surface dirt and grime. Use a ladder to inspect gutters for larger debris, such as stuck-on leaves or sticks, then use your (gloved) hand or a scoop tool to remove the gunk.
What’s next?
Call a local gutter installer for a consultation to decide whether seamless gutters are worth the added expense. You can look on review sites and social media for customer reviews as you choose a service provider.
Find the best local gutter companies in your city
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
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