How to Know if a Gutter Installation Estimate Is Reasonable
A gutter installation estimate might seem like a side job anyone can manage. Unfortunately, what you don’t know can hurt you. Professionals have the training, tools and knowledge to know which materials work best for your style of roof and gutter system. They also have access to better-quality products for the price.
When Should You Have Gutters Replaced
High-quality gutter materials come with long-standing warranties. When maintained, they can easily outlast your roof. Problems occur when storms or poor maintenance damage your gutters. If the previous owner of your home allowed leaves to bunch up, creating ice in winter months, you might have rusted or broken gutters leaking water straight down to your home’s foundation. If you have an area of your basement which suffers leaks or if a portion of your roof is experiencing excess wear and tear, a lousy gutter system could be the problem. Even then, you might not need an entire replacement. A professional installation team will know how to tell the difference between a repair or replacement gutter job.
Practical Considerations When Replacing vs. Repairing
In some instances, due to aging or the availability of original materials, your roofing team won’t be able to find matching materials for a partial gutter replacement. In these cases, replacing the entire system isn’t necessary to prevent damage, but mismatching gutters would still hurt your home’s value. Potential buyers might see it as a red flag. It could also negatively impact your home’s curb appeal.
Insurance Should Cover New Gutters
There’s an unspoken rule among those who understand how homeowners insurance really works. In theory, you should be able to use it for any legitimate claim of damage related to your home. In reality? Insurance companies tend to cancel policies for homeowners who use coverage on a regular basis. For that reason, we don’t recommend that you file a claim solely for the replacement of a gutter system. Most insurance experts suggest you wait for damages to exceed $5,000 before you file a claim. Unless you are replacing an expensive gutter material, like copper, it’s doubtful you’d meet that threshold.
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How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost?
According to estimate data pooled from companies across the U.S., the average professional gutter installation runs from $1,050 to $2,400 when installing galvanized, aluminum or vinyl gutters. You can find cheaper materials at the hardware store. Do they usually have robust warranties? No, because these low-quality products are more likely to fail early.
Using sturdier, more attractive materials will increase your costs significantly. For instance, aluminum runs $4 to $9 per linear foot. Copper can cost three times that amount. And of course, gutter systems for larger homes and those with complicated layouts will also cost more. A gutter installation estimate is a must when you are considering replacing your gutters.
