How Much Is It to Replace Gutters on a House UK

Gutters play a crucial role in protecting homes from potential water damage. They collect and divert rainwater runoff from the roof, preventing it from seeping into the walls, foundations, and basements. Deteriorating gutters can lead to moisture accumulation, mold growth, cracked plaster, wood rot and more. Replacing old and worn gutters in a timely manner is essential to limit the risk of costly property damage.

Signs that indicate the need for gutter replacement

There are several signs that signal the need to replace old and damaged gutters:

Visible leakages and dripping water – Gutters with holes or broken joints often leak and spill water during rains. This requires immediate replacement.

Water damage signs – Staining and blistering paint on fascia boards, wet spots on walls/ceilings, overgrown vegetation and flooded basements are indications of faulty gutters unable to divert water away from the house.

Pooling water – Clogged or sagging gutters trap rainwater instead of draining it off the roof efficiently. Standing puddles also promote rust and decay.

Plant growth – Seedlings often sprout in gutters filled with debris and moist soil deposits. The roots can cause major gutters blockages and cracks.

Rust spots and holes – Steel and iron gutters become thin and rusty over the years. Corrosion leads to perforations and water spillage through the sides.

Gutter sagging and misalignment – Loose gutter nails, degraded hanger brackets cause the gutters to pull away from the fittings and fascia boards. They begin to droop, twist and redirect water back towards the house.

Factors influencing the cost of gutter replacement

The cost to install new gutters is impacted by:

Type of gutter – material and style
Length to be covered
Accessibility and height of the roofline
Disposal of old gutters
Professional vs DIY installation
Additional repairs needed
Location and labour rates

Understanding how these variables affect the project cost is useful to estimate budgets accurately.

Types of Gutters

Home gutter systems are commonly made out of PVC, aluminum and sometimes copper. The shape or style, mounting design, durability and cost varies among the different types.

Different gutter materials

PVC – Plastic/Vinyl gutters are a cheaper gutter variety. They hold paint well but have a shorter lifespan of about 25-30 years.

Aluminum – Aluminum gutters offer good value for money. With proper maintenance, they can last 35-50 years.

Copper – Copper is the most expensive gutter metal. These systems are highly durable with a 60+ year longevity but expensive.

Styles of gutters

Several gutter profiles and sizes are available to fit different homes:

Half-round – Semi-circular shape with rounded bottom. Easy water flow but small debris holding capacity.

K-style – Trapezoidal profile resembling the alphabet K. Good drainage and increased water volume handling.

Box gutters – Square or rectangular gutters installed directly into a specially framed wooden perimeter of a flat roof. Larger area to hold rainwater flow.

Pros and cons of each gutter type

PVC gutters

- Pros
  - Cheaper option
  - Wide colour choices
  - Resists rust and corrosion
- Cons
  - Less durable than metal gutters
  - Can crack and warp over time
  - Needs more maintenance

Aluminum gutters

- Pros
  - Light, easy to install
  - Greater durability than PVC
  - Highly resistant to decay
- Cons
  - Can be noisy during rains
  - Paint may peel after years

Copper gutters

- Pros
  - Extremely durable in all weather
  - Beautiful natural patina finish
  - Requires little maintenance
- Cons
  - Very expensive
  - Installation needs specialized skills

Overall, plastic and aluminum gutters provide the best value for money to homeowners. Durability can range from 20-50 years if properly maintained. Copper systems last the longest but are a bigger investment.

Factors Affecting Cost

Several specifications influence the overall expense to replace old rain gutter systems with brand new ones:

Length and size of gutters
The required length and width of the gutter system mainly drives cost. Labor and material quantity needed directly corresponds to the linear footage. Larger diameter gutters and box profiles hold more rainwater but cost more.

Typical costs range $4 – $12 per linear foot installed
Includes material, hauling debris, fittings, downspouts, labour, paint etc.
Larger 5-6 inch gutters are 20-50% more expensive than 4-5 inch gutters

Gutter material and style
The material significantly impacts how much you pay for a gutter replacement job.

PVC – $3 to $8 per linear foot
Aluminum – $4 to $9 per linear foot
Copper – $10 to $15 per linear foot

Specialty gutters like copper half-round styles or aluminum box gutters even higher.

Accessibility and ease of installation
Easy roof access lowers costs. Complicated multi-story installations with high reaches can increase effort and equipment needs.

Single story homes – Simple, Low cost
Two-story homes – Challenging, Moderate cost
Three-story homes – Difficult, Expensive

Labour costs in different regions
Labour rates for gutter installation vary across different counties in the UK from £20 – £70 per hour. Parts of South-West tend to be cheaper than London, for instance.

Additional features (gutter guards, downspouts, etc.)
Modifications like leaf guards, heat cable installation, additional downspouts, drainage connections also add to the cost

Leaf guards – £2.50 to £8 per linear foot
Downspouts – £100 to £300 each
Connecting to drainage – £200 upwards

Considering these cost factors help estimate a realistic budget.

Cost Breakdown

Determining average costs per linear foot for materials and labour helps assess budget requirements.

Average cost per linear foot

Basic Installation – £4 to £12 per linear foot
Includes gutters, brackets, downspouts for a standard single storey home
Complex Installation – £15 to £30 per linear foot
For multi-level houses, box gutters, difficult access areas etc

Additional costs for materials and labor

Copper gutters – Add £5 to £10 per linear foot
Specialty bespoke designs – Add 30% or more
Difficult roof pitch/height – Add 20% to 30%
Leaf guards – Add £2 to £8 per foot

Comparison of costs for different gutter types

PVC – Basic from £150, Average £500, Complex £2000
Aluminum – Basic from £200, Average £800, Complex £5000
Copper – Basic from £300, Average £1500, Complex £10,000

Hidden costs to consider

Dump charges to discard old gutters – £50 onwards
Equipment rentals for tall installations – £100+
Repairing water damaged areas – £500+
Replacing rotten roof decking or fascia boards – £200+

These provide a realistic estimate of gutter replacement costs. Always get 2-3 itemised quotes from reputable local installers before deciding.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Homeowners faced with aging gutter systems often weigh whether DIY replacement is feasible over hiring professionals.

Pros and cons of DIY gutter replacement

Pros
- Greater cost savings – Avoid paying for labour
- Customise as needed – Pick preferred materials
- Learn new skills – Gain gutter installation experience
Cons
- Physically demanding – Carrying heavy ladders/materials
- High safety risk – Risk of falls and injuries
- Imperfect pitching or leaky joints – Require fixing later
- Limited warranty – On materials but not workmanship
- Cannot claim house insurance – For any damages later

Benefits of hiring a professional

Safe elevated working practices – Reduced risk for houses over 2 floors
Perfect alignments and watertight joints – Ensures smooth water flow
Code compliance – They handle building codes and permit rules
Warranties like discounts on repairs – Peace of mind for 5-10 years
Premium materials and finishes – Sleek aluminium, copper designs

Safety considerations
Gutter installation involves high elevation risks like:

Lifting heavy equipment
Balancing on sloped rooftops
Electrical safety around power lines
Working near the edge without harnesses

Falls account for high injury rates. Professionals undertake safety training and follow protocols to ensure protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some common queries on gutter replacement:

How often should gutters be replaced?

Plastic gutters – Every 25-30 years
Aluminum gutters – 30-40 years
Copper gutters – 50+ years
When leaks, overflowing water or damage occurs

Are there any DIY gutter replacement tips?

Budget for equipment like tall ladders, scaffolding for multi-story houses
Carefully assess if DIY is safe or recommended for your specific house height and roof type
Watch online tutorials for advice on measuring, cutting, joining, sloping gutters correctly
Allow extra time and order 10-15% extra materials in case of mistakes

What factors contribute most to the cost?

Type of material – Plastic cheapest, copper premium priced
Length in linear footage
Difficulty of accessing installation site height/pitch/obstructions adds complexity cost

Can gutter repairs be a cost-effective alternative?

Yes, patches and gutter repairs like sealing joints or holes can give 5-10 extra years at 10-30% replacement cost
Helps defer full replacement expense

How to choose the right gutter material for my house?

Consider:

Budget constraints
Lifespan desired
Aesthetics – Half round copper for classic styles, modern aluminium in grey
DIY capability – Light aluminum systems easier to self-install vs heavy copper
Environmental factors – Salt spray resistance near oceans, humid climate resistance

Are there any maintenance tips to prolong gutter life?