How much are gutter replacement costs?

If the gutters on your property are showing signs of wear, leaking due to rust and holes or beginning to fall off your roof, it might be time to think about replacing them. But how much is a gutter replacement likely to cost, and how can you manage the expense?

If you don’t have enough savings to cover the costs upfront, you could explore options like personal loans for home improvement, which might help finance your gutter replacement and related expenses.

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Gutters are an essential part of any property, as they prevent water damage by directing rainwater and debris away from your home. Regular maintenance, such as clearing clogs and checking for rust or loose fittings, can extend their lifespan. However, when gutters are beyond repair, replacement may be necessary to maintain your home’s structural integrity.

In some cases, gutter damage caused by events like storms or floods may be covered under your home insurance policy. Home insurance typically protects your home and its contents from accidental, sudden damage caused by weather, including floods. If your gutters have been damaged as a result of severe weather, you may be able to make a claim. Check the specifics of your policy to see if repairs or replacements are covered.

Gutter replacement costs will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the amount of new guttering needed, the time it will take to replace the damaged guttering and the type of materials required.

Australian online tradesperson marketplace hipages estimates that gutter replacement costs can range anywhere from $30 per metre to $160 per metre in 2024, based on national averages.

Examining their price breakdown we can see how costs differ:

• $30 to $35 per lineal metre for vinyl (PVC) guttering
• $30 to $50 per lineal metre for zincalume guttering
• $45 to $67 per lineal metre for colour coated zincalume guttering
• $85 to $160 per lineal metre for stainless steel guttering

Be aware that the above mentioned pricings only represent the cost of the guttering materials. Fixtures such as downpipes, fixings and fascia (the trim between the home and the roofline) will cost extra to replace. Additionally, you’ll have to pay tradespeople installation fees. These are often charged hourly, depending on the amount of work.

For example, guttering and installation on a small home (7m x 11m) may cost around $1,900. However, guttering, fascia and installation on a large home (90m of guttering) in the Sydney area could set you back about $6,100.

If there are access or specific height/safety issues you might expect to pay more for your gutter replacement.

The costs listed above are only a guide and may not reflect quotes you receive from professional contractors. It’s sensible to compare a few different quotes to get an idea of the price you should be paying.

Be prepared to provide as much information about your guttering replacement job as possible, including the type of building and its height, the length of guttering needed, the type of materials you want to install, any additional fixtures, and any access or safety considerations that must be addressed. This way you’ll receive a more accurate estimate of the costs before the contractors visit your property to provide a detailed quote.

Any tradesperson or contractor that works on your home should be reputable, properly licensed and insured. This is important because if an accident occurs, you don’t want to be liable for any damage, injuries or death.

Selecting the right guttering isn’t only about aesthetics. You’ll need to consider practicality and capacity. The capacity refers to how much water the guttering can hold. This will depend on the area in which your property is situated and the average rainfall it receives. If it’s a notoriously wet area, you may want to consider a higher capacity guttering system. Don’t simply replace the old guttering with the same materials as before. Consult a professional to determine what would work best for your new guttering.

As mentioned above, there are different types of gutter materials. Each is suited to different climates, home profiles, structures and price ranges:

• Aluminium guttering is a popular choice and relatively inexpensive
• Vinyl (PVC) guttering is often the least costly and can be snapped together
• Galvanised steel guttering is typically used on sheds and structures
• Zincalume guttering is a strong steel material made from zinc, aluminium and silicon
• Copper guttering is unique and aesthetically pleasing for some homeowners

Remember that most of these materials’ colours will fade over time, so choose carefully to ensure a long lasting facade.

Gutters protect your house from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, like any part of your home, they can wear out over time. Here are some signs that it might be time to replace your gutters:

• Visible cracks or holes
• Sagging or pulling away from the roof
• Water pooling or overflowing
• Signs of mould or mildew growth
• Peeling paint or rusting

Even if there are no obvious signs of damage, it may be worthwhile to have your gutters inspected by a professional periodically. Timely repairs can address minor issues before they escalate, extending the lifespan of your gutters and preventing more expensive repairs down the line. Additionally, water damage to your home caused by poorly maintained or leaking gutters may not be covered by your home insurance, as property maintenance is your responsibility.

If you can’t afford the upfront costs of replacing your gutters you may want to consider a range of different home improvement personal loans. Whether you’re wanting to take out a loan just to cover gutter replacement costs or you’re completing a raft of renovations, research and compare a variety of loans.

You could also redraw extra payments from your home loan or refinance to borrow more money as another potential option to cover the costs of your gutter replacements. However, it's important to research all the costs to determine whether or not this is a sensible decision.

If you're seeking a personal loan with repayments that fit your budget, credit score and desired loan term, RateCity's personal loans calculator can provide you with an estimate to help find one that's right for you.

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