Guttering Replacement Cost: What Affects the Price

Length of the run

Gutters are measured along the eaves, so a terraced house with a short front and back costs less than a detached house with gutters on all sides. Each corner, outlet and stop end adds parts and time.

Material

uPVC is the most common material. It is light, quick to fit and needs little maintenance. Cast iron is heavier and more expensive, but often suits period homes and conservation areas. Aluminium is lighter than cast iron, durable and available in seamless or sectional forms. Material choice usually has the biggest effect on the price.

Profile and size

Half-round, square, deep-flow and ogee profiles all look and perform differently. Larger or deeper profiles cost more but carry more water, which can help on large roofs or where gutters overflow in heavy rain.

Downpipes and outlets

Many jobs include new downpipes, outlets, brackets and connections to the drains. If downpipes need moving or extra outlets are needed, that adds to the work.

Height and access

A bungalow can often be done from ladders or a low platform. Two- and three-storey houses usually need a tower or scaffolding, which adds cost. Conservatories, extensions and narrow back lanes can complicate access.

Fascias and soffits at the same time

If the fascia boards behind the gutter are rotten, new brackets will not hold. Replacing fascias and soffits at the same time as the gutters avoids taking everything down twice and is often good value. Our fascias and soffits page explains that work.

Fascias and soffits

Removing the old system

Taking down old gutters and disposing of them is part of every quote. Cast iron sections are heavy and take more time to remove safely.

Repair or replace?

If the problem is one joint or a blocked outlet, a repair may be all you need. Our gutter repairs page helps you decide.

Gutter repairs

Comparing quotes

Check that each quote covers the same length, material, profile and downpipes, and whether access and waste are included. A lower price may leave out fascia repairs or reuse old brackets.

Seamless aluminium

Seamless aluminium gutters are formed on site from a coil, so there are no joints along the length except at corners. Fewer joints means fewer places to leak. They tend to cost more than sectional uPVC but are popular for their clean look and durability.

Colour and finish

uPVC guttering comes in black, white, brown, grey and some other colours. Cast iron is painted, usually black. Aluminium can be powder-coated in many colours. Matching your windows or fascias may limit choice and affect the price slightly.

Conservation areas and listed buildings

In conservation areas or on listed buildings, the council may expect cast iron or a close equivalent. It is worth checking before choosing a material, especially on the front of the house.

Drainage connections

Where downpipes run into an underground drain, the gully or connection may be cracked or blocked. Clearing or repairing it may be needed so the new gutters drain properly. This is sometimes outside a roofer’s work, but it should be checked.

Partial replacement

Sometimes only one run, such as the back of the house, needs replacing. That keeps costs down, though matching the old profile can be difficult if it is no longer made. In that case, a full replacement may give a better result.

Gutter guards

Mesh or brush gutter guards can reduce the build-up of leaves and moss, particularly near trees. They add a little to the cost but can reduce how often the gutters need clearing. They are not suitable for every gutter profile, so it is worth asking.

Lifespan and maintenance

The more maintenance a system needs, the more it costs over its life. uPVC needs occasional cleaning and joint checks. Cast iron needs repainting to stop rust. Aluminium needs little more than cleaning. Thinking about upkeep helps compare materials fairly, not just the upfront price.

Bear in mind that the cheapest system to buy is not always the cheapest to own. A sound, well-fixed run with the right fall and enough outlets will keep water away from walls for far longer than a hurried replacement on tired boards.

Need it sorted? Book a guttering replacement

Tell us about your house and the gutters you have now. We will look at them and the boards behind and give you a free quote.

Guttering

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