Gutters are essential to a home’s roofing system, as they channel rainwater away from the building, preventing water damage.
Gutters are heavily used – they’re designed to withstand the elements. However, over time, they can break or become worn to the point they no longer work properly.
Replacing your gutters might be necessary for them to stop leaking, or you might want to improve the appearance of your home by upgrading them.
This is a guide to the cost of replacing gutters in the UK and the factors that affect the cost.
Average Cost Per Metre
By collecting quotes from 5 primary sources and 8 secondary sources, we were able to get the following costs of replacing gutters in the UK.
| Material/Style | Cost per Linear Metre (£) |
|---|---|
| uPVC Half-Round | £6 - £9.5 |
| uPVC Square | £7.5 - £12 |
| uPVC Ogee | £9.5 - £14.5 |
| Aluminium | £18 - £30 |
| Cast Iron | £30 - £48 |
| Steel | £24 - £36 |
Average Total Cost
| Material/Style | Terraced Home (£) | Semi-Detached Home (£) | Detached Home (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC Half-Round | £420 - £660 | £720 to £1,080 | £1,080 - £1,800 |
| uPVC Square | £480 - £720 | £840 - £1,200 | £1,200 - £2,040 |
| uPVC Ogee | £540 - £840 | £960 - £1,440 | £1,440 - £2,400 |
| Aluminium | £900 - £1,440 | £1,560 - £2,400 | £2,280 - £3,960 |
| Cast Iron | £1,440 - £2,160 | £2,520 - £3,960 | £3,840 - £6,600 |
| Steel | £1,080 - £1,800 | £1,920 - £2,880 | £2,880 - £4,800 |
Additionally, other costs may be associated with gutter replacement, such as removal and disposal of the old gutters, scaffolding or access equipment, and any necessary repair work to the fascia or soffit boards.
If you also need to replace vertical gutters, expect to pay more.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Gutter Replacement
Several factors can influence the cost of replacing gutters:
Material
Gutters are available in a range of materials, including uPVC, aluminium, cast iron, and steel.
The material will significantly impact the overall cost of gutter replacement. uPVC is typically the most affordable option, while cast iron and steel tend to be more expensive.
Style
Gutters come in various styles, such as half-round, square, and ogee. The style selected will affect the cost of the gutters and the complexity of installation.
Length
The length of the gutters required will directly affect the cost of materials and labour.
Larger properties or those with more complex rooflines will require more guttering, increasing the overall cost.
Therefore, it’s essential to accurately measure the length of guttering needed for your project to avoid purchasing excess materials or encountering unexpected costs during installation.
Location
Labour rates and material costs can vary depending on the region in the UK.
Urban areas, particularly in London and the South East, tend to have higher labour costs.
Accessibility
If access to the gutters is difficult or requires additional equipment, this may increase the project’s cost.
Some properties may require scaffolding or specialist access equipment to safely reach the gutters, which vastly increases overall expense.
It’s important to consider any obstacles or challenges that may impact the ease of gutter installation, such as nearby trees and power lines.
Existing Gutter Condition
The state of your current gutter system can impact the cost of replacement.
If the old gutters require extensive removal work or if there is damage to the fascia or soffit boards that needs to be addressed, this will add to the overall cost.
Types of Gutters
A few types of gutters are available, including classic uPVC gutters – the most common choice – aluminium gutters, steel gutters and cast iron gutters.
Here’s a guide to the various types of gutters you can choose from:
uPVC Gutters
uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) gutters are the most popular choice due to their affordability, lightweight build and ease of installation. They’re very common, reliable and hardworking.
These gutters are also low-maintenance and corrosion-resistant. uPVC gutters are available in various styles, including half-round, square, and ogee. They’re typically available in white, black or brown.
- Half-round: The most common gutter shape, with a semi-circular shape that offers efficient water flow. Half-round uPVC gutters are the most affordable option.
- Square: Square gutters have a more modern appearance and can handle larger volumes of water compared to half-round gutters.
- Ogee: Ogee gutters have a decorative profile and can handle even larger volumes of water than square gutters. However, they are slightly more expensive.
A cheaper option, costing around £5 to £15 per metre.
Aluminium Gutters
Aluminium gutters are lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant. They look great and can be painted in practically any colour. They have a clean, modern aesthetic compared to uPVC gutters.
Aluminium gutters are more expensive than uPVC gutters but cheaper than steel or cast iron.
Mid to high-end, costing around £25 to £40 per metre.
Steel Gutters
Steel gutters are strong, durable, and offer a modern aesthetic. In addition, they are less susceptible to UV damage than uPVC gutters and are more environmentally friendly.
However, steel gutters are more expensive than uPVC and aluminium options.
High-end, costing around £20 to £40 per metre.
Cast Iron Gutters
Cast iron gutters look superb on period properties. They are known for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
However, cast iron gutters require regular maintenance, such as painting, to prevent rust. They are also the most expensive gutter material.
High-end, costing around £25 to £50 per metre.
How to Choose a Gutter Installer
Gutter installers either work independently or as part of a roofing or roof repair company. They may be part of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.
Ensure they possess a solid portfolio of recent local work.
Get Prices on Replacing Gutters Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay for replacing gutters.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed quote specifically for you.
We work with all the best gutter specialists ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
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