Best Way to Clean Painted Aluminum Gutters on the Outside
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In this guide
Vinyl Gutter Cost Calculator
Vinyl Gutters Cost by Type
Vinyl Gutters Cost by Size
Cost to Install Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl Gutters Pros and Cons
Vinyl Gutter Maintenance
Vinyl vs Aluminum Gutters
PVC Gutter Repair
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Additional Costs and Considerations
FAQs
Vinyl Gutter Cost Calculator
The cost to install PVC gutters varies depending largely on materials: they come in two major styles, with seamless gutters costing more than seamed. The PVC gutter price will also increase for seamless when it comes to labor, as it requires professional machinery to forge these gutters. By contrast, seamed gutters can potentially be a do-it-yourself project while being somewhat less durable than seamless. Either PVC gutter style will cost less to install than aluminum and is easier to install, but has a shorter lifespan. This vinyl gutter cost calculator will provide you with installation and material costs based on your location and requirements. You can use this vinyl gutter cost calculator to guide your budgeting for this installation.
Vinyl Gutter Cost Calculator
Costs to install vinyl gutters vary greatly by region. Let's calculate the cost for your zip code.
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See Vinyl Gutter Cost Calculator Breakdown
Cost
Materials
100 l.f. of white PVC gutters
$454
3x 8' downspout
$56
Materials
100 l.f. of white PVC gutters
$454
3x PVC gutter corner
$46
3x 8' downspout
$56
Labor
Installing 100 l.f. of PVC gutters, 3 8' downspouts, and 3 corners
$357
Materials
150 l.f. of white PVC gutters
$681
4x PVC gutter corner
$62
4x 8' downspout
$75
Labor
Installing 150 l.f. of PVC gutters, 4 8' downspouts, and 4 corners
$528
Total
$510
$913
$1,346
Vinyl Gutters Cost by Type
Vinyl gutters can be separated into two main categories: seamed and seamless. These two types are put together in different ways, and each one has advantages and drawbacks.
| Type of Vinyl Gutter | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Seamed Vinyl Gutter | $3 to $5 per linear foot |
| Seamless Vinyl Gutter | $4 to $6 per linear foot |
Seamed Vinyl Gutter Cost
Seamed vinyl gutters are made by connecting separate pieces of gutter, snapping them into place to build a longer piece. The majority of vinyl gutters are sold in seamed form, and they are inexpensive and easy to install. If you have a little DIY experience and feel comfortable taking on the job, you can install a seamed vinyl gutter yourself. However, seamed vinyl gutters also have disadvantages. Leaves and other debris can gather in the seams, causing clogs, and the seam lines are not aesthetically pleasing to many homeowners. Seamed vinyl gutters cost between $3 and $5 per linear foot.
Seamless Vinyl Gutter Cost
Seamless vinyl gutters should be fitted professionally because they require special machinery to take large sheets of vinyl and forge it into long continuous pieces of gutter that flow smoothly around your home, without joints or fasteners. Vinyl seamless gutters are a little more expensive overall and may not be as readily available as seamed models. They require less maintenance and potentially last longer. Since they do not have seams, they are less likely to suffer from leaks or clogs. The cost of seamless vinyl gutters ranges from around $4 to $6 per linear foot.
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Vinyl Gutters Cost by Size
Vinyl gutters are usually sold in sizes of either 4, 5, or 6 inches in diameter. The wider the gutter, the more water it can hold and transport. For most homes, a 4 or 5-inch gutter suffices, but 6 inches can withstand much heavier rainfall. These are recommended for those living in stormy regions. The table below shows the prices for 150 linear feet of PVC gutters based on the gutter size.
| Gutter Size | Average Cost for 150 feet (seamed) | Average Cost for 150 feet (seamless) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 inch | $500 to $750 | $750 to $900 |
| 5 inch | $700 to $900 | $850 to $1,050 |
| 6 inch | $900 to $1,050 | $1,000 to $1,200 |
Cost to Install Vinyl Gutters
Installing vinyl gutters can be DIY, but it is often best to hire a professional. One advantage when choosing vinyl/PVC gutters is that they are lightweight and simple to install. Even the seamless models, which require a little extra work, are straightforward to install when compared to heavier materials like galvanized steel. Most professionals typically charge about $2 per linear foot for the installation of PVC gutters. For a typical project involving 150 linear feet of seamless PVC gutters, expect to pay about $500 to $900 in materials and $300 in labor, for a total project cost of $800 to $1,200.
Vinyl Gutters Pros and Cons
Before deciding on PVC gutters over alternatives like aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel gutters, evaluate the pros and cons. Vinyl gutters have many advantages, starting with being among the cheapest gutters in terms of material and labor costs. They are very easy to install and even suitable for DIY installation, and they are lightweight, which makes handling and fixing them in place even simpler.
Since they are made of plastic, PVC gutters are not at risk of corrosion like metal gutters and are low maintenance overall, especially for seamless models. They are dent-resistant and can be purchased in a wide range of colors and powder-coated finishes. You can also paint them if you want.
However, vinyl gutters also have downsides. PVC is not the toughest material even though it resists rust and dents. These gutters do not do well in extreme temperatures or weather conditions. Lightweight vinyl gutters can be damaged in strong winds and may break or crack when exposed to snow or ice.
They are harder to find in seamless models, and the seamed varieties are prone to clogs and leaks over time. Due to their weaknesses, vinyl gutters are only recommended for those living in mild areas without extreme weather. Aluminum stands up better to severe weather, but if you live in an area with lots of frost and snow, you may require an even stronger material like galvanized steel.
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Vinyl Gutter Maintenance
One plus of vinyl gutters is that they do not require much maintenance. They do not need to be treated for rust or repainted like many metal gutters, but they still require some maintenance. All vinyl gutters should be cleaned at least 2-3 times per year, depending on the conditions. If you have trees around the home that drop leaves into the gutters and cause clogs, more regular cleaning will be required. You can clean the gutters yourself using ladders and brushes, or you can hire a professional. Professional gutter cleaning costs between $100 and $200 on average. Vinyl gutters should also be inspected twice per year, looking for potential leaks or cracks.
Vinyl vs Aluminum Gutters
Along with PVC, aluminum is another popular material you might consider for your gutters. Both materials have pros and cons, and the best choice depends on factors like your budget, home size, home surroundings, and climate.
PVC is the winner when it comes to pricing because it is cheaper to buy and install overall. Regarding value for the money, aluminum might be considered the better option since it has a longer estimated lifespan than vinyl, lasting for 20-30 years. Some PVC gutters need replacing after just 15 years. Both gutter types require about the same amount of maintenance, but it is important to note that aluminum is incompatible with certain shingle types, such as algae-resistant shingles.
Both aluminum and vinyl are resistant to rust, but vinyl has the advantage of also being dent-resistant. Aluminum dents easily in strong winds and weather conditions when debris flies around. Aluminum can also corrode over time when exposed to excess rain, but even with these drawbacks, aluminum gutters are still more durable than PVC and less likely to crack or leak over time.
Aluminum can also withstand colder conditions better, but they may still suffer in icy and snowy situations. Overall, aluminum is a slightly more durable and resistant choice and better for areas with more rainfall or frosty temperatures, but it costs a little more. PVC is a great budget option for those living in mild areas.
PVC Gutter Repair
Even though PVC gutters are durable and resistant to things like rust and dents, they can sustain damage over time. With age, vinyl may become brittle and crack, especially when exposed to ice or extreme temperatures. When that happens, repair it immediately to prevent the issue from getting worse. If you do not, little cracks can develop into more serious problems.
Various issues can arise with your gutters, and repair costs vary depending on the size of the problem and the amount of work required to fix it. You may be able to fix some on your own, like clearing out clogs and blockages, but if you call in a pro, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for vinyl gutter repairs. For example, removing and replacing damaged downspouts costs about $100, while repairing cracked pieces of vinyl gutter costs around $150 to $250.
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Enhancement and Improvement Costs
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Gutter Guards: A gutter guard acts as a barrier against debris. It blocks leaves and other large objects from falling into your gutters and causing clogs. They can reduce the amount of maintenance and the risk of blocked gutters. They usually cost between $3 and $10 per linear foot.
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Downspout Screens: Downspout screens perform a similar role to gutter guards but are installed over the downspouts. They block debris from entering the spouts and are cleverly shaped to guide leaves or other items out of the gutters. They help minimize maintenance while also reducing the risk of clogs. They cost approximately $6 to $12 each.
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Heat Tape: If you live in a very cold place with lots of snow, ice, and frost, you may want to invest in heat tape for your PVC gutters. This tape is placed along the gutters and heats up in cold conditions, preventing ice from forming and blocking the gutters. Heat tape reduces the risks of ice and excess snow building up and blocking your gutters. Heat tape costs around $10 to $25 per linear foot.
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Removal of Old Gutters: Professionals can remove and dispose of your old gutters when installing new ones, but you will pay about $100 or $200 for this work. Larger amounts of gutters may require more work and have a higher cost.
Additional Costs and Considerations
- All PVC gutters need downspouts to carry the water from the roof and away from the home. A typical installation of about 150 linear feet of gutter also includes 4 to 5 downspouts. The downspouts are also at risk of cracks or leaks over time, so inspect them regularly for any issues. Vinyl downspouts cost around $1 to $1.50 per linear foot for materials and $0.80 to $1 per linear foot for installation. One way to protect your downspouts is by installing screens.
- PVC gutters are not particularly resistant to cold weather and can crack when exposed to frosty conditions. This leads to leaks and pools of water forming around your home, which causes additional problems. It is vital to install the gutters properly and check them regularly to prevent these issues.
- When improperly installed, PVC gutters are more likely to leak and cause other problems around the home, so they need to be handled with care. If you do not have much DIY experience, consider hiring a professional.
- Vinyl gutters are usually sold in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing you to choose a look that matches your home. However, it is possible to paint vinyl gutters, but they need to be prepared with a denatured alcohol rub and then painted with exterior latex paint. Only the exterior of PVC gutters should be painted.
- Christmas lights can be hung from PVC gutters, but since PVC is a lightweight material, only use relatively lightweight lights. Lights that are too heavy could pull the gutters out of place or further damage any weakened sections. Check the gutters for any cracks or weaknesses before installing lights and only use specially designed clips to attach them.
FAQs
- How long does PVC guttering last?
In general, expect PVC gutters to last between 15 and 20 years, but the lifespan varies depending on the conditions in the area and how much regular maintenance is performed.
- Are vinyl gutters PVC?
Vinyl gutters and PVC gutters are the same thing. Vinyl gutters are made from polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC).
- Are vinyl gutters paintable?
Yes, you can paint the outside of vinyl gutters with exterior latex paint, but first prepare the surface with an alcohol rub.
- Which is better - aluminum or vinyl gutters?
This depends on your needs and budget. Vinyl gutters are cheaper, well-suited to dry and mild areas, and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum gutters are tougher overall and withstand more extreme weather conditions like snow and ice better than PVC gutters.
Best Way to Clean Painted Aluminum Gutters on the Outside
Source: https://www.fixr.com/costs/install-pvc-gutters
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