Gutter Cost Per Foot: 2026 Installation Guide

When you search "gutter price per foot," you'll see wide ranges online. That's because gutter costs depend on several factors specific to your home and situation.

1. Gutter Material

The material you choose has the biggest impact on cost per foot:

2. Gutter Style and Size

Different styles have different price points:

• K-Style (5" or 6"): Most common residential option, handles more water than half-round
• Half-Round: Classic look, often used on historic or upscale homes, typically costs more
• Box Gutters: Commercial applications, custom work required
• Fascia Gutters: Integrated with fascia board, specialized installation

3. Seamless vs. Sectional

This is a major cost and quality factor:

We strongly recommend seamless gutters for Myrtle Beach homes. The seams in sectional gutters are prone to leaking, especially in our heavy rainfall climate. The long-term savings from reduced maintenance and repairs typically outweigh the higher initial cost.

4. Home Size and Configuration

Your home's specifics affect total cost:

• Linear footage: More gutter length = higher total cost (average home: 150-200 linear feet)
• Number of stories: Multi-story homes require more labor and equipment
• Roof complexity: More corners and downspouts increase cost
• Fascia board condition: Damaged fascia needs repair before gutter installation
• Old gutter removal: Disposing of existing gutters adds to the total

5. Labor and Location

Labor costs vary by region and contractor. Myrtle Beach labor rates are generally moderate compared to major metro areas, but coastal expertise (understanding salt exposure, hurricane preparation, heavy rainfall) matters for quality installation.

Living near the coast affects which gutter material makes the most sense for your home. Salt air, humidity, and heavy rains all impact gutter performance and longevity.

Aluminum Gutters

Vinyl Gutters

Pros and cons for our climate:

• Pros: Won't rust or corrode, most affordable upfront, easy DIY installation
• Cons: Can become brittle in intense sun, may crack in temperature extremes, shorter lifespan (10-15 years), not ideal for our heavy rains
• Verdict: Not our top choice for Myrtle Beach due to sun exposure concerns

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Considerations for coastal use:

• Pros: Very strong, handles heavy snow loads (less relevant here), durable
• Cons: Prone to rust in humid, salt-air environments, heavier installation
• Verdict: Not recommended within 10 miles of the coast without premium coatings

Copper Gutters

Premium option details:

• Pros: Beautiful patina over time, exceptional durability, 50+ year lifespan, adds home value
• Cons: Significantly higher cost, requires specialized installation, may attract theft
• Verdict: Excellent for upscale or historic homes where budget allows

Stainless Steel Gutters

A durable middle ground:

• Superior corrosion resistance (better than galvanized)
• Strong and long-lasting (40+ years)
• Higher cost than aluminum, lower than copper
• Good choice for beachfront properties

Gutter guards (also called gutter covers or leaf guards) prevent debris from clogging your gutters. They add to your initial cost but can save money on maintenance over time.

Types of Gutter Guards

Are Gutter Guards Worth the Investment?

Consider these factors for Myrtle Beach homes:

Long-Term Value Calculation

Here's how to think about the investment:

• Professional gutter cleaning: Typically needed 2-4 times per year for homes with trees
• Gutter guards typically pay for themselves within 5-8 years in avoided cleaning costs
• Bonus: Reduced risk of water damage from clogged, overflowing gutters
• Quality guards can extend gutter lifespan by preventing standing water corrosion

Sometimes repairing gutters makes sense, but other times replacement is the smarter investment. Here are the warning signs that indicate your gutters need to be replaced:

Definite Replacement Signs

Age Considerations

Gutter lifespan by material (with proper maintenance):

• Vinyl: 10-15 years (often less in coastal sun exposure)
• Aluminum: 20-30 years
• Galvanized steel: 15-20 years (less in coastal environments due to rust)
• Copper/Stainless steel: 40-50+ years

Repair vs. Replace Decision

Consider replacement over repair when:

• Repairs would cost more than 50% of replacement
• Gutters are past their expected lifespan
• You're experiencing repeated problems (multiple repairs in recent years)
• You're upgrading from sectional to seamless gutters
• You're getting a new roof (ideal time for gutter replacement)
• Storm damage has affected multiple sections

Can you install gutters yourself? Technically, yes—for sectional gutters. But should you? Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

DIY Gutter Installation

What you can DIY:

• Sectional gutter systems (pre-cut pieces that connect together)
• Single-story homes with easy roof access
• Simple rooflines with minimal corners

DIY requirements:

• Comfortable working on ladders at height
• Basic tools (drill, level, hacksaw, caulk gun)
• Time for proper measurement and installation
• Understanding of proper slope for drainage

DIY risks:

• Fall injuries (leading cause of DIY home improvement injuries)
• Improper slope causing water pooling
• Leaking seams from improper connection
• Damage to fascia board from incorrect installation
• No warranty coverage for installation errors

Professional Gutter Installation

What professionals provide:

• Seamless gutters custom-formed on-site to exact measurements
• No seams = dramatically fewer leaks over time
• Proper slope calculation for optimal drainage
• Safe, insured installation at any height
• Correct hanger spacing for our heavy rainfall
• Downspout placement for proper water direction
• Warranty on materials AND installation

Cost Comparison Reality

Online gutter calculators can give you a ballpark, but they can't account for your specific home. Here's how to get an accurate quote you can actually budget against.

What a Quality Quote Should Include

Red Flags in Gutter Quotes

Be cautious of:

• Phone or email quotes without visiting: Accurate quotes require seeing your home
• Vague material descriptions: "Aluminum gutters" doesn't specify gauge or quality
• No written warranty: Verbal promises aren't enforceable
• Large deposit requirements: Reputable contractors don't need 50%+ upfront
• "Today only" pricing: Pressure tactics indicate questionable business practices
• No proof of insurance: You could be liable for injuries on your property

Questions to Ask Every Contractor

1. Are you licensed and insured in South Carolina?
2. What material gauge/thickness do you use?
3. How many hangers per foot do you install? (Should be every 24-36 inches)
4. What's included if you find fascia damage?
5. What's your warranty on labor? On materials?
6. Do you pull permits if required?
7. Can you provide local references?

Coastal South Carolina has unique challenges that affect gutter performance and longevity. Here's what Myrtle Beach homeowners need to consider.

Heavy Rainfall

Myrtle Beach averages 50+ inches of rain annually, often in intense summer storms:

• Larger capacity matters: 6-inch gutters handle 40% more water than 5-inch
• More downspouts needed: Prevents overflow during heavy rain
• Proper slope critical: Standing water leads to mosquitoes and corrosion
• Seamless is essential: Seams fail faster under repeated heavy water flow

Salt Air Corrosion

Living within 10 miles of the ocean exposes gutters to salt air:

• Avoid galvanized steel: Rusts quickly in salt air environment
• Aluminum recommended: Naturally corrosion-resistant
• Stainless steel or copper for beachfront: Maximum salt resistance
• Regular rinsing helps: Periodic freshwater rinse removes salt buildup

Hurricane Preparation

Gutters face stress during tropical storms and hurricanes:

• Secure mounting: Hidden hangers every 24 inches resist wind uplift
• Clean before season: Debris-free gutters drain properly under heavy rain
• Check after storms: High winds can loosen or damage sections
• Proper drainage direction: Water should flow away from foundation and doors

Tree and Debris Management

Many Myrtle Beach homes have significant tree cover:

• Live oak areas: Catkins, leaves, and Spanish moss clog gutters
• Pine trees: Needles slip through standard guards—need micro-mesh
• Palmetto trees: Seed pods and fronds can accumulate quickly
• Gutter guards highly recommended: Reduces cleaning from 4x/year to 1x/year