Gutter Calculator

Measure perimeter of roof edges that need gutters in linear feet. Walk around house measuring each roofline section. Typical house: Measure front, back, and both sides at roofline. Add all sections together. Don't measure gable ends (triangular ends) unless water drains there. Example: 50' front + 50' back + 30' side + 30' side = 160 linear feet of gutter. Also measure height from ground to roofline for downspout length. Add 10% extra for corners, end caps, and cuts.

Standard rule: One downspout per 30-40 feet of gutter, maximum 40 feet between downspouts. Calculate: Linear feet of gutter / 35 = downspouts needed (round up). Example: 160 feet of gutter / 35 = 4.6, round to 5 downspouts. Place downspouts at corners when possible for best drainage. Additional factors: Heavy rainfall areas: one per 20-30 feet. Large roof area: add more downspouts. Each downspout needs: 2 elbows (average), splash block or extension, outlet/drop.

Gutter sizes by roof area: 5-inch K-style: Most common residential, handles up to 5,500 sq ft roof (moderate rainfall). 6-inch K-style: Large homes, steep roofs, heavy rainfall areas, up to 7,900 sq ft. 5-inch half-round: Traditional style, handles less volume than K-style. Commercial: 6-inch or custom larger. Downspout sizes: 2×3 inch rectangular with 5-inch gutters. 3×4 inch rectangular with 6-inch gutters. Calculate roof area: Include all sections that drain to gutters. Match gutter size to roof area and local rainfall.

Gutter installation costs per linear foot: Vinyl gutters: $3-5 installed (DIY friendly, budget option). Aluminum gutters: $6-12 installed (most popular, good value). Steel gutters: $8-10 installed (durable, heavy). Copper gutters: $25-40 installed (premium, 50+ year life). Average home (160 linear feet): Vinyl $480-800, Aluminum $960-1,920, Copper $4,000-6,400. Additional costs: Gutter guards $5-10/foot, downspout extensions $10-30 each, fascia board repair $6-20/foot. Professional installation recommended for safety and warranty.

Gutter guards pros and cons: Pros: Reduce cleaning frequency (not eliminate), prevent clogs from leaves/debris, protect from ice dams, extend gutter life, keep pests out. Cons: Added cost ($5-10/linear foot), still need occasional cleaning, can cause ice dam issues in snow, may void some gutter warranties. Best for: Homes with many trees, two-story homes (safety), hard-to-reach gutters, those who can't clean regularly. Types: Mesh screens (cheap), reverse curve, foam inserts, micro-mesh (best, expensive). Worth it for tree-heavy areas.

Cleaning frequency depends on environment: Few trees nearby: Once per year (fall). Moderate trees: Twice per year (spring and fall). Heavy tree coverage: 3-4 times per year (after leaf drop). Pine trees: More frequent (needles year-round). Also clean after storms. Signs gutters need cleaning: Overflowing water during rain, sagging gutters, plant growth, staining on siding, foundation water pooling. Neglected gutters cause: Foundation damage, basement flooding, fascia rot, roof damage, mosquito breeding. DIY or hire pro ($100-200 per cleaning).

DIY gutter installation possible but challenging: Skill level: Moderate-advanced. Tools needed: Ladder, level, drill, tin snips, rivet gun, crimper, chalk line. Challenges: Working at heights, proper slope (1/4 inches per 10 feet toward downspouts), secure mounting, waterproof seals. Best DIY option: Vinyl snap-together systems (easier but less durable). Time: Full day for average home. Risks: Fall injury, improper slope causes standing water/mosquitoes, leaks from poor seals. Consider professional for: Two-story homes, complex rooflines, lack of experience. Pro installation includes warranty and insurance.