fbpx

Installing Gutters: DIY or Hire a Professional?

installing gutters

If you live in the same home for quite a while, there may come a time when you determine that you need to have your gutters replaced. Hopefully, this realization occurs before your home falls victim to rotting siding, deteriorated landscaping, a flooded basement, or significant foundation damage.

Regardless of when you choose to replace your gutters, you must answer a pivotal question before moving forward: are you going to take on this project yourself or pay someone else to handle it for you?

Why You Need Gutters Installed

Before deciding how to have your gutters installed, it might be helpful to understand why you need them so badly. They do several important things. Your gutter system helps to keep your basement dry and foundation strong by preventing water from soaking the ground around your foundation, causing water damage and erosion. Gutters also direct the water away from your home’s siding, preventing water damage to that. And they even help prevent landscaping damage by routing the water in a way that will do the least harm. 

Gutter Installation Cost: DIY vs Professional

There are several factors involved in gutter installation costs besides just the labor. Different materials have different costs, and some sizes or styles will also cost more than others. The size of your home also factors in since a larger home will necessarily use more material, and a taller home will call for longer downspouts. But labor still makes up a large part of the final cost, so is it cheaper to pay for installation or DIY it yourself?

That depends. Some materials are easier to install than others – vinyl or aluminum may be more easily installed yourself than copper gutters. The complexity of your home’s roof can also make installing a smarter choice than DIY. Remember that improper installation can cost you in many ways, so if you’re unsure of your ability, it’s better to go with a professional. 

DIY Gutter Installation

If you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer, the first option is undoubtedly tempting. After all, gutter replacement is one of those projects where supplies, materials, and tools are readily available at any home improvement or hardware store. You don’t need to rent special equipment, and the entire job can probably be completed in a day (or even an afternoon).

Installing gutters

Professional Gutter Installation

DIY gutter installation affords you financial, timetable, and design flexibility. Not only can you eliminate any per-hour labor costs that are figured into a contractor’s invoice, but you can also complete the work on your own time without having to arrange your schedule to be at home while the work is done. And if you want a gutter design or color that is out of the ordinary, you won’t be hamstrung by the limited options presented by any single gutter installer.

Pros of DIY

  • Keeping costs down
  • Availability of materials
  • Increased flexibility

Cons of DIY

  • May require the purchase of tools you don’t already own
  • Mistakes can come with a high price tag
  • Potential dangers involved in working high on your roof

Professional Gutter Installation

On the other hand, hiring an experienced gutter installation contractor might be a wiser choice. Chances are, most DIY projects you undertake don’t involve being several feet above the ground, perched either on a roof or atop a ladder. And if you’re one of the tens of thousands of people who fall from ladders or roofs each year and must visit an emergency room, any cost or time savings you planned on being wasted.

man with power tool

Plus, hanging gutters is not as easy as it may appear. For example, if you install gutters with too steep or gentle a pitch, the runoff water won’t flow properly to your downspouts. The same goes for guttering systems that sag in spots, especially around corners. And gutter sections that tilt too far forward or backward won’t be effective during heavy rain events.

A reputable gutter contractor has the experience to install gutters perfectly the first time. In addition, they also can spot and repair related problems such as rotting fascia boards or eroding shingles. Finally, gutter installers bring all of the bulky gutter materials to your home– and some companies can even create seamless gutters on-site that are customized to your home’s measurements.

Pros of professional installation

  • You can choose a company that guarantees their work
  • Avoid amateur mistakes
  • Avoid injuries

Cons of professional installation

  • Higher up-front cost
  • Limitations based on what materials, styles, and colors the company offers

FAQ

Why are gutters important?

They provide various protections for different portions of the home, including the foundation, basement, siding, and landscaping.

Can I install gutters on my own?

DIY gutter installation is possible depending on the materials you choose, the complexity of installation for your home, and your skill level.

Is professional gutter installation affordable?

Professional gutter installation is affordable and may save you money in the long run by guaranteeing their work, avoiding mistakes that amateurs might make, and not exposing you to potential injury. 

Gutter Installation Suggestions

If you decide to install new gutters yourself, make sure to employ at least one helper, double-check all measurements, and fasten all pieces correctly and sturdily to avoid separations later on. If you opt for a contractor, check the company’s references or reviews, ask about insurance and licensing, and get a written estimate before work begins on your home.

Lednor Home Solutions uses durable 32 gauge seamless aluminum gutters for every gutter installation project. Their prices are competitive, and they have a long track record of satisfied customers. Lednor Home Solutions stands behind its work with a 20-year warranty. So if you decide to outsource your gutter installation, contact Lednor Home Solutions for a free in-home inspection and estimate.

lednor schedule cta 3

 

Year-End Sale!
20% OFF + $150 Bonus
on Gutter Helmet | NO money down + NO interest up to 2 years† | Hurry, Offer Ends 12/31/2023
I authorize Lednor Home Solutions to contact me about our products via phone, email, or text. You also understand we use an autodialing phone system, and my consent is not required to obtain a free estimate - I can call 888-543-5638 instead. We will never share your personal information with 3rd parties for marketing purposes or spam you. You can opt out at any time. Message/data rates apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Terms | Privacy Policy

REVIEWS

1 Million+ Satisfied Customers Nationwide

I recently had the Gutter Helmet by Harry Helmet installed on my house. It not only looks amazing, but the guys arrived on time, were professional and efficiently got the job done. I am very satisfied with Gutter Helmet's attention to detail and fulfilling their work as promised. I will definitely tell my neighbors about the Gutter Helmet.
StarStarStarStarStar
I have had Gutter Helmets for 20 years. In all that time I've never had a problem until recently a bird's nest found its way into one of my gutters. The installer who came to replace the product was the same installer from 20 years earlier. Now that's impressive. Everyone at Gutter Helmet inclusive of the office staff were professional and a pleasure to work with.
StarStarStarStarStar
Gutter Helmet by Harry Helmet just replaced our roof and we could not be more satisfied. The crew showed up early, worked all day and stayed late, were professional and caring regarding the project and the surrounding impact it had on our property and home. They completed the roof quickly and it looks simply amazing!
StarStarStarStarStar
VERY happy with our entire experience adding Gutter Helmet by Harry Helmet to our house. Installing this was a great value for us. The gutters are working perfectly in heavy downpours and with year-long leaves and debris coming down from our river birches. Terrific customer service and a first class product.
StarStarStarStarStar
We needed our roof repaired due to wind damage. After several quotes, Gutter Helmet was the only company that went into our attic to look and see if more damage had occurred. If it wasn't for them taking the extra time to look at everything, we would have had rotting wood under our new roof. They were very professional and gave a fair quote.
StarStarStarStarStar
We just had Gutter Helmet installed on our gutters and couldn't be happier. They provided us with useful information about Gutter Helmet and cleaned up everything, leaving no mess behind. We definitely recommend Gutter Helmet to anyone considering this product.
StarStarStarStarStar

20% Off + $150 Holiday Bonus

We work hard with each manufacturer to offer our customers the best promotions monthly.

Find a Location

Serving a Location Near You

Careers

Join the Lednor Home Solutions Family

We're seeking fun, outgoing, and confident individuals who enjoy winning to join our team. Lednor Home Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and we operate a safety first & drug-free workplace focused on employee safety. Great pay and benefits, apply today!