Gutters do a simple job that matters a great deal: they carry rain off the roof and away from the house. When they overflow, sag or come loose, water pours down the walls, soaks the ground around the foundation and can end up in the basement.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent local gutter provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
When gutter problems need quick action
Call soon if you see any of these, especially before heavy rain.
Do not use a ladder in wind, rain or ice, and keep ladders well away from power lines.
- A gutter that has pulled away or is hanging loose
- Water pouring over the gutters onto walls or doors
- Water pooling next to the foundation
- Water in the basement after rain
- Ice building up along the roof edge in winter
What we can connect you with
When you call, describe what you see, how long the gutters are and how many stories the house has.
Gutter installation
New seamless or sectional gutters sized and sloped to carry water away.
Gutter repair
Fixing leaks, sagging sections, loose hangers and separated joints.
Gutter cleaning
Clearing leaves and debris so water can flow.
Gutter guards
Covers and screens that keep leaves out.
Downspouts
Adding or extending downspouts so water lands well away from the house.
Fascia repair
Replacing rotted fascia boards behind the gutters.
Signs your gutters need attention
Watch your gutters during a heavy rain, or look for these signs afterwards.
- Water spilling over the edge
- Gutters sagging or pulling away from the roof
- Leaks or drips at the joints
- Peeling paint or stains on the walls below
- Soil washed away beneath the gutters
- Water in the basement or crawl space
Common gutter materials
Gutter material affects how long the system lasts and how it looks.
Aluminum
The most common choice. Light, rust resistant and often made seamless on site.
Vinyl
Affordable and easy to install, but it can crack in extreme cold and fade in sun.
Steel and copper
Stronger or longer lasting options, often chosen for looks or heavy snow areas.
What affects the cost
There is no single price for gutter work. These are the things that change the size of the job.
- The length of gutter needed
- The number of stories
- The material and gutter size
- The number of downspouts
- Whether gutter guards are added
- Whether the fascia behind needs repair
- Removing old gutters
Ask every provider for a written quote that lists the work, the materials and what is not included, and get any change in writing before extra work starts.
Handle it yourself or call a pro
Usually fine to do yourself
- Clean ground floor gutters from a stable ladder
- Add downspout extensions
- Check for leaks during rain
- Tighten a loose downspout bracket
Time to call a professional
- Gutters on a second story or higher
- Sagging or detached sections
- Rotted fascia boards
- New gutters or guards
- Water getting into the basement
Clean gutters at least twice a year, and more often if trees hang over the roof. Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of basement water.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured? Ask for proof.
- Are the gutters seamless or sectional?
- What size gutters and downspouts do you recommend?
- Will you check and repair the fascia behind the gutters?
- What warranty do you give on the work?
Frequently asked questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?
At least twice a year, usually in spring and fall. Homes under trees may need it more often.
Are gutter guards worth it?
They can reduce cleaning, especially under trees, but they still need occasional checks.
How far should downspouts carry water?
Water should land several feet away from the foundation. Extensions or splash blocks help.
Can gutters cause basement leaks?
Yes. Overflowing gutters and short downspouts dump water next to the foundation, where it can seep in.
Does Sifixit do the gutter work?
No. Sifixit is a referral service. The work is done by independent local businesses, who are responsible for their own work, pricing, licensing and insurance.
Is calling free?
Yes. Calling and being connected costs you nothing. If you hire a provider, you pay that provider directly for the work.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.