How Much Does New Guttering Cost?

Last Updated Jun 3, 2016 · Written by Craig Gibson

Guttering|Renovation Costs

Good guttering is as essential as a good roof. Over time if left unattended, leaking or clogged guttering can do a great deal of damage to the structure of your home.

Some common problems associated with guttering include rusty guttering and downpipes, debris blocking water flow, leaks and sagging or dented guttering. The right way to choose guttering is to choose high quality guttering that is appropriate for your environment and install it properly. This might cost more initially, but will save money and headaches in the future.

This article will help you work out:

• The different types of guttering on the market
• Who can install them
• What it will cost you

Aluminium guttering and downpipe. © Cutting Edge Roofing

Types of guttering

Guttering and downpipes are made from a variety of materials and comes in a range of configurations. Some of the most commonly used types of guttering include:

• Vinyl or PVC guttering is one of the cheapest options and can be ideal in temperate climates with moderate rainfall.
• Aluminium or Zincalume guttering is rustproof and relatively inexpensive. It is not the strongest of materials, though, and may not stand up to heavy rains.
• Galvanized steel guttering is an old stand-by. It is not rustproof, though, and requires more maintenance than other materials.
• Colorbond guttering is a powder-coated steel product that has become very popular thanks to a combination of price, colour selection and durability.

Other types of guttering include stainless steel and copper. These are both excellent choices, but only if money is no object. They are both far more expensive than the other options.

Note that all guttering needs to comply with Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards AS/NZS 3500.3 (Plumbing and Drainage, Stormwater Drainage) and AS/NZS 3500.5 National Plumbing and Drainage, Domestic Installations.

#hiptip: Make sure your guttering complies with the relevant Australian Standard and Building Code

Styles of Guttering

When you get quotes for guttering, guttering suppliers will give you a range of styles to choose from. Two of the most popular styles are "quad" (or "D") guttering and "half-round" guttering. Quad guttering has a flat bottom, while half-round has a curved base. In addition, these both come in a range of sizes for conditions ranging from mild or infrequent rain to frequent heavy downpours. The size of your home and roof are also factors to consider when choosing the size of your guttering.

Installing half-round or ‘C-shaped’ guttering.

Read: Your guttering and roof maintenance checklist

Who can install my guttering?

Depending on where you live, your state may require your gutter installer to be licensed.

In some states, guttering is considered a specialised part of the plumbing sector and is classed as roof plumbing. Other state and territory authorities consider guttering part of the roofing industry. Depending on where you live, your guttering installer may have a licence associated with either of these two trade categories.

For example, in Victoria, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) classifies guttering as part of the general plumbing trade. Plumbers must be licensed in Victoria, with gutter installers required to hold a Roofing (stormwater) registration. In NSW there is separate licence class of roof plumbing.

Zincalume guttering © Melbourne Guttering

Depending where you live, your gutter installer could need a roof plumbing or roofing license

Hiring a gutter installer

When it comes time to hire a gutter installer you need to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long is the warranty on your guttering?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

No matter the size of your guttering job, always request a fully itemised quote including the cost of all materials used.

Read: When is it time to replace your guttering?

Extra-wide PVC guttering.

How much does guttering cost?

So how much do you need to budget for your guttering job?

• There are a few factors that will influence the cost, namely:
• total length of guttering required
• type of guttering you want to install
• single storey or multi storey (scaffolding could be required)
• ease of access
  

• $30 to $35 per lineal metre for PVC guttering
• $30 to $50 per lineal metre for Zincalume guttering
• $45 to $67 per lineal metre for colour coated Zincalume guttering
• $85 to $160 per lineal metre for stainless steel guttering

Other Factors

When you get quotes for guttering, make sure you get quotes for the whole job, including any roofing work that has to be done. This is especially important if you have a tiled roof. In many cases, a good gutter installer will have to remove and replace tiles and ridge tiles in order to properly install the guttering. This is time consuming and less reputable installers may give lower quotes, but not do what it takes to do the job right.

If you're considering replacing or repairing your roof as well as your guttering, many roofing experts recommend replacing the guttering first. This makes gutter replacement easier (and therefore cheaper) and gives the roofing specialist an accurate "target" when they install or repair the roof.

Find out how much your project will cost by getting quotes from local gutter installers This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are.

You may also want your gutters cleaned, repaired or have gutter guards installed to ensure leaves and other debris are not an issue.

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.