Aluminum, Vinyl, Steel or Copper Gutters: Cost and Trade-offs
Updated
Short answer
Installed cost per foot
| Material | Gutters, installed | Downspouts per foot |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $6 to $12 | $4 to $5 |
| Steel | $8 to $20 | $6 to $12 |
| Copper | $30 to $50 | $15 to $35 |
| Vinyl / PVC | n/a | $3 to $4 |
Gutter prices: HomeGuide seamless gutters guide. Downspout prices: HomeGuide repair guide.
For Rockford winters
Gutters here carry ice and snow load for months: NOAA's normals put the Rockford airport at 37.1 inches of snow and 135.8 freezing nights a year. Whatever the material, hanger spacing and solid fascia matter as much as the metal.
Copper
Copper lasts and weathers to a patina, and it costs three to five times aluminum. It shows up on older and high-end homes; cleaning it is the same job, but crews should avoid scratching it with metal scoops.
Quick answers
What is the best gutter material for Illinois?
Seamless aluminum is the common balance of cost and durability at $6 to $12 per foot installed. Steel is stronger and copper lasts longest, at higher prices.
Rather have someone else do it?
Tell us the address, how tall the house is and what you need. A local crew calls back with a price before anything is booked.