Guttering Replacement Costs: What Homeowners Need to Know

Worried about how much replacing guttering will cost?

You’re not alone. Replacing guttering is one of those jobs that many homeowners keep putting off until they spot water dripping through the ceiling. But here’s the thing…

The longer you leave gutter replacement, the more it will ultimately cost you. Water damage restoration, in particular, is an expensive job. Recent statistics have shown that water damage restoration costs can vary from £1,500 – £5,000 for standard projects. Major cases will even reach higher costs.

The good news?

Knowing guttering replacement costs in advance helps you avoid nasty surprises. In this article, we’ll be discussing the average prices in the UK, and how to keep costs down.

Table of Contents

• Breaking Down Gutter Replacement Expenses
• Material Costs That Matter Most
• Labour Fees You Should Expect
• Hidden Costs That Catch You Off Guard

Breaking Down Gutter Replacement Expenses

Replacing guttering costs will vary hugely from home to home, depending on your property type and the materials you choose.

For an average semi-detached house, the costs should be around £1,000 for between 15 and 20 metres of guttering including 3 downpipes. This is an average cost, taking into account both supply and labour.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking all replacements cost the same…

In reality, your final cost will be dependent on several key factors:

• Property size and complexity
• Material choice
• Access difficulty
• Your UK location

Let’s take a closer look at what this means in real terms.

Material Costs That Matter Most

Want to know what has the biggest impact on your guttering replacement costs?

The material you choose. The difference between guttering materials is huge and they all come with different pros and cons.

uPVC Guttering: The Budget Choice

uPVC is by far the most popular choice in the UK for one simple reason – the cost. At only £3-6 per metre, it’s the cheapest material on the market. Most homeowners will opt for uPVC because:

• Low initial cost
• Easy installation
• No rust or corrosion
• Comes in multiple styles

The downside…

uPVC will only last you 10-20 years on average. So, you’ll have to replace it much more quickly than other materials.

Aluminium Guttering: The Sweet Spot

Aluminium is a great all-rounder, offering a balance between cost and longevity. At £25-30 per metre, it’s more expensive than uPVC, but provides much greater value:

• Lightweight and strong
• Rust-resistant
• 30+ year lifespan
• Recyclable when replacing

Cast Iron Guttering: The Premium Option

Cast Iron guttering, at £60-70 per metre, is a choice reserved for period properties and those that want maximum durability. It’s an expensive option, but for a good reason:

• Matches historical properties
• Super durable
• Can last 50+ years
• High-end appearance

Copper Guttering: The Luxury Choice

At the top end of the price scale, we have copper guttering, costing £25-40 per metre (sometimes more for higher grades). It’s a beautiful option that will last you 60+ years, but many homeowners will find the upfront cost prohibitive.

Labour Fees You Should Expect

One thing that most people don’t realise…

Labour is the biggest part of your total guttering replacement cost.

Buying the uPVC materials might only set you back £200-300, but you should expect to pay a guttering specialist £30 per hour, or £200-300 per day to install them.

Installation is expensive because it requires:

• Working safely at height
• Precise measurements and alignment
• Pitch calculation (correct 1:600 gradient)
• Secure attachment to fascia board

A typical replacement job will take a specialist 1-2 days depending on the size and complexity of the property.

Hidden Costs That Catch You Off Guard

Thinking you’ve got your final price?

Think again. The following “extras” will add an additional 10-20% to your final bill:

Scaffolding Requirements

If access to your guttering is difficult, you will be charged scaffolding costs of £150-400 depending on the height of your property and how long the scaffolding is needed.

Fascia Board Repairs

Damaged or rotten fascia boards are a common problem that most people uncover when having their guttering replaced. Fascia repairs will set you back £20-40 per metre.

Waste Removal

Old guttering waste removal is not always included in a price. Expect to pay an additional £50-150 for a specialist to remove and dispose of your old guttering, especially in the case of cast iron guttering.

Additional Downpipes

Extra downpipes may be required for your property to ensure correct drainage. This will cost between £40-140 per metre, again depending on the material you choose.

Regional Price Variations

Location makes a big difference to your guttering replacement costs.

In London and the South East, homeowners pay 20-30% more than the national average due to inflated labour costs and a higher cost of living.

National average costs by region:

• London/South East: £1,200-1,400
• Midlands: £900-1,100
• North England: £800-1,000
• Scotland/Wales: £750-950

Property Type Cost Breakdown

The type of property you own can have a big impact on total costs:

Terraced House: £400-600 (easy access, less guttering required)

Semi-Detached: £500-900 (moderate complexity, standard amount)

Detached House: £800-1,200 (more guttering, more complex rooflines)

Bungalow: £400-550 (easy access, simple installation)

Flat/Apartment: £250-375 (minimal guttering needed)

When Repair Beats Replacement

Not every gutter issue requires full replacement.

In some cases, targeted repairs costing only £180-250 can solve the problem for several more years. Consider repairs if:

• Only a small section is damaged
• Joints need resealing
• Bracket replacement is required
• Minor leaks can be patched

But the reality is…

If you are continually repairing different sections every few years, full replacement becomes more cost-effective.

Smart Ways To Reduce Costs

Want to keep guttering replacement costs low?

Here are some tried and tested methods that will work:

Get Multiple Quotes: Costs can vary wildly from contractor to contractor, so it pays to get 3-4 quotes for comparison.

Choose Off-Peak: Avoid autumn when guttering specialists are in high demand. Spring and summer will often attract better pricing.

Bundle With Other Work: Guttering replacement costs less when done alongside roof work or repairs.

Don’t Overlook uPVC: Unless you have specific aesthetic requirements, uPVC offers excellent value for most homes.

The True Cost Of Delaying

Here’s what many homeowners fail to realise…

Delaying gutter replacement can ultimately cost much more than the job itself. Research has shown that damaged guttering causes thousands of pounds worth of water damage, requiring expensive restoration.

Water damage can impact:

• Exterior walls/rendering
• Internal damp/mould
• Foundations
• Property value

Spending £1,000 on a gutter replacement today could save you £5,000+ on water damage repairs tomorrow.

Key Takeaways For Smart Planning

With a little smart planning, guttering replacement doesn’t have to break the bank.

Set aside a budget of £500-1,200 for most UK properties, remembering that uPVC is the most cost-effective choice. Get quotes early, don’t wait for an emergency and don’t be tempted by the cheapest price. Quality installation is far more important.

Above all…

Consider guttering replacement an investment in protecting your property, rather than a simple maintenance expense. The long-term value of your home will be protected by keeping water away from the structure. The small outlay today can prevent a huge headache tomorrow.