How Long Are Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutters provide a stronger, more attractive, and less clogged system over traditional gutters. You may be wondering how long they actually are or can be. To assist with your information-gathering and decision-making processes, we've done the research necessary.

Seamless gutters, as the name suggests, have no seams. Each gutter is precisely cut to fit your home. The seamless gutter installers take the measurements and cut the gutters onsite to fit each edge of the roof perfectly. As such, the length of seamless gutters completely depends on the size of your home.

While installers cut seamless gutters to roof measurements, the downspouts, roof design, and other considerations affect install length. Join us to find out how to measure for gutters and the pros and cons of seamless gutter sizes.

House with All New Seamless Aluminum Rain Gutters, How Long Are Seamless Gutters?

The Length Of Seamless Gutters

As mentioned, seamless gutters are cut onsite to fit the exact roof measurements. Downspouts and corner joints or miters are the only seams in the process. Some sections may be a mere couple of inches while other sections may extend over 100 feet.

What Are Seamless Gutter Size Pros And Cons?

Roof corner-to-corner measurements typically determine the seamless gutter length. Though gutter length determines downspout need, the standard is most often a maximum 50-foot seamless gutter interval for each downspout. Seamless gutters in U-style, K-style, or other specialty versions come in 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, 7-inch, and 8-inch diameters.

The most common seamless gutter diameter size is 5 inches (normally paired with a 2x3-inch downspout). Each 1-inch size increase provides an average of 40% increased debris and water output. Larger downspouts help increase this effect. Use a 6-inch gutter (with a 3x4-inch downspout) for steep roof pitch, heavily-treed lot, or high rainfall home. The 8-inch varieties are most often utilized in commercial applications.

How Do You Measure For Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutters are measured in linear feet. Many house measurements may be taken from the ground. Eaves or overhangs require additional consideration. If you must take any measurements from a ladder, utilize a light, sturdy, and easily maneuverable ladder that will safely handle your weight.

Check out this 28-foot Louisville ladder on Amazon.

What Are The Basics Of Seamless Gutter Measurements?

Determine the length of each roof edge using a laser measure, placing a tape measure on the ground, or by using a wheel tool. You will want to subtract gutter width on inside corners and add gutter width for outside gutters to allow for corner connections. For each roof-edge section, round the measurement up to the next whole foot. Add together all roof edge measurements to derive the total length needed.

Scuddles Measuring Wheel

Click here to see this product on Amazon.

What Are The Basics Of Downspout Measurements?

Measure from the roof to the ground to determine downspout needs. Use a digital measuring tool from the ground to the roof, use a ladder with a tape measure, or use a laser measure from the roof to the ground. You will want to add one downspout for every 50-foot interval (unless you plan to purchase a larger diameter gutter system to handle more water). Add 1 downspout for each interval plus the 50-foot allowance additions. Get a total of all downspouts and add 5% for waste.

Retain measurements to keep from having to determine which piece is planned for which part of the roof when installation time arrives. An outdoor, long-range laser measure provides measurements, storage, and calculations. Some models provide Bluetooth and camera options.

Bosch Laser Measure

Click here to see this product on Amazon.

You will want to properly calculate water diversion away from the home. Information from the Energy Star Water Management guide reminds us that the drain system for gutters needs to extend beyond the home foundation to prevent moisture issues. Alternatively, you may use a catchment system to divert water from home.

What Is The Average Cost Per Foot Of Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutter costs vary depending on location, material, diameter, and home intricacies. Most installations range from $3 to $35 per linear foot.

What Is The Average Cost Of Seamless Gutter Materials?

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most favored seamless gutter material. It ranges in price from $3 to $9 per linear foot. Aluminum gutters are lightweight, rust-resistant, and available in a variety of colors. They may crack with weather changes but are expected to last 20 to 30 years.

Vinyl

Vinyl seamless gutters, at $3 to $10 per linear foot, do not rust.  They are often more susceptible to brittleness and cracking. Vinyl gutters offer 25-year plus durability.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel gutters, a stronger choice than aluminum, range in price from $6 to $16 per linear foot. Galvanized steel gutters are coated with zinc for rust-resistance. The zinc may eventually wear away from the gutter, leaving it susceptible to rust. Galvanized steel gutters normally come with a 20- or 25-year warranty.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has a higher cost than galvanized steel but does not rust. Stainless steel seamless gutters are often harder to find. The average cost is $20 to $25 per linear foot, and the typical stainless steel seamless warranty is 50 years.

Copper

Copper gutters range from $15 to $35 per linear foot and are considered to be a high-end gutter choice. The copper will age to the expected patina green color over time. Copper guttering soldered joints provide durability. Thieves often target copper downspouts because of the value. Copper gutters are expected to last 50 to 100 years.

Zinc

Zinc seamless gutters, also considered to be a premium gutter choice, range in price from $20 to $25 per linear foot.  Zinc gutters are a strong gutter option and are expected to last 30 to 50 years.

What Are Some Installation Costs Associated With Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutter installation is not typically a DIY project because of the machinery and expertise needed. Professional installation and removal needs will increase the total. Downspouts and other supplies may add to the overall cost.

Some expected seamless gutter project installation cost additions include:

  • Installation at $2.50 to $5.75 per foot.
  • Additional stories at $1.00 to $1.50 per foot.
  • Supplies (fasteners, flashing) at $3.50 per foot.
  • Removal and disposal of previous gutters at $1.00 per foot.

You will want to verify any additional charges not included in the installation price quote. Many installers include delivery but may charge extra if over a certain mileage allocation. Project planning and cleanup are typically included at no extra charge.

Are Seamless Gutters Better Than Regular Gutters?

House with All New Seamless Aluminum Rain Gutters, How Long Are Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutters have many attributes that rank them over regular gutters:

Since seams are not utilized except at the corner joints, seamless gutters normally do not encounter as many clogs as regular seamed gutters. Seams tend to collect leaves, twigs, and other debris that lead to gutter blockages. Seamless gutters require less maintenance and are stronger than regular seamed gutters.

Seamless gutters protect your home and occupants by removing moisture risk and related repairs and safety issues. Homes that incur moisture are subject to mold, rot, basement flooding, foundation damage, and roof damage.

Seamless gutters increase curb appeal with smooth channels, material options, and color choices. They also protect home siding from staining by diverting water flow away from the home.

While seamless gutters are more expensive than traditional seamed gutters, the cost increase is offset by the increased durability, reduced maintenance, and increased warranty. The material warranty for a seamless gutter install normally varies from 20 years through a lifetime warranty. Most labor warranties are a minimum of 1 year.

In Closing

Seamless gutters may be created to run a full roof length or just a few inches. Downspouts are suggested for every 50 feet and some manufacturers recommend making gutter runs no longer than 80 feet.

Check out these posts for more seamless gutter cleaning information:

Do Seamless Gutters Need Cleaning?

How Do You Clean Gutters From The Ground?

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for clarifying how long seamless gutters can go and how effective they are at preventing moisture from forming around your house. This was a huge problem that caused us a lot of stress throughout the wet season, and I’ve always felt like my house could use some extra defense against it. If I can find an installation service that offers seamless gutters, I’ll definitely have them stop by.

  2. I like how you mentioned that seamless gutters can improve your curb appeal. I would imagine that seamless gutters need to be installed correctly in order to help with curb appeal. Working with a contractor that specializes in gutters seems like a good idea if you are wanting to improve your curb appeal.

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