Cost to Repair or Replace Guttering: UK Cost Guide [2025]
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Notice water cascading over the sides of your gutters during rainfall? Or perhaps you’ve spotted sagging sections along your roofline? I recently dealt with these exact issues at my home and discovered that guttering problems shouldn’t be ignored. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know about guttering repair and replacement costs in the UK. And of course: I’ll share the best money-saving tips with you!
Key Takeaways
- Average guttering replacement costs in the UK range between £40 – £50 per metre.
- Guttering repair costs typically range from £150 to £400 for basic repairs.
- uPVC is the most affordable option (from £35 per metre), while cast iron is premium (£80+ per metre).
- Factors affecting price include guttering material, property size, accessibility, and the extent of damage.
What Affects Guttering Repair and Replacement Costs?
I’ve found that several factors influence the overall cost to repair or replace guttering:
- Material type: uPVC, aluminium, cast iron, and other materials vary significantly in price.
- Extent of damage: Minor repairs like sealing joints cost less than full replacements.
- Property type: Terraced, semi-detached, and detached houses have different guttering requirements.
- Accessibility: Houses requiring scaffolding or special equipment cost more.
- Length of guttering: Longer runs of guttering increase both material and labour costs.
- Additional components: Downpipes, joints, and brackets add to the total cost.
- Additional repairs: Issues with fascias and soffits can increase costs substantially.
- Waste removal: Disposal of old guttering materials might add costs.
- Location: Labour rates vary across the UK, with London and the South East typically being 20-30% more expensive.
Average Costs to Repair or Replace Guttering in the UK
Guttering repair and replacement costs in the UK vary based on material type and the extent of work needed. The average guttering replacement cost ranges between £40 – £50 per metre. Basic Guttering Repairs typically range between £150 – £400.
| Repair/Replacement Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Gutter cleaning | £80-£180 |
| Minor repair (single leak/joint) | £100-£200 |
| Section replacement (uPVC) | £35-£50 per metre |
| Section replacement (aluminium) | £50-£80 per metre |
| Section replacement (cast iron) | £80-£120 per metre |
| Downpipe repair/replacement | £35-£45 per metre |
| Complete guttering replacement (semi-detached) | £800-£1,200 |
| Complete guttering replacement (detached) | £1,000-£1,800 |
These estimates include standard labour and materials but may increase if scaffolding is required or if additional issues are uncovered during the work.
Cost Example: Guttering Replacement with uPVC, Semi-Detached
Here’s a detailed cost example for replacing guttering on a typical semi-detached house using uPVC materials:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| uPVC guttering (20 metres) | £400-£600 |
| Downpipes (2 x 5 metres) | £250-£300 |
| Brackets, joints and fixings | £100-£150 |
| Labour (1-2 days) | £300-£400 |
| Waste removal | £50-£100 |
| Total Cost | £1,100-£1,550 |
I recently helped my neighbour with this exact project and the final cost came to £1,300, which is right in the middle of this range. This example is for a semi-detached house near London.
Guttering Materials: Options and Costs
The material you choose for your guttering impacts both the initial cost and long-term durability. Here are the main options available in the UK:
| Type | Per Metre | Pros | Cons | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC Guttering | £35-£70 installed |
|
|
20-30 years with proper maintenance |
| Aluminium Guttering | £50-£150 installed |
|
|
25-30 years with proper maintenance |
| Steel Guttering | £70-£170 installed |
|
|
20-40 years depending on protective coating quality |
| Copper Guttering | £75-£180 installed |
|
|
50-100+ years with proper maintenance |
| Cast Iron Guttering | £80-£200 installed |
|
|
50-100 years with proper maintenance |
For my home, I chose uPVC guttering for its cost-effectiveness and low maintenance requirements. It’s been perfectly adequate for our needs, though I can see the appeal of more premium materials like aluminium if they fit your budget.
Common Guttering Problems and Repair Costs
Having dealt with guttering issues myself, I’ve found these are the most common problems and their associated repair costs:
| Issue | Cause | Repair Cost | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaking Joints | Seals deteriorate over time, allowing water to escape from connection points. | £70-£100 per joint | Replacing rubber seals or entire joint sections |
| Sagging Gutters | Damaged or loosened brackets, often due to debris build-up or ice damage. | £80-£120 | Reinforcing or replacing brackets and properly realigning guttering |
| Cracked or Damaged Sections | Physical impact, age-related deterioration, or freeze-thaw cycles. | £35-£50 per metre for uPVC, £80-£120 per metre for cast iron | Replacing damaged sections |
| Blocked Downpipes | Accumulated leaves, debris, or foreign objects. | £100-£300 | Professional cleaning or replacement of blocked sections |
| Improper Slope/Pitch | Poor initial installation or shifting over time. | £100-£300 | Adjusting brackets to create proper water flow direction |
| Disconnected Downpipes | Storm damage or impact. | £35-£45 per metre | Reconnecting or replacing damaged sections |
In my case, I initially noticed water flowing over the sides of my guttering during heavy rain. After inspection, it turned out to be a combination of blocked downpipes and several leaking joints. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can of course vary.
Labour Costs and Installation Time
Labour makes up a significant portion of guttering repair and replacement costs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Hourly rate: £40-£60 on average for a qualified guttering specialist
- Daily rate: £200-£400 depending on location and expertise
The time required for different guttering jobs varies:
- Minor repairs (joint sealing, bracket replacement): 30-60 minutes
- Section replacement: 2-4 hours depending on accessibility and length
- Complete guttering replacement:
- Terraced house: 1 day
- Semi-detached house: 1-2 days
- Detached house: 2-3 days
These timeframes assume good weather conditions and standard access. Special circumstances like very high roofs or difficult access points may extend the timeline.
Additional Guttering Repair / Replacement Costs to Consider
When budgeting for guttering repairs or replacement, keep these potential additional costs in mind:
- Scaffolding: £250-£500 per week for a semi-detached house if required
- Fascia and soffit repairs/replacement: £100-£150 per metre
- Roof repair work: Varies widely depending on the issue
- Drainage improvements: £300-£500 for improved ground drainage systems
- Gutter guards: £5-£10 per metre plus installation (prevents future blockages)
- Paint or treatments: £20-£40 for specialist metal guttering paints
- Skip hire: £150-£250 if substantial waste removal is needed
Signs Your Guttering Needs Repair or Replacement
How do you know when it’s time to call in a guttering specialist? Look out for these warning signs:
- Water overflowing during rainfall
- Visible cracks or splits in guttering sections
- Sagging or pulling away from the roofline
- Water marks or damage on walls below guttering
- Peeling paint or damp patches on your house exterior
- Gutters that have become detached from brackets
- Pooling water around your home’s foundation
I noticed water cascading over the edge of my guttering during heavy rain, which was my first clue that something wasn’t right.
The Guttering Repair and Replacement Process
Understanding the process helps you know what to expect when hiring professionals:
For Repairs:
- Assessment: The specialist examines the guttering system to identify all issues
- Quotation: A detailed cost breakdown is provided
- Preparation: Setting up ladders or scaffolding as needed
- Cleaning: Removing debris to properly access damaged areas
- Repair work: Fixing joints, brackets, or sections as required
- Testing: Running water through the system to ensure proper flow
- Clean-up: Removing all waste materials and debris
For Full Replacement:
- Removal: Taking down existing guttering and downpipes
- Fascia inspection: Checking for and repairing any damaged fascia boards
- Installation: Fitting new guttering with proper pitch for water flow
- Downpipe fitting: Installing and connecting downpipes to drainage
- Sealing: Ensuring all joints are watertight
- Testing: Running water through the system to confirm proper functioning
- Clean-up: Removing old materials and debris
My guttering replacement took two days in total, with most of the first day spent removing the old system and preparing the fascias, which needed some minor repairs before the new guttering could be installed.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Guttering Lifespan
Based on what I’ve learned, these maintenance practices can save you money long-term:
- Clean gutters at least twice yearly (spring and autumn)
- Check for and repair small leaks promptly
- Trim overhanging branches that might damage guttering
- Ensure downpipes are clear and flowing freely
- Check brackets and fixings annually for security
- Install gutter guards in areas with many trees
Since starting a regular maintenance routine, I’ve avoided any major guttering issues for the past three years.
💷 5 Money-Saving Tips for Guttering Repairs and Replacements
While you shouldn’t cut corners on quality, there are ways to manage costs:
- Get multiple quotes: Compare at least three quotes from reputable contractors
- Consider timing: Some contractors offer better rates during slower periods (typically autumn after the leaves have fallen)
- Repair rather than replace where possible: Individual sections can often be replaced
- Maintain regularly: Clean gutters twice yearly to prevent blockages and damage
- Address issues promptly: Small problems fixed early prevent more expensive repairs later
By getting multiple quotes for my guttering project, I saved nearly £300 from the highest to the lowest estimate.
FAQs
Q: How often should guttering be replaced? A: With proper maintenance, uPVC guttering typically lasts 20-30 years, aluminium 25-30 years, and cast iron 50+ years. However, factors like local weather conditions and regular maintenance can significantly impact lifespan.
Q: Can I just repair sections of my guttering, or should I replace the whole system? A: For isolated issues with an otherwise sound system, sectional repairs are cost-effective. However, if your guttering is old, has multiple problems, or shows signs of general deterioration, complete replacement is often more economical long-term.
Q: Do I need planning permission to replace my guttering? A: Generally, no. Guttering replacement is usually considered permitted development. However, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you should check with your local authority before proceeding.
Q: How can I tell if my guttering is actually causing damp in my home? A: Look for damp patches on external walls below guttering, especially during or after rainfall. Interior damp patches on ceilings or walls adjacent to guttering runs are also indicators of potential guttering issues.
Q: Can I install different material guttering to what I currently have? A: Yes, though you’ll need to ensure compatibility with your existing roofline and may need to replace all guttering to maintain a consistent appearance. Bracket systems also differ between materials, requiring complete replacement of fixings.
Q: How long does guttering repair or replacement take? A: Minor repairs can be completed in a few hours, while complete replacement for an average semi-detached house typically takes 1-2 days, weather permitting.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from uPVC to aluminium guttering? A: If your budget allows, aluminium offers better durability and aesthetic appeal than uPVC, with a longer lifespan. For properties in areas with extreme weather conditions or for homeowners looking for a more premium finish, the upgrade can be worthwhile.
Q: Should I replace my guttering and fascias at the same time? A: If your fascias show signs of damage or deterioration, it’s more cost-effective to replace both simultaneously, as the guttering must be removed to access the fascias anyway. This also ensures proper fitting and compatibility.
