Gutter replacement cost in Greater Boston: aluminum, copper and wood gutters on old homes
Gutter replacement cost in Greater Boston: national prices by material, seamless aluminum vs copper vs wood on Somerville homes, downspouts and fascia rot.
Mateus MagnoLicensed Construction Supervisor · October 30, 2026 · 4 min read
HomeGuide's national figures put gutter replacement at $12 to $25 per linear foot, or $2,200 to $5,000 for an average home. Greater Boston usually runs higher, and tall triple-deckers, copper or wood gutters and rotten fascia push the price up.
What does gutter replacement cost? HomeGuide's national figures put it at $12 to $25 per linear foot, or $2,200 to $5,000 for an average home. Those are national averages; in Greater Boston, tall triple-deckers, old trim and tight lots usually push the number higher.
Below I compare the gutter types I see on older Somerville and Cambridge houses and explain the hidden costs.
Gutter replacement cost by material
These are HomeGuide's national averages, installed:
| Material | National cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $10 to $20 |
| Steel | $10 to $35 |
| Copper | $25 to $40 |
| Wood | $25 to $45 |
The same guide says seamless gutters cost $3 to $5 or more per foot above sectional ones, and half-round styles add $1 to $2 per foot. Taking down and hauling away the old gutters adds $50 to $200 nationally.
Here in Somerville, Cambridge and Medford, the runs on a triple-decker are long and high. Ladders, staging and a helper on the ground add real labor, and a front gutter over a busy sidewalk needs extra care. Every house is different, so I measure each run before I price it.
Seamless aluminum vs copper vs wood on old homes
- Seamless aluminum is the usual choice. It is formed on site to the exact length, so there are no joints along the run.
- Copper costs more but suits slate roofs and fine Victorians, and it pairs with copper flashing.
- Wood gutters are original on many 1900 to 1930 houses. They look right but need regular painting and sealing.
Size matters too. HomeGuide notes that most homes use 5-inch K-style gutters, and that 6-inch gutters for large roof areas add $1 to $2 per foot. On the big, steep roofs of many Victorians, I often recommend the larger size and larger downspouts so heavy rain does not spill over the front edge.
If you live in a historic district, the gutter is part of the design. Somerville's preservation guidelines list gutters among the roof features to preserve and ask that downspouts be placed out of sight and painted to match the siding. In Cambridge, in-kind replacement gets a Certificate of Non-Applicability, but a change in material may need review.
Downspouts and extensions
A gutter is only as good as where it sends the water. HomeGuide lists downspouts at $30 to $75 each and splash blocks or extensions at $10 to $50 per downspout, as national figures.
- The Massachusetts residential code says the ground must fall at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet from the foundation (780 CMR R401.3).
- The same section says grading must not send flooding or damage onto the neighbor's property, which matters on tight Somerville lots.
- A downspout dumping next to the foundation is a common cause of wet basements. My wet basement guide covers the fixes.
Gutters and ice dams
Gutters do not cause ice dams, but they show you where they form. Ice fills the gutter, water backs up under the roof edge, and heavy ice can pull a gutter off the fascia. The real fix is air sealing and insulation in the attic, which my Somerville ice dam guide explains.
Are gutter guards worth it?
HomeGuide puts gutter guards at $15 to $45 per linear foot installed, nationally. They make sense under big street trees, which many Somerville and Cambridge streets have. They do not replace a yearly check, and some types trap ice in winter.
When fascia rot appears
Signs your gutters are done: they pull away from the fascia, sag even when empty, show rust or holes, or leave water stains on the siding below. Old gutters also hide rotten fascia. When the gutter comes off, the board behind it may be soft. HomeGuide lists fascia board replacement at $5 to $12 per linear foot nationally. Two more things to plan for:
- Lead paint. In housing built before 1978, paid work that disturbs more than 20 square feet of painted exterior surface must be done by a licensed lead-safe renovation contractor.
- Permits. Somerville's ISD Building Division requires a permit for all exterior work except painting, tiling and flooring.
Every house is different, so I price fascia repair after the old gutter is inspected up close.
Need a hand?
I manage gutter, fascia and trim work on older homes in Somerville, Cambridge and Greater Boston. Book a free walkthrough and I will send a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace gutters?
HomeGuide's national figures put gutter replacement at $12 to $25 per linear foot, or $2,200 to $5,000 for an average home. Greater Boston usually runs higher, especially on three-story houses.
Are copper gutters worth the money?
Copper costs more, $25 to $40 per linear foot nationally according to HomeGuide, but it suits slate roofs and historic homes and pairs well with copper flashing. For most Somerville houses, seamless aluminum is the practical choice.
Where should downspouts drain?
Away from the house. The Massachusetts residential code requires the ground to fall at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet of the foundation, and grading must not send water onto a neighbor's property.
Should fascia be replaced when gutters are replaced?
Only if it is rotten, but it is the best time to check. HomeGuide lists fascia board replacement at $5 to $12 per linear foot nationally, and it is far easier to do before the new gutter is hung.
Planning work on your home? See everything I do, how I price work and the towns I work in.
Mateus Magno founded Magno & Co in 2020. He is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston.
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