How much does gutter repair cost in Virginia?

Gutter repair in Virginia has no single price, because the jobs under that name range from a tube of sealant on one corner to new sections, new hangers and new fascia board along a whole side of the house. What decides the bill is the type of repair, how high it is, how much of the run is involved, the gutter material, and whether there is rot behind it. Get at least three written, itemized quotes on the same scope, and check the licence of anyone quoting $1,000 or more.

What drives the price

The type of repair. From smallest to largest, the common jobs are resealing a leaking joint or end cap, refastening or adding hangers along a sagging run, replacing a dented or split section, resetting the slope so water drains, and repairing or replacing downspouts. Amerimax's installation sheet calls for one hanger every 24 inches, or every 18 inches in areas with heavy ice and snow loads,^[6] so a long run that was hung with too few needs more parts and more time than a single loose hanger.

What is behind the gutter. Rotten fascia is the most common surprise. Amerimax's replacement procedure starts by removing the old gutters and inspecting the fascia board, replacing it if needed,^[6] and that carpentry can cost more than the gutter work itself. Ask for a fascia allowance or a per-foot price for rotten board in writing, so the bill does not change once the gutter is down.

Height and access. A single-storey eave reached from one ladder is quicker and less risky than a two- or three-storey wall, a steep slope or shrubs in the way. Expect higher quotes for upper storeys.

Material and matching. Gutters come in vinyl, aluminum, galvanized steel and copper,^[7] and copper and galvanized steel stand up to impacts from ladders and tree branches better than vinyl and aluminum, which can crack or dent.^[7] Copper parts and the skills to join them cost more. Matching matters too: Gutter channels typically come in 4-, 5- and 6-inch sizes,^[7] in several profiles and many colours, and an old gutter may be hard to match exactly. Ask how the business will handle a mismatch.

Minimums. Some businesses charge a minimum for small jobs, so grouping several small repairs into one visit often costs less than calling for each one separately.

The do-it-yourself cost

Resealing a joint on a single-storey eave is a reasonable homeowner job, and the materials are a tube of gutter sealant, a putty knife and a brush. Bostik estimates that a 9.5-ounce cartridge covers about 24 linear feet with a 1/4-inch bead,^[8] so one tube covers many joints. The walkthrough is in how to fix a leaking gutter seam. Anything above the first storey, or anything that needs the gutter taken down, is worth paying for.

Permits and licences

Gutter repair rarely needs a permit. Pittsylvania County lists gutters among the jobs that need no building permit,^[5] though your own county or city may differ once roof sheathing or framing is involved.

Licensing depends on the size of the job. Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation says if the work you are considering is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required.^[1] Under the Code of Virginia, a Class C licence covers construction, removal, repair or improvement jobs with a single contract over $1,000 and under $30,000,^[2] which covers many gutter repairs and replacements. Hiring a licensed contractor also makes you eligible for the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund, which may pay claims up to $20,000 to consumers who win a court judgment against a licensed contractor for improper or dishonest conduct.^[1]

Getting quotes you can compare

DPOR advises homeowners to get at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications,^[1] and to beware of any bid substantially lower than the others,^[1] which often leaves out work the others included. For gutters, "identical specifications" means the same runs, the same number of hangers, the same downspouts and the same plan for any rotten fascia.

On payment, DPOR's rule of thumb is an initial deposit of no more than 10% of the total price or $1,000, whichever is less.^[1] The Board for Contractors requires licensed contractors to use a legible written contract for residential work, signed by both the consumer and the contractor before work starts or payment is accepted.^[3] It has to state the total cost, the amount of the down payment and the schedule of payments,^[3] and any change to the cost, materials, work or completion date must be in writing and signed by all parties.^[3]

If a salesperson signs you up at your home, Virginia's Home Solicitation Sales Act usually means you have until midnight of the third business day after you sign to cancel in writing.^[4]

Stop and call a pro if

• The gutter is above the first storey or can only be reached from the roof.
• A section has come down, is hanging loose, or has torn away from the fascia.
• The fascia is soft, stained or crumbling behind the gutter.
• Several seams leak and the gutter sags in more than one place, which may make replacement the better value; see should I repair or replace my gutters.

More on eaves and roofs is in the roofing answers and on gutter repair; you can also browse exterior pros around Blacksburg. To get itemized prices, describe the gutter repair once and licensed local businesses quote it.