How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost in Michigan? (2026 Guide)

If you're getting quotes for new gutters in Metro Detroit, you'll hear numbers all over the map — and most cost articles online are written for national averages that don't reflect Michigan labor, Michigan weather, or what a real local crew actually charges. Here's the honest version, from a father-and-son team that installs seamless gutters across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties every week.

The short answer

Most full seamless gutter replacements we quote in Southeast Michigan land between $1,200 and $3,500. A typical single-story ranch with 120–150 feet of gutter usually falls in the lower half of that range; a large two-story colonial with multiple downspouts, 6-inch gutters, and tall ladder work lands in the upper half.

Those figures are for seamless aluminum — the standard for Michigan homes — including tear-off and disposal of the old gutters, new downspouts, and hidden hangers. Per foot, that works out to roughly $10–$18 installed depending on height, complexity, and gutter size.

What actually moves the price

1. Linear footage and downspouts

Footage is the base of every quote. Downspouts add material and labor — and skimping on them is the most common mistake we see in old installs. A long gutter run with one undersized downspout overflows in every hard rain no matter how new the gutter is.

2. One story vs. two

Second-story work means taller ladders, more staging time, and more safety overhead. Expect two-story fascia to add 20–40% versus the same footage at ranch height.

3. 5-inch vs. 6-inch gutters

6-inch gutters carry roughly 40% more water and cost a little more per foot. On steep roofs, large rooflines, or homes that have had overflow problems, the upgrade is usually worth every penny. We cover the sizing decision in detail in our 5-inch vs. 6-inch gutter guide.

4. Fascia and soffit condition

New gutters screw into the fascia board behind them. If that wood is rotted — very common on Metro Detroit homes where gutters have leaked for years — it needs repair first, or the new gutters won't stay up. Fascia repair is quoted separately; see our soffit & fascia service page for what's involved.

5. Leaf guards

Adding gutter protection at install time is cheaper than adding it later, because the crew is already up there. Guards typically add $6–$12 per foot depending on the system. Whether they're worth it depends mostly on your trees — here's our honest take.

Why Michigan changes the math

• Freeze-thaw cycles. Seamed (sectional) gutters fail at the joints after a few Michigan winters as ice works the seams apart. Seamless aluminum eliminates the joints entirely — one reason it dominates here. See seamless vs. sectional.
• Snow load. Hangers every 12–18 inches (not the 24–36 inches some installers use) keep gutters from peeling off under snow and ice weight.
• Heavy canopy. Mature oaks and maples across Livonia, Southfield, Farmington, and Detroit's historic west side mean gutters work harder here and clog faster without protection.

What should be included in every quote

• Tear-off and haul-away of the old gutters and downspouts
• Seamless aluminum runs custom-bent on-site to exact lengths
• Hidden hangers screwed into the fascia (not spikes)
• Downspout count and placement spelled out in writing
• Pitch checked with a level, not eyeballed
• Cleanup and a workmanship warranty (ours is 4 years)

Red flags when comparing quotes

• Large deposits. Established local crews don't need your money before the material is on the truck. We charge nothing until the job is done.
• Per-foot prices that exclude downspouts or disposal — the quote grows after you've committed.
• Spike-and-ferrule fasteners on a new install — decades-old technology that works loose in freeze-thaw.
• No mention of fascia condition. If an estimator doesn't look at the wood, they're planning to screw into rot.

Frequently Asked Questions