Why gutters matter
No gutters means rainwater pools around your foundation. Central Valley winters can dump 1–2 inches in a day. That runoff causes real damage:
- Foundation erosion. Soil washes away and the slab settles.
- Crawl space flooding. Water gets under the house.
- Fascia and siding rot. Wood soaks up water and breaks down.
- Landscape damage. Soil washes out of beds and planters.
- Mold on exterior walls. Staining and mold follow chronic moisture.
Gutter materials — quick comparison
Aluminum
- Cost. $6–$12 per linear foot installed.
- Lifespan. 20–30 years.
- Best for. Most Central Valley homes. Lightweight, rust-proof, affordable.
Steel
- Cost. $8–$15 per linear foot installed.
- Lifespan. 20–25 years (galvanized), 50+ years (stainless).
- Best for. Large roofs or heavy tree coverage. Stronger than aluminum.
Copper
- Cost. $25–$40 per linear foot installed.
- Lifespan. 50–100 years.
- Best for. High-end and historic homes. Never rusts. Develops a patina over time.
What size do you need
Standard 5-inch K-style gutters work for most homes. Steep roofs and large roof areas often need 6-inch gutters. Downspouts should be 2x3 inches for standard homes, or 3x4 inches for large roofs.
Seamless vs. sectional
Seamless gutters are formed on-site from a single piece of aluminum. Fewer joints means fewer leaks. DeHart installs seamless only — they cost a bit more upfront and last longer.
Gutter guards — are they worth it
Guards keep leaves and debris out. Mesh screens run $3–$6 per foot. Micro-mesh systems cost $10–$20 per foot. If you have trees near the roofline, guards are worth it.
Keep them working — simple maintenance
- Clean twice a year. Spring and fall are the key times.
- Check the slope. Gutters should drop 1/4 inch for every 10 feet toward the downspout.
- Extend downspouts. Water should discharge at least 4 feet from the foundation.
- Check hangers. Loose brackets let gutters sag and pull away from fascia.
- Look for rust and cracks. Catch small gaps before they become big leaks.
DeHart Roofing gutter service
We install seamless aluminum gutters, guards, and full gutter systems as part of our gutters and flashing service. Every job is custom-measured and hung with proper slope. Get a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
For a typical Central Valley home (150-200 linear feet), seamless aluminum gutters cost $1,200-$2,400 installed. Steel gutters cost $1,500-$3,000. Add $500-$1,500 for gutter guards.
Yes, it is the ideal time. Your gutters are already exposed during roof work, so there is no additional access cost. Old gutters on a new roof can leak and cause damage that voids your warranty.
Seamless aluminum gutters last 20-30 years with proper maintenance. In the Central Valley, the main threats are physical damage (ladders, fallen branches) and clogging from tree debris.
If you have trees near your roofline, yes. Gutter guards significantly reduce cleaning frequency and prevent clogs that cause water backup and fascia damage. They pay for themselves in reduced maintenance.