Why gutters matter
Without gutters, rainwater cascades off your roof and pools around your foundation. In the Central Valley, where winter rainstorms can dump 1-2 inches in a day, this causes:
- Foundation damage — soil erosion and settling
- Basement/crawl space flooding
- Siding and fascia rot
- Landscape erosion
- Staining and mold on exterior walls
Gutter materials compared
Aluminum (most popular)
- Cost: $6-$12 per linear foot installed
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
- Pros: Lightweight, rust-proof, available in many colors, affordable
- Cons: Can dent, not as strong as steel
- Best for: Most residential homes in the Central Valley
Steel (galvanized or stainless)
- Cost: $8-$15 per linear foot installed
- Lifespan: 20-25 years (galvanized), 50+ years (stainless)
- Pros: Very strong, handles heavy water flow
- Cons: Galvanized can rust over time; stainless is expensive
- Best for: Homes with large roof areas or heavy tree coverage
Copper
- Cost: $25-$40 per linear foot installed
- Lifespan: 50-100 years
- Pros: Beautiful patina, never rusts, lasts a lifetime
- Cons: Very expensive, requires soldered joints
- Best for: High-end homes, historic properties
Sizing matters
Standard 5-inch K-style gutters handle most residential roofs. Homes with steep pitches, large roof areas, or heavy rainfall zones may need 6-inch gutters. Downspouts should be 2x3 inches (standard) or 3x4 inches (large roofs).
Seamless vs. sectional
Seamless gutters are custom-formed on-site from a continuous piece of aluminum. They have no joints except at corners and downspouts, which means fewer leak points. DeHart Roofing installs seamless gutters exclusively — they cost slightly more upfront but last longer and look cleaner.
Gutter guards
Gutter guards reduce maintenance by keeping leaves and debris out. Options range from mesh screens ($3-$6/ft) to micro-mesh systems ($10-$20/ft). In the Central Valley, gutter guards are worth it if you have nearby trees.
Maintenance tips
- Clean gutters at least twice a year (spring and fall)
- Check for proper slope — gutters should slope 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspouts
- Ensure downspouts discharge at least 4 feet from the foundation
- Inspect hangers and brackets for looseness
- Check for rust, cracks, or separation at seams
DeHart Roofing gutter services
We install seamless aluminum gutters, gutter guards, and complete gutter systems as part of our gutters and flashing service. Every gutter installation is custom-measured and professionally 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.