Your gutters are one of your home’s most undervalued fixtures. A series of simple pipes which, if they do their job properly, go completely unnoticed. It’s only when things go wrong that they get our attention, since a leak, a waterfall or even a nest will soon draw our eyes. 

Ignoring your gutters problems can cause the issue to grow and potentially end up as the cause of expensive repair work. This is why getting your gutters repaired quickly is so important to your home and wallets too. 

Common reasons for gutter repair

Gutters need to be repaired when they stop doing their job or when it looks like they might soon. Any sign of water - either outside the house or inside, is a sign that you need to repair your gutters immediately. It’s always better to nip a gutter issue in the bud early, as the cost of gutter repair is next to nothing compared to roof and wall repairs. 

Other common issues are sagging gutters. This may be because some of the clips have broken or it might be a sign that the gutters are carrying too much weight. This can indicate a blockage which, once removed, may solve the problem. 

Many gutter issues can be spotted with the naked eye. Damage to gutters and downpipes like rust or dents can be indicative of a problem in the near future.

Any of these problems can cause the water to go where it’s not meant to, and fixing the guttering before problems become serious can save a lot of money and stress. 

How much does gutter repair cost?

Guttering costs depend on a few factors like material and urgency of the issue, but as a general guide you can expect to pay between $30/metre to $160/metre. 

This price estimate is for repairs to the guttering itself, but other items like downpipes, fascia, clips and the tradie’s time will all be extra. Labour costs will also change based on a few factors like the tradie’s experience and where in Australia you are, but as a general rule you can expect to pay $60-$70 an hour for gutter repair work.

Vinyl (PVC) guttering is the cheapest option, colour-coated Zincalume is a mid-range choice while stainless steel is the most expensive type of guttering commonly used in Australia. 

In some rare cases, copper is used, but this is far more expensive than the other materials. 

How often do I need to replace my gutters?

Every Aussie home is different, but a good rule of thumb for guttering is that it will last 20 years. 

Obviously your gutter materials play a part in how long it lasts. Other factors like how much rain there’s been, how well they’ve been looked after and how well they were installed all contribute to their lifespan. 

People living by the coast may find that metal gutters need to be replaced more regularly, too, as salty air can speed up erosion. 

Why hire a tradie for gutter repairs?

There are several reasons to hire someone to repair your gutters rather than doing it yourself. 

The first is experience. While some problems are obvious, 

not everything can be spotted by an untrained eye. And even if you fix one problem, there might be more that go unnoticed. 

Safety is another big factor. Working at heights always carries risks and if you fall from a ladder or roof then you may injure yourself badly. Depending on the height, the fall and the break, you may wind up with a lengthy hospital stay or a period on crutches where you can’t work yourself. Trying to save a few dollars to do a job like this yourself can end up costing you much more if you can’t work while you’re recovering. 

In fact, sometimes it can cost more to do it yourself. If you have to buy tools to complete the work, and they’re not tools you’re going to use regularly, that sort of expense could be better spent elsewhere. 

Professionals are also trained to do a better job. No matter how handy you think you are, people who do the same tasks day in, day out know the best way to do things. What this means is that the repairs will stay good longer when a pro takes care of them. 

Many gutter repair companies also offer a warranty on their work, so if anything does go wrong after the repairs (or the leaks continue) then you can call them up to fix their work. 

Making sure they have insurance is also vital. If their work does go wrong and causes problems in your roof, their insurance will cover the repairs needed there. 

Who performs gutter repairs?

Gutter repairs, depending on the severity of the problem, can be performed by tradies like a handyman, roofer or roof plumber. To make your life easier, you can submit quotes for tradies qualified to perform guttering repairs right from this page. 

Ensure that your chosen professional is fully qualified, licensed and insured and that they provide you with an accurate estimate or quote before any work is commenced.

How to avoid the need for gutter repairs?

As with many aspects of homeownership, regular maintenance is key to keeping your gutters in good condition. 

Start by cleaning them out regularly. This should be done once a year at a minimum, but two or three times if you live in a particularly leafy area. While you can do this yourself, a handyman will typically cost a few hundred dollars for gutter cleaning.

To help prevent the build up of leaves, twigs and other debris, installing gutter guards will help keep things running smoothly. 

Before periods of heavy or extended rain, you can also test your gutters to see how they’ll cope. By running a hose into your gutters, you can quickly see if there are any leaks or blockages, especially in downpipes where it’s harder to see them with a quick glance. 

Keeping an eye out for damage and acting quickly is also a good way to reduce problems further down the line.

FAQs for Guttering Repairs

Can I fix my own guttering?

Depending on your skill level, you may be able to fix your own guttering. However, because working at heights is always a risky job, we recommend hiring someone with experience, insurance and safety gear for this type of work. 

How much does it cost to replace gutters in Australia?

Gutter replacement costs are usually broken down into two parts: parts and labour. Guttering itself depends on the material. PVC gutting starts at $30/metre, while steel guttering can be $100 more per metre. 

Labour costs change around the country, but $60-$70 an hour is a good rule of thumb.