The Best Gutters for a Metal Roof

The best type of gutters for your metal roof will depend on your budget, climate, and the look you want for your home. Discover your gutter options and which may be best for your home in our guide.

Written by This Old House Reviews Team Updated 04/26/2024

Metal roofs are popular among homeowners thanks to their durability, long life span, and fire resistance. They’re less vulnerable to water damage than other types of roofing, but metal roofs still need reliable gutters to protect against this type of damage. We’ll review various gutter materials, along with their installation costs and maintenance requirements, to help you determine which gutters are best for your metal roof.

Importance of Gutters for Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are durable and highly resistant to water damage. However, gutters are still essential for a metal roofing system, even if the roof doesn’t rely on them to help prevent leaks and rot.

Metal roofs shed water very efficiently thanks to their smooth surface and ability to melt snow and ice quickly. However, this watershed can cause other issues if not correctly managed. Large volumes of water coming off of the roof can cause erosion around the house and potentially damage the foundation. Snow melting off a metal roof can refreeze at the eaves, forming ice dams that can cause leaks.

A well-installed gutter system on a metal roof will manage this watershed. Gutters on a metal roof can help prevent erosion, foundation issues, and ice dams, and they can protect your siding, foundation, and landscaping.

Types of Gutters for Metal Roofs

The type of gutter you choose for your metal roof will depend on your budget, climate, and the look you want for the exterior of your home. Consider these additional factors before choosing a gutter system for your home:

Gutter shape
Maintenance needs
Material type
Water volume capacity

In general, homeowners who opt for a metal roof should choose metal gutters, as these are some of the most durable gutters available. There are several common types of metal gutters, including aluminum, stainless steel, and galvanized steel.

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters are a good option for homeowners who want metal gutters at an affordable price. They’re suitable for homes in relatively mild climates that don’t experience extreme weather conditions, as they don’t hold up well against high winds or heavy rains.

Pros

They’re lightweight and relatively easy to install if you take a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach.

They come in a wide range of colors, making them easy to match to your metal roof.

Cons

Aluminum isn’t as durable as metal, so your aluminum gutters can dent or scratch more quickly than your roof.

They may not hold up as well if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or hail, as these weather conditions can cause rust spots if the gutters scratch, chip, or dent.

Copper Gutters

Copper gutters are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to invest in their home’s appearance. However, they can cause issues with metal roof types, so it’s best to consult a professional before deciding on this gutter option.

Pros

Copper gutters offer a unique look for any home.

They’re incredibly durable, lasting over a century when correctly installed and maintained.

Cons

Copper is the most expensive gutter material available and will require professional installation.

Be careful about which materials you pair with your copper gutters. Copper can cause steel and aluminum to rust prematurely, but it will work fine with stainless steel.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Galvanized steel gutters are a good option for metal roofs, as they’re durable in extreme weather conditions and robust enough to manage high water volumes.

Pros

Galvanized steel gutters are stronger and more durable than vinyl or aluminum.

They can withstand heavy snow, hail, and other harsh weather, making them a good choice for homes that experience extreme weather conditions.

Cons

Galvanized steel gutters are heavy and require professional installation, making them a more expensive option for homeowners.

Galvanized steel gutters have a zinc coating that helps prevent rust, but the gutters can rust if the coating scratches.

Stainless Steel Gutters

Stainless steel gutters are another option for metal roofs and are great for homes in coastal areas.

Pros

Stainless steel gutters are very strong and resist any type of corrosion.

They’re an excellent choice for homes in coastal areas where sea spray can start to break down other materials.

Cons

Homeowners will have to make a significant upfront investment for stainless steel gutters when they pay for professional installation.

While durable, stainless steel gutters may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other gutter options.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are a budget-friendly option for homeowners, especially those wanting to install them themselves. However, they’re generally not recommended for metal roofs, as they can struggle to manage a high water volume.

Pros

This material comes in various colors that can blend in with your metal roof.

Vinyl is ideal for homeowners who want to install gutters themselves, as the material is lightweight and straightforward to install.

Vinyl won’t rust, so it’s a great option for those in wet climates.

Cons

Vinyl gutters are less suitable for homes in colder climates, as they can become brittle, crack, or warp in extreme cold.

Vinyl gutters typically aren’t strong enough to handle the large volume of water that comes off of a metal roof in heavy rain or snowstorms, so they could make your home more vulnerable to water damage.

Gutter Styles

Consider the gutter style for your metal roof along with your gutter material. Common gutter styles for metal roofs include box gutters, half-round gutters, and K-style gutters.

Box gutters: These square-shaped gutters are best suited for homes with complicated rooflines because they’re easy to customize. They can collect and channel large amounts of water but might not be as aesthetically pleasing as other gutter options.
Half-round gutters: These are traditional gutters with a semi-circular shape. They have a good capacity for water flow and are suitable for most climates.
K-style gutters: These gutters look like the letter “K” in profile and have a more modern look than the traditional half-round gutter. K-style gutters have a large water capacity, so they may be a better option for homes in wet climates.

Talk to a gutter installation professional about which style is best for your home. Some styles offer more water capacity, which you’ll need if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall or a lot of snow.

Cost of Installing Gutters for Metal Roofs

You must consider the installation costs, including materials and labor, when deciding on gutters for your metal roof. The material and style of gutter you choose will be the driving factors in the cost of your gutter system. Half-round and K-style gutters are the most affordable, while custom styles will cost more. Here are the average costs of various gutter types:

Aluminum: $3–$15* per linear foot
Copper: $15–$40 per linear foot
Galvanized steel: $5–$20 per linear foot
Vinyl: $3–$7 per linear foot
Zinc: $15–$30 per linear foot

Larger homes with bigger rooflines will require more materials and labor, resulting in a higher cost. You can calculate the rough cost of your new gutters by measuring your roofline and multiplying the linear feet by the average cost per linear foot of material.

The complexity of the installation will also affect your cost. Factors such as the number of corners on your roof, its pitch, and obstacles such as chimneys can require more labor, resulting in a higher installation cost.

You might want to install gutters on your own, but put safety first, especially when working on higher rooflines. A DIY installation could lead to leaks and other future issues and cost you more in the long run. Hiring a professional roofer ensures a proper installation and a possible warranty on the gutters.

*Cost data via Angi.

Gutter Maintenance for Metal Roofs

You should maintain your gutter system properly so it continues to protect your home against water damage. Clean out your gutters twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. If you have many trees overhanging your roof, you may need to clean out your gutters more often. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to block pests and debris from clogging your gutters.

Remember that your safety comes first when cleaning your gutters, so consider hiring a professional to do the job for you. If you’re going to do the job yourself, gather a ladder, gloves, and protective eyewear. You can also buy a gutter scoop to help remove the debris in your gutters.

Here’s how to clean your gutters:

Position your ladder in a flat, dry spot and consider having a spotter in place to help stabilize the ladder.
Remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and built-up sediment from the gutters by hand or with a trowel or gutter scoop.
Flush the gutters with a garden hose once clear to ensure water flows freely through the guttering system. This will help flush out your downspouts and help you detect any leaks.
Inspect the gutter hangers and fasteners for signs of damage or rust and repair or replace them as needed. Additionally, check for leaks at the joints and corners.

Routinely inspect your gutters throughout the year for signs of clogs. Look for overflowing water pooling around your foundation or in areas where the gutters have become detached. Additionally, pay attention to any signs of rust on your gutters. If you spot an issue, contact a qualified gutter contractor about repairs.

When To Replace Your Gutters

How long your gutters last depends on your chosen material, installation, and maintenance schedule. Here are a few signs that it’s time to replace your gutters:

Cracks or big dents are difficult to repair
Gutters are pulling away from the fascia board
You find areas where the gutters have worn or rusted entirely through

If your gutters require more frequent repairs, they may be nearing the end of their life span. Talk to a gutter installation contractor about your options.

Our Conclusion

Selecting the right gutter for your metal roof can help protect your home and landscaping from water damage. The best gutter system for your metal roof will depend on your budget, climate, and the look you want for your home. If you aren’t sure which gutters are best for your metal roof, talk to a qualified roofing contractor. They can recommend a gutter based on your home’s specific needs and ensure you have a long-lasting gutter system.

FAQ About Gutters for Metal Roofs

How do you attach gutters to a metal roof?

You can connect gutters to a metal roof by attaching brackets to the fascia board and then securing the gutters to the brackets using screws or bolts. This makes the gutters strong enough to handle high volumes of water coming off of the metal roof.

How do you install gutters on a metal roof without fascia?

Installing gutters on a metal roof without fascia requires special materials, such as roof straps, rafter brackets, or rise and fall brackets. These brackets attach to the roof itself or the brickwork.

How far below a metal roof should gutters be?

You should install gutters no more than 2 or 3 inches below your roof. The roof should overhang the gutter by about the same amount, which will help direct the water into the gutters without risking overflow spilling back onto your roof.

What is the best material for gutters on a metal roof?

The best material for gutters on a metal roof will depend on your budget, climate, and style. Steel and aluminum gutters are best for metal roofs as they can manage high volumes of water.

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