Replacing guttering is one of those jobs that feels “small” until it starts overflowing down your walls, soaking brickwork, staining render, or dripping onto paths every time it rains. The good news is gutter replacement is usually straightforward when you choose the right material and profile, and when the installer gets the fall (slope), outlets, and brackets right.
This almost impartial guide covers:
- typical gutter replacement costs in the UK
- the main material options (uPVC vs aluminium vs cast iron/steel)
- the most common profiles and sizes
- a practical DIY option with big brands and UK retailers
- tables, comparisons, FAQs and HowTo schema
What “gutter replacement” usually includes
A proper replacement quote typically covers:
- removing old gutters and downpipes (and disposing of waste)
- supplying new gutter runs, outlets, angles, unions, brackets
- replacing downpipes, clips, offsets and shoes as needed
- setting correct falls and checking joints
- water flow test (or at least a visual check during/after)
It may not automatically include:
- fascia board repairs or replacement (roofline work)
- soffits, cladding or painting
- drain repairs if your below-ground drainage is blocked
- scaffolding (sometimes priced separately)
Typical gutter replacement cost in the UK (supply + fit)
Guttering prices vary most by property height/access and how many elevations/downpipes you have.
Supply-and-fit cost guide (typical ranges)
| Property / scope | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small section replacement (front run only) | £250–£700 | Often includes outlets and a downpipe section |
| Typical 2-storey house (full replacement) | £700–£1,800 | Depends on metres of guttering and number of downpipes |
| Larger homes / more elevations | £1,500–£3,500+ | More corners, longer runs, more labour |
| 3-storey / difficult access | £2,000–£6,000+ | Height, access equipment and time drive cost |
What drives the price up fastest
- 3-storey height or steep access
- conservatories/flat roofs under the gutter line
- lots of corners/returns (more fittings)
- replacing several downpipes and offsets
- gutters that need fascia repairs or bracket re-fixing
- switching to metal systems (aluminium/steel/cast iron)
Guttering options: materials compared
The “best” guttering depends on budget, property style, and whether you want a longer-life system.
| Material | Typical use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC (plastic) | Most UK homes | Cost-effective, widely available, easy to repair | Can look less “premium”; may expand/contract with temperature |
| Aluminium | Higher-end homes, long-term upgrade | Durable, neat finish, long lifespan | Higher cost; usually pro-installed |
| Steel | Modern look, robust | Strong and durable | Can cost more; system choice matters |
| Cast iron | Period properties / heritage look | Traditional appearance, very long life | Heavier and typically the most expensive to install |
Retailers like Eurocell explicitly offer guttering in multiple materials (uPVC, steel, cast iron and aluminium), which is a good way to think about the options even if you ultimately choose uPVC for cost.
Profiles and sizes: what most UK homes use
Most domestic UK homes use half-round or square-line in standard domestic sizes.
| Profile | What it’s like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Half-round | Classic rounded shape | Most houses; good all-round performance |
| Square-line | Squarer modern look | Modern builds and a “sharper” finish |
| Ogee | Decorative “S” profile | Often chosen for looks and capacity |
| Deepflow / high-capacity | Deeper profile | Heavier rainfall areas, larger roof areas |
Wavin Osma, for example, offers multiple profiles and systems (RoundLine, SquareLine, StormLine etc.), which is typical of major UK brands.
Biggest guttering brands in the UK (commonly stocked)
Here are widely-seen names homeowners regularly encounter when buying DIY parts or getting quotes:
uPVC guttering brands
- FloPlast (very widely stocked at UK DIY/trade retailers)
- Wavin Osma (multi-profile rainwater systems)
- Polypipe (rainwater/guttering ranges available via merchants)
- Marshall Tufflex (commonly used systems; stocked via distributors/stockists)
- Brett Martin (incl. Cascade cast-iron effect rainwater)
Aluminium / metal rainwater brands
- Marley Alutec (aluminium guttering and rainwater systems)
- Alumasc (rainwater management range)
- Lindab (metal rainwater is commonly stocked by specialist merchants)
Biggest UK retailers and merchants for DIY guttering
If you’re replacing guttering yourself, these are common places to buy:
- B&Q (DIY; strong FloPlast ranges)
- Wickes (stocks FloPlast lines and multiple profiles)
- Screwfix (trade-friendly pricing; FloPlast widely listed)
- Toolstation (wide guttering/fittings ranges)
- Travis Perkins (merchant; stocks Wavin Osma systems)
- Jewson (merchant; stocks Wavin Osma systems)
- Selco Builders Warehouse (merchant; guttering ranges including FloPlast)
- Eurocell (roofline + guttering & drainage)
DIY gutter replacement: what it costs (realistic example)
DIY costs depend on how many metres of guttering you need and how many downpipes.
A very rough “typical” DIY materials basket (2-storey semi example)
Assume:
- 20m of guttering total (front + back + small returns)
- 2 downpipes
- average number of brackets/unions/corners/outlets
You’ll usually buy:
- gutter lengths (2m or 4m pieces)
- fascia brackets (spaced regularly)
- unions, stop ends, corners
- running outlets + downpipe, offsets, clips, shoes
Example prices (to show scale):
- FloPlast half-round 3m gutter length is shown at ~£7.38 inc VAT on Screwfix (example listing).
- FloPlast union bracket example shown at ~£2.45 inc VAT on Screwfix.
- Wickes shows FloPlast square line gutter pricing displayed as £4 per metre on a 2m length example.
DIY budget bands (materials only)
| DIY scope | Typical materials budget |
|---|---|
| Front run only + one downpipe | £80–£250 |
| Full small house (basic uPVC) | £200–£600 |
| Larger house / more fittings | £400–£1,000+ |
DIY can be good value, but access safety is the biggest reason people go pro.
When it’s worth paying a professional instead of DIY
Professional installation is usually the better choice if:
- you’re 2–3 storeys or have tricky access (conservatory below)
- you suspect fascia damage or rotten fixings
- your gutters have ongoing pooling/incorrect fall
- you want a metal system (aluminium/steel/cast iron)
- you want the job guaranteed and flow-tested
Extra options to consider during replacement
Upgrading capacity
If you get frequent overflow in heavy rain:
- consider deepflow/high-capacity profiles
- add extra outlets/downpipes if your roof area is large
Colour upgrades
Anthracite grey has become popular on modern exteriors; merchants like Selco list anthracite grey FloPlast options.
“Cast iron look” without cast iron cost
Brett Martin’s Cascade is positioned as a cast iron effect system designed to provide a traditional look in PVCu.
This can suit period-style homes where real cast iron is overkill.
How to compare gutter replacement quotes properly
Use this checklist so you don’t compare apples and oranges:
- How many metres of guttering are being replaced?
- How many downpipes, offsets and outlets are included?
- Are old fixings being replaced or reused?
- Are leaks at joints included (new unions/seals)?
- Is waste removal included?
- Will they check and set correct falls?
- Do they check downpipe flow to the drain?
Quote comparison table
| Line item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total gutter metres | |||
| Downpipes included | |||
| Outlets / offsets included | |||
| New brackets throughout | |||
| Waste removal | |||
| Warranty/guarantee |
FAQs: gutter replacement cost and options
How much does gutter replacement cost in the UK?
Many 2-storey homes fall into the hundreds to low thousands depending on gutter length, number of downpipes, and access. 3-storey or difficult access can cost more due to safety and time on site.
Is uPVC guttering good enough for most homes?
Yes — uPVC is popular because it’s cost-effective and widely available. Eurocell highlights uPVC as lightweight and low-maintenance, which matches why it’s commonly chosen.
Which is better: half-round or square-line?
Half-round is a classic all-round option; square-line gives a sharper modern look. The best choice is usually whichever matches your home’s style and existing downpipe layout.
Can I mix guttering brands and fittings?
It’s risky. Profiles and clips can differ slightly. For best results, stick to one system/brand for each continuous run.
Do I need to replace downpipes when replacing gutters?
Not always, but many problems come from blocked or cracked downpipes. If you’re replacing gutters, it’s often worth at least replacing outlets/offsets and checking downpipe condition and flow.
