How long does it take to install gutters?
Short answer. Seamless gutters on a typical house are usually installed in a single day, often in a few hours, because the crew forms each run on site from a machine on the truck. Removing old gutters, repairing rotted fascia, adding guards, or working on a tall or complicated house can stretch the job into a second day.
What happens on install day
- Old gutters come down. The crew removes and hauls off the old gutters and downspouts.
- Fascia check. With the gutters off, soft or rotted fascia shows up and should be repaired before anything is hung.
- Forming. The machine rolls flat aluminum coil into gutter profile, cut to the exact length of each run.
- Hanging. Hangers are fastened into the fascia, the gutter is set with a slight fall toward each outlet, and corners and end caps are sealed.
- Downspouts. Outlets are cut, downspouts and elbows are attached and strapped, and extensions are set.
- Guards and cleanup, if guards are part of the job.
What adds time
- Fascia rot that needs new boards, paint or wrap.
- Two or three stories, steep lots, or many corners and short runs.
- Connecting downspouts to underground drains.
- Rain, which delays sealing and makes ladder work unsafe.
Install time vs wait time
The work itself is quick. The longer wait is usually scheduling and, for some colors, material. If you are also replacing the roof, the gutters go on after the new drip edge and shingles, usually right after the roof is done. See what to expect on roof replacement day and gutter sizing, seamless gutters and guards.