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Gutters and downspouts: maintenance schedule and lifespan

What your gutters and downspouts need and how often, how long they usually last, and what replacing them tends to cost.

20–30 yearstypical service life
$1,500–$4,000typical installed replacement, for a 2,000 sq ft house
1 jobto keep on a schedule

The maintenance schedule

twice a year

How often should you clean gutters?

More often on lots with heavy tree cover. A typical schedule is twice a year.

How long do your gutters and downspouts last?

Usually 20 to 30 years. Where yours sit in that range depends on when they went in and how they've been looked after, which is why the install year is the most useful thing to write down. Something past its typical life isn't due for replacing on that account: most things are run until they fail. It's a reason to put money aside, not to spend it.

What does replacing them cost?

Roughly $1,500 to $4,000 installed in the U.S. for a 2,000 square foot house, more or less in proportion to size. Treat it as a range for budgeting until you have a quote.

Generic schedules start from the calendar. Yours should start from your house. Keeping House takes the year each system went in and works out what's due and when, sends the reminders, and keeps the history a buyer or insurer will ask for.

Start your home's record, freeSee a sample report

Related guides

Intervals and lifespans are typical figures for U.S. homes, in line with commonly cited industry ranges; costs are rough installed prices in 2026 dollars. Your manufacturer's manual and local conditions come first.