Your gutters are one of the hardest-working parts of your home's exterior and one of the most overlooked. At Excel Roofing, we've been protecting homes across Denver, Colorado, and Wyoming since 1993, and we can tell you firsthand: a failing gutter system is one of the fastest ways water damage finds its way into your foundation, basement, and siding. Whether you're researching new gutters, gutter repair, or just wondering if it's time for a professional gutter cleaning, this guide covers everything you need to know.
For most homes in the Denver metro area and across Wyoming, a full gutter replacement typically runs between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on your home's size, roofline complexity, and the materials you choose.
Aluminum gutters are the most popular choice; they're durable, rust-resistant, cost-effective, and hold up well against Colorado's hail seasons and Wyoming's heavy snowfall. Copper gutters are a premium option that offer exceptional longevity and a distinctive look, though they come at a higher price point. You can find these systems in our high-end mountain communities and upend areas around Denver and Boulder.
Professional installation matters as much as the material. Gutters need to be pitched correctly and fastened securely to ensure water drains away from your foundation rather than pooling against it. Improper installation is one of the leading causes of gutter failure — and the resulting water damage isn't always covered by homeowner's insurance. The minimum gutter pitch (slope) required by code in Denver is generally 1/8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) of run. We see steeper gutter slopes in the mountains to increase drainage and prevent ice dams. Excel Roofing recommends 6'' gutters on homes, causing stronger water flow.
A good rule of thumb, according to most codes around Colorado, is one downspout for every 20 to 40 feet of gutter run. Larger roofs, steep pitches, and homes in high-precipitation areas, including Denver's Front Range and parts of Wyoming, often benefit from additional downspouts.
The goal is simple: move water at least 4 feet away from your home's perimeter. This is especially important in Colorado and Wyoming, where expansive soils are common. When water saturates the ground near your foundation, that soil expands and contracts, putting serious pressure on your foundation over time. Some homeowners in our service area add underground drainage extensions for an extra layer of protection.
5-inch aluminum gutters are the standard for most residential homes and handle typical rainfall efficiently. They're cost-effective and perform well on the majority of rooflines we see across Denver and the surrounding region.
6-inch gutters are the better choice when your home has a large roof area, a steep pitch, or an elevated roof line, such as Spanish tile. When the roof surface is raised, water gains momentum and can actually overshoot a standard 5-inch gutter during a heavy downpour. Upgrading to 6-inch gutters solves this problem directly. Excel Roofing recommends everyone install 6'' gutters.
If you're unsure which size is right for your home, an Excel Roofing project manager can assess your roofline and recommend the right solution.
The short answer is sometimes.
There are many types of gutter protection, and Excel Roofing has gone back and forth on whether to recommend them or not. Excel Roofing decided that the best solution depends on your home. If you have pine needles, you will need a solid cover system. If you have large leaves, a fine screen mesh is the best. If you do not have any overhanging trees, a standard 6'' gutter system with no gutter protection will work best.
Gutter protection products are widely marketed, but homeowners should go in with realistic expectations. Most gutter guard systems reduce debris buildup, but they don't eliminate it. Leaves, pine needles, shingle granules, and dirt will still find their way into your system over time.
Gutter guards can be a worthwhile addition in the right situations, particularly for homes surrounded by trees. But they don't replace regular maintenance. If you're deciding whether gutter guards make sense for your Denver or Wyoming home, ask Excel Roofing; we'll give you an honest answer based on your specific roof and landscaping.
If your gutters are not leaking, are not clogged, and the water is draining properly, you do not need any maintenance. Gutter issues look different and may need ne a pro to diagnose them. Major problems are when the water backflows and leaks into the fascia board, causing rot and potentially water in your home. These issues may cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
Clean your gutters at least twice a year — once in the spring after cottonwood season, and again in the fall after the leaves drop. In Denver and along the Front Range, spring cleaning is especially important given the volume of debris that accumulates over winter.
Neglected gutters lead to clogs, sagging, and overflow. That overflow doesn't just affect your gutters; it damages your roof's fascia boards, your siding, your landscaping, and ultimately your foundation. If your basement has ever flooded due to clogged gutters, you already know: insurance typically won't cover that claim.
Routine gutter repair, addressing loose hangers, separated seams, or sections pulling away from the fascia, extends the life of your system significantly. Aluminum gutters typically last around 5-20 years with proper care. Copper gutters can last considerably longer.
Excel Roofing has been a trusted name in Denver roofing and Wyoming roofing for over 1993 years. We handle complete gutter installation, gutter repair, and gutter cleaning, and because we also handle full roof replacements, we understand how your entire exterior drainage system works together to protect your home.
You don't pay a cent until you're content.
Excel Roofing is offering $99 Gutter cleaning for homeowners with a single-story home for a limited time. Call for more information and if the promo is still running. 303-761-6400
Ready to schedule a gutter inspection or replacement? Call us at 303-761-6400 or schedule online at excelroofing.com.