Galvanised guttering has been the standard for Bulgarian houses for decades. Today, however, two quite different products are sold under this name: bare galvanised sheet metal and galvanised sheet metal with a polymer coating. The difference in price is around 5 euros per metre. The difference in the system’s lifespan is ten years.
Here are the prices for 2026 and exactly what accounts for the difference.
Prices for the installation of galvanised guttering
| Option | Price (€/linear metre). | ≈ BGN/linear metre. | Life | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare galvanised sheet metal metallic grey, uncoated |
€15–23 | 29–45 BGN. | 20–30 years. | 10 years. |
| Galvanised with a polymer coating RAL colour of your choice |
20–28 € | 39–55 BGN. | 25–35 years. | 15 years. |
Including labour, materials and brackets. Exchange rate for comparison: 1 € = 1.95583 BGN.
In fixed-price pricing, a common level is 25 € per linear metre. for a galvanised guttering and 25 € per linear metre. for a galvanised drainpipe — a good benchmark for a standard project without any complications.
Uncoated or coated sheet metal — where does the money go?
Bare galvanised sheet metal is steel with a layer of zinc. The zinc is sacrificed in place of the steel and corrodes slowly — which is precisely why it works. But it does eventually wear away: first at the edges, then at the bottom of the gutter, where the water lingers the longest.
The polymer coating adds a protective layer to the zinc. It protects against UV rays, acid rain and mechanical wear caused by the grit carried by water from the roof tiles.
| Criterion | Bare galvanised | With a polymer coating |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | lower by ~5 €/m³. | +25 – 30 % |
| First row along the edges | in 8–12 years’ time. | in 20–25 years’ time. |
| Needs painting | Yes, aged 6–8. | no |
| Colours | only metallic grey | the entire RAL colour range |
| Sustainability by the sea | thin | good |
| Warranty | 10 years. | 15 years. |
If you plan to paint the bare guttering every seven years (€6–12 per linear metre for cleaning, priming and paint), the difference in the initial cost is recouped as early as the first coat of paint. That is why the covered version is now the most popular choice for residential buildings.
Be careful with the thickness. The standard thickness for guttering is 0.5 mm sheet metal. You can also find 0.4 mm sheets on the market — they look identical, cost 15 % less and can be dented by a leaning ladder or accumulated ice. Ask for the thickness to be specified in the quotation.
Prices by diameter and by component
The diameter of the gutter is chosen according to the roof area it drains — not according to what was there previously.
| Position | Price € | Measure | Landmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uluk Ø125 | €18–24 | l.m. | Up to ~70 m² of roof area |
| Uluk Ø150 | 20–28 € | l.m. | Standard for a house |
| Uluk Ø180 | €26–34 | l.m. | Large, steep roofs |
| Drainpipe Ø100 | €16–20 | l.m. | Up to 80 m² per pipe |
| Funnel (small pot) | €18–28 | no. | 1 per pipe |
| 45° / 72° elbow | €7–12 | no. | 2 per pipe |
| Puffed skirt, flared to 33 cm | €9–14 | l.m. | Highly recommended |
| Snow-retention grille | 22–30 € | l.m. | On steep slopes |
Indicative market rates for 2026, including labour and materials.
How much will it cost you?
Send us a brief enquiry — a qualified tradesperson will measure the eaves, assess the diameter and provide you with a binding quote following an on-site inspection.
RAL colours and when an additional charge applies
Four colours are kept in stock almost everywhere and do not increase the cost of the system: RAL 8017 (dark brown, the best-selling in Bulgaria), RAL 3009 (brick-red), RAL 7016 (anthracite) and RAL 9010 (white).
Anything other than these four items is ordered from the factory and added 8 – 12 % on top of the cost of the guttering, plus a delivery time of 2–3 weeks. If the colour isn’t a deal-breaker, choose from stock — the difference in the final bill for an average house is around 80–120 euros.
Soldering or assembly — the detail that makes all the difference
Galvanised systems are installed in two different ways, and this is not reflected in the price per square metre:
- Soldered joints. A classic tinsmith’s technique — the two sections overlap and are soldered together with tin. The joint is airtight and lasts as long as the sheet metal itself.
- Assembled with a seal. It’s quicker and cheaper, but the sealant is a consumable — after 8–10 years it starts to leak and water drips from the joints.
With coated sheet metal, brazing is more difficult (the coating burns), so the best solution here is to use factory-made connectors with an EPDM seal, rather than brazing „through the coating“. If you see a burnt mark around the joint of a coloured gutter, it has been fitted incorrectly.
Maintenance that extends the service life by years
- Clean twice a year — after November and in early spring. Wet foliage traps moisture exactly where the zinc is most vulnerable.
- Do not leave any standing water. If there are puddles in the gutter after it has rained, the slope is incorrect — this can be corrected by repositioning the brackets.
- Treat any scratches straight away. Any scratch down to the bare metal on a coated sheet metal panel is the start of rust. A quick touch-up with paint in 5 minutes saves you having to replace that section.
- Check the areas beneath the chimney. That is where the water contains the highest levels of soot and acids — corrosion almost always starts there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do galvanised gutters cost for a 100 m² house?
For a roof overhang of around 40 linear metres and a roofing option — €800 – €1,120 Just for the gutter, plus the downpipes (around €400) and the removal of the old system (around €220). A total of between €1,400 and €1,800.
Can a new galvanised guttering be fitted on top of an old one?
No. The old system always has to be removed — otherwise, you can’t achieve the correct angle and the brackets have nothing to grip onto securely. Take a look dismantling costs.
Does a galvanised guttering rust on the inside?
Yes, and that’s usually where it starts. Zinc is used up more quickly in areas where water collects. That’s why the slope and regular cleaning are more important for the system’s lifespan than the brand of the sheet metal.
What is the difference compared to an aluminium gutter?
Aluminium does not rust at all and is lighter, but it is softer — it deforms more easily and is 20–40 % more expensive. For a standard house, galvanised steel offers better value for money. See seamless aluminium systems by way of comparison.
Can I combine a galvanised gutter with PVC pipes?
Not recommended — different materials expand at different rates and the joint will come loose after a few seasons. Stick to one material for the whole system.
Related: Gutter installation — full price list, gutters, PVC gutters.