Dismantling is the most tedious item on the quotation and the most common source of surprises. It costs very little — between 3 and 6 euros per linear metre — but it involves two things that nobody factors in beforehand: the cost of removal and what you see once the old guttering has been taken down.
This article is about the second half of the bill.
Prices for guttering removal 2026
The cost of dismantling is calculated per linear metre, separately from the installation of the new system. The price depends mainly on how the old guttering is fixed and how carefully it needs to be removed.
| Type of dismantling | Price (€/linear metre). | ≈ BGN/linear metre. | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC gutters | 3–4 € | 6–8 BGN. | Quickest — the system can be dismantled into its individual components |
| Galvanised guttering | €4–5 | 8–10 BGN. | The staples are often hammered into the board |
| Aluminium / seamless | €4–6 | 8–12 BGN. | Long sections; requires two people to handle |
| Copper / titanium-zinc | €5–8 | 10–16 BGN. | Remove carefully — the material has a resale value |
| Removal of guttering | €3–5 | 6–10 BGN. | Per linear metre in height |
| Removal of a skirting board | 2–4 € | 4–8 BGN. | If it is hidden beneath the roof tiles |
Prices do not include delivery. Exchange rate for comparison: 1 € = 1.95583 BGN.
Transport is a separate item — and it’s not a small one
Old sheet metal doesn’t just disappear on its own. It has to be loaded, transported to a recycling centre, and a disposal fee is paid there. This is a genuine cost, which is listed on a separate line in a proper quotation.
| Position | Price |
|---|---|
| Collection by minibus + depot fee (one trip) | €50–80 |
| Collection using a 4 m³ container (larger site) | €100–160 |
| Loading and clearing the yard | usually included |
| Typical costs for a detached house | €50–80 |
Copper and zinc are the exception. If you are removing a copper or titanium-zinc roofing system, the old material has a scrap value — sometimes enough to cover the entire cost of dismantling and removal. Agree in advance who is entitled to it. If this isn’t discussed, the material usually just goes with the work crew.
What is revealed once the eaves have come down?
That is why the dismantling is carried out before the final price for the installation is quoted, rather than afterwards. There is almost always something underneath the old guttering.
| What is being discovered? | How often | Additional charge |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten headboard — the most common find | at ~40 % from the old systems | 9–14 €/linear metre. |
| A rotten end to the ribbing (the ends of the beams) | at ~15 % | 15–30 € per linear metre. |
| Missing or torn skirt | at ~50 % | 9–14 €/linear metre. |
| Broken edge tiles | at ~25 % | 2–5 € each. |
| Damp or sagging insulation under the eaves | at ~10 % | upon inspection |
Estimates based on typical properties in Bulgaria; your roof may not have any of the items listed.
Therefore, the sensible sequence is: site survey → a quote clearly stating „prices subject to the discovery of hidden defects“ → dismantling → confirmation of the final amount. A quote promising a fixed price for replacing a 30-year-old system, without anyone having looked under the eaves, is usually revised upwards halfway through the job.
Have a look first, then discuss the price
Submit a request and a certified tradesperson will inspect the eaves before giving you a quote. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying even before the first sheet of metal is removed.
When can the old gutter be left in place?
Not every problem requires dismantling. If the system is galvanised, less than 15 years old and shows no signs of corrosion on the bottom, it is often more sensible to repair it:
- A localised leak at a joint — re-soldering or resealing: €15–30 per point.
- A sagging section — adding and repositioning brackets: 5–10 €/linear metre.
- Surface rust — cleaning, priming and painting: 6–12 € per linear metre.
- Blocked drainpipe — removal of leaves and mud: 2–4 € per linear metre.
The maths is simple: if the repair costs more than 50 % of the price of a new system, it’s not worth it. If it’s less than 30 %, it’s almost always worth it.
Can you take down the guttering yourself?
Technically, yes, if the house is single-storey and you have a sturdy ladder. You’ll save around €150–250 on an average-sized house. But there are three things you should know beforehand:
- He is cutting the sheet metal. The edges of an old galvanised guttering are razor-sharp and almost always rusty. Wearing gloves is not just a recommendation, but a requirement.
- The brackets are attached to the headboard. If you pull on them rather than unscrew them, you’ll split the board, and you’ll end up having to pay to have it replaced.
- The rubbish remains your problem. The scrapyard won’t accept sheet metal from private individuals without a receipt; most people end up paying by the vanload anyway.
In the case of a two-storey house, the answer is simple: it’s not worth it. Working at height without safety measures is the very reason why people pay for this service in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove the guttering from a 100 m² house?
With approximately 40 linear metres of eaves and a galvanised system — €160–200 for dismantling, plus €50–80 for removal. A total of around €220–280.
Is the removal included in the price for fitting new guttering?
Almost never. It’s listed on a separate line, and that’s normal. Be wary of offers where it’s not listed at all — this doesn’t mean it’s free, but that it will appear later.
How long does it take?
For a detached house — half a working day to one working day, including loading. Dismantling and reassembly are usually carried out within two days at a single site.
Do I need to remove the roof to replace the gutters?
No. Only the top row of tiles is removed if the eaves board runs underneath them. The rest of the roof is left untouched.
What happens if it rains whilst the system is down?
That is why removal and installation are planned for a single property — the roof is not left without gutters overnight, unless serious damage has been discovered. A single day without gutters does not harm a sound roof, but this should not be done if a storm is forecast.
Continue with: prices for fitting new gutters, prices of drainpipes и roof repair costs.