Gutter installation vs pressure washing for exterior drainage

Water stains on your siding or foundation splash-back? The fix might be new gutters, a pressure wash, or both. Compare what each service solves.

Gutter installation ($6–$15 per linear foot, $1,000–$2,500 for a typical home) solves the root cause: directing rainwater away from siding, foundation, and landscaping. Properly sized and pitched gutters with downspout extensions prevent the staining, splash-back, and erosion that make exteriors look dirty. Seamless aluminum gutters last 20–30 years. Gutter guards ($7–$20/ft additional) reduce maintenance. Pressure washing ($200–$600 for a full house) cleans the symptoms: removes existing algae, mildew stains, dirt, and splash marks from siding and foundation walls. Results are immediate but temporary — without gutters directing water away, the staining returns within months. The smart play: install or repair gutters first (stop the water from hitting the siding), then pressure wash (remove existing stains). Skipping gutters and pressure washing annually costs $200–$600/year indefinitely. Installing gutters once ($1,000–$2,500) and pressure washing every 2–3 years ($200–$600) saves money long-term and protects the foundation from water damage ($5,000–$15,000+ in repairs if left unchecked).