How long are gutters depreciated on an insurance claim?
How an adjuster depreciates gutters
Gutters and downspouts are separate lines on the estimate, priced per linear foot. Depreciation follows the same age over life formula as the roof: a 10 year old aluminum system given a 25 year life is depreciated 40 percent. Hail usually dents gutters rather than ruining them, so the first question is whether the estimate replaces the whole system or only the dented runs.
Recoverable or not
Gutters attached to the house are part of the dwelling, so on a replacement cost policy their depreciation is normally paid back after you replace them. That changes only if an endorsement in your policy settles them at actual cash value, so read any roof or exterior endorsement for the items it names.
Tax depreciation
- Your own home: no depreciation; new gutters add to your cost basis.
- Residential rental: gutters are treated as part of the building and depreciated with it over 27.5 years.
- Nonresidential building: 39 years.
What gets missed on gutter lines
- A life expectancy shorter than the material warrants
- Downspouts, elbows and end caps left off
- Gutter guards, and the labor to detach and reset gutters during a roof replacement
- Dented fascia wrap behind the gutter
Dented gutters also help prove hail size; see hail size and roof damage. For sizing and guard options when you replace them, read gutter sizing and guards.