How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost? | 2024 Guide
Typical costs range from $80 to $400.
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Gutter cleaning costs typically range from $80 to $400, but many homeowners will pay around $200 on average. Adding additional services, such as downspout cleaning, can tack on another $50 to $100. The cost of gutter cleaning can also be expressed by linear foot. In this case, the average cost of hiring a gutter cleaning professional is $1.04 per linear foot of gutters.
At this cost, you may wonder why it is necessary to routinely have your gutters cleaned. Clogged gutters fail to function at peak performance, leading to costly issues down the road. Roof leaks, rotted fascia boards, and flooded foundations are a few of the problems that result from neglecting to maintain your gutters. Climbing a ladder and cleaning gutters is a dangerous task and hiring a professional is often the way to go, despite the cost. Another option is to add gutter guards which can greatly reduce the frequency of necessary gutter cleaning.
Note: Pricing was calculated from data published by Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Fixr. The actual cost of gutter cleaning in your area may vary.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Best Gutter Companies of 2024
Each gutter cleaning company has strengths, weaknesses, and associated costs, which are reflected in our star ratings. The following table compares our favorite gutter companies.
| Product Image | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeafFilter |  |  | A+ | Visit Site | |
| LeafGuard |  |  | A+ | Visit Site | |
| Gutter Guards America |  |  | A+ | Visit Site | |
| All American |  |  | A | Visit Site | |
| HomeCraft |  |  | B | Visit Site |
| LeafFilter | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Product Image |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| LeafGuard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Product Image |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Gutter Guards America | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Product Image |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| All American | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Product Image |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A |
| HomeCraft | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Product Image |
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| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
What is the Average Gutter Cleaning Cost?
Major Cost Factors of Gutter Cleaning
No two gutter systems are alike, and a variety of factors influence the cleaning cost. Gutter length and height are two of the most important determinants in gutter cleaning cost, but they aren’t the only ones.
Other variables, such as the amount of debris, obstructions to the work area, and local labor costs, affect gutter cleaning prices. Following are some important factors to consider regarding gutter cleaning costs.
| Factor | Associated Cost |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | 15% or more, depending on numerous factors |
| Cleaning Frequency | $500 or more, depending on severity |
| Downspout Cleaning and Extra Services | $50–$100 or more per service |
| Gutter Guards | $1,400–$4,600 or more |
| Length and Number of Stories | 20%–60% |
| Other Cost Factors | 15%–20% |
Factor 1: Accessibility
Do you have a large tree limb looming over a section of gutter or a fence that makes ladder placement difficult? Any obstacles that encroach on the workers’ ability to do their jobs will add to the cost of the job. Additional risk factors that contractors will consider include rain gutter accessibility, roof slope, and the number of stories.
Likewise, the slope of your land can create a challenging environment to work in. If part of your house was built on a hill, for example, the gutter technicians must take extra time and care to stabilize the ladder and carefully make their way down your gutter runs.
Factor 2: Cleaning Frequency
Most homeowners need to clean their gutters two to three times per year, depending on the intensity of local weather and common types of debris in the area.
If you haven’t been maintaining proper gutter cleaning frequency, there’s likely a lot of debris and clogs to clean out. Cleaning out neglected gutters takes more time and effort and therefore costs more.
Factor 3: Length and Number of Stories
One of the biggest factors in determining the cost of cleaning your gutters is the length of the gutters. Gutter length is measured in linear feet, and the average home has 200 linear feet of gutters. The more linear feet there are to clean, the more expensive the job will be.
Gutter height is also an important factor. Second—and third-story gutters place technicians in more precarious positions, and they must be extra careful and purposeful about their work.
First-story gutters typically cost as much as $1.31 per linear foot to clean. Second-story gutters can cost up to $1.79, and third-story gutters can cost as much as $2.73 per linear foot.
The table below shows the average gutter cleaning cost per linear foot by the height of a home.
| Height of Home | Low-End Cost | Average Cost | High-End Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Story | $0.48 | $0.90 | $1.31 |
| Two Story | $0.85 | $1.32 | $1.79 |
| Three Story | $1.40 | $2.07 | $2.73 |
Factor 4: Gutter Guards
Installing gutter guards greatly reduces the maintenance efforts associated with keeping your gutters clear of debris. “We have encountered many examples of properties that require cleaning on a more regular schedule due to debris,” says Niki O’Brien, operations manager at Custom Exteriors. “If additional cleanings are needed regularly, gutter guards may be a reasonable choice in spite of the costs.” Gutter guards are available in different designs and styles, with micro-mesh options generally considered the best gutter guards on the market.
With a professionally installed micro-mesh gutter guard, your gutter system will be sealed and less prone to clogging. However, debris will still collect on top of the mesh screen and need to be swept off occasionally. Temporary options, such as foam or brush gutter guards, will need to be removed from your gutter before cleaning.
Factor 5: Downspout Cleaning and Extra Services
Clearing downspouts isn’t typically included in standard gutter cleaning because the debris should flow through your downspouts and away from your home. However, if you have a tree branch, rocks, or other debris stopping proper downspout flow, you can request your cleaning service take care of it.
Most companies can clean downspouts and perform additional services on the ladder, such as reinforcing sagging gutters with extra hangers, adding end caps, and replacing missing fasteners. Anything extra will be factored into the total cost of the job, often costing an additional $50 to $100.
Other Potential Cost Factors
Several other minor factors can impact the total cost of your gutter cleaning. These secondary factors typically include minor charges, such as those for cranes or long carry fees. Other circumstances can also lead to higher labor rates, such as if you have a nonstandard gutter or roof type. These fees are harder to quantify since their impact on your bill is typically small and can vary wildly between companies. In general, we expect the total cost of minor or secondary cost factors such as these to be around 15% of your bill.
Here’s an overview of these additional cost factors:
- Crane fees: The technicians may have to use cranes or other special equipment to access your gutters.
- Long carry fees: The crew may have to carry equipment a long way to the jobsite.
- Nonstandard system fee: The workers may have to work on a nonstandard roof or gutter system and take special care not to damage it.
- Off-hour fee: The technicians may have to work outside of standard hours.
- Scaffolding fee: The crew may have to erect scaffolding to work on your system.
Pros and Cons of Gutter Cleaning
Pros
- Helps prevent pests such as termites, ants, bees, and mice
- Keeps the system performing at peak efficiency
- Prevents water damage to other home systems, including fascia, soffits, and your foundation
Cons
- Can be time-consuming when doing it yourself
- Carries a risk of injury when doing doing it yourself
- Is expensive for larger homes
Professional vs. DIY
Anyone with a ladder, trowel, and keen sense of balance can clean gutters by themselves. It’s pretty easy to do, at least in principle. However, in reality, many things can go wrong during do-it-yourself (DIY) gutter cleaning.
Risks and Challenges of DIY Gutter Cleaning
Performing any work atop a ladder is dangerous, especially if you don’t have previous experience. You may not be comfortable leaning to the left or right as you attempt to remove as much debris as possible before resituating your perch. Professional gutter cleaners have ladders of the appropriate style and height to complete the job as safely and efficiently as possible.
If not done properly, DIY gutter cleaning can lead to serious injury or damage to your property. Not only can you fall off of your ladder, but if you’re cleaning in the summer months, roof systems can get hot, and there is a serious risk of heat stroke. Additionally, you can damage your roofs, gutters, underlayment, or fascia if you’re not careful. Some roof warranties can also be voided if the lowermost layer of shingles (nearest to gutters) is damaged by lifting, manual removal, or other accidental damage.
Tips and Best Practices for DIY Gutter Cleaning
If you’re comfortable working on a ladder and have all the appropriate tools to clean a gutter system, then it’s a task that can be completed in a few hours. We recommend following these best practices when cleaning gutters:
- Find a stable, dry area to place your ladder. If possible, rest your ladder on your home’s siding and not your gutter system because the gutters are less stable, and the ladder can cause dents. Ladder stabilizers are also valuable tools that increase safety and improve stability.
- Limit the number of times you need to ascend and descend your ladder.
- Use a tool belt or bucket to keep your tools with you on the ladder.
- Wear the proper protective equipment, including: Face masks, eye protection, and thick, waterproof gloves
- Work from the outside in. Start cleaning at one endcap, working toward the middle of the gutter section. Once you reach the middle, stop, move to the opposing side, and work toward the middle again. This way, you avoid pushing debris into your downspouts.
- Work in the morning before it gets too hot.
- Work with a spotter.
Professionals will bring power washers and other tools to the jobsite that DIY kits and garden hoses can’t compete with. They’ll also lend a trained eye to your gutters’ condition, letting you know of budding issues—such as sagging, leaks, or pests—before they become major headaches. Because of this, it’s worth the cost for most homeowners to outsource this job to the pros. You should get a free quote from at least three gutter cleaning services, and check that they have valid insurance and licensing.
Gutter Cleaning FAQ
What are the benefits of gutter cleaning?
Gutters capture rainwater and route it safely away from your home, but they also entrap pests and debris that prevent them from working as intended. The benefit of gutter cleaning is that it makes clogged gutters function properly again, preventing costly water damage to your roof and fascia, basement flooding, and pest infestations.
How often should you have your gutters cleaned?
Most homeowners should have their gutters cleaned at least once in spring, once in fall, and potentially once more in early summer, depending on the amount and type of pests and debris in your area. Keeping an eye on your gutters can help you set a cadence you feel comfortable with.
How do you know when to get your gutters cleaned?
You need to get your gutters cleaned when debris buildup starts to restrict water from flowing away from your home. If you notice weaker water flow from your downspouts and extenders, it’s time to have your gutters cleaned. The presence of staining, mold, mildew, fungi, or insects are additional indicators that organic matter may be decomposing in your gutters.
What do gutter cleaning jobs typically include?
Gutter cleaning jobs typically include assessment and maintenance in addition to debris clearing. When you hire a professional gutter cleaning service, they will clean your gutters and inspect them to ensure everything is in good condition. They’ll check for leaks, sagging gutters, and clogged downspouts to determine whether additional gutter repair is necessary. When they’re done, they’ll clean up any fallen debris, fasteners, or waste to leave your landscaping looking as good as they found it.
How can you find a trustworthy gutter cleaning professional?
To find a trustworthy gutter cleaning professional, follow these steps:
- Search for local gutter cleaning companies.
- Collect a small list of promising candidates.
- Check their customer service reviews on independent review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, or Google Reviews.
- Check their state license status through your state government’s contractor license lookup tool.
- Schedule an appointment for a free quote from at least three providers.
- Ask each representative if their company is properly licensed and bonded. Each one should be able to provide a license number or card. You can then contact their respective insurance company to confirm their status.
- Compare quotes to find the best company for the most reasonable price.
- Call and schedule your gutter cleaning appointment.
How We Chose the Top Gutter Guard Providers
We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies to create an in-depth review methodology. We formulated a rating system based on the factors homeowners find most important. We evaluated each provider’s gutter guard design and aesthetics, service offerings, customer service and communication, quote process, warranties, and financing options.
We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. We evaluated these guards based on their quality of materials, aesthetics, communication, warranty, customer reviews, and cost.
We evaluated each provider’s reputation using independent, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business pages. For products, we analyzed the customer reviews on whichever online retailer primarily hosts the product.
