How much does it cost to clean gutters?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

When it rains, snows, or hails, all the water that lands on your house must go somewhere. If not directed and funneled to an appropriate location, it could seep into your roof or walls, causing structural problems. This is why homeowners choose to install gutters. Gutters are crucial in keeping your house dry with no water damage. They work to move all precipitation away from your home into the downspouts, which then move the water to the ground. For gutters to work properly, they should be cleaned at least twice a year, in the fall and spring, to remove all debris. Fallen leaves, twigs, and dirt can quickly dam up a gutter system, causing it to malfunction.

The national average cost to clean gutters is between $200 and $400. Most people pay around $300 to clean 150 linear feet of gutters with minimal buildup on a two-story house. At the low end of the spectrum, you can expect to pay around $70 to inspect and clean 100 linear feet of gutters on a single-story house when there is no buildup. At the high end, you can pay up to $650 for cleaning and debris removal of 200 linear feet of hard-to-access gutters on a single-story house with a clogged downspout and some gutter repairs.

Cleaning Gutters Price

Gutter Cleaning Price per Foot

Cleaning gutters costs $0.70 to $1.50 per linear foot for cleaning first-story gutters. This price increases the higher you go in the home. Cleaning gutters on a two-story home is $1.50 to $2.50 and $2.50 to $3.20 for three stories. The total cost depends on how many feet of gutters you have in your home because prices are charged per linear foot. The more linear feet of gutters you have, the more you can expect to pay. Generally, every 100 sq.ft. of a home has 10 linear feet of gutters. For example, a 1,500 sq.ft. house will have approximately 150 linear feet of gutters, while a 2,000 sq.ft. home will have around 200 linear feet of gutters.

The cleaning process for gutters is very straightforward. First, the technician leans a ladder against your house and climbs up with the necessary tools, manually removing debris using a gutter scoop or brush. Once any caked-on debris is loosened and removed, a stream of pressurized water flushes out the remaining dirt. The water is directed toward the downspout, where it travels to the ground. If the downspout is clogged, the technician uses special tools to free the clog. This service usually incurs an additional charge. Once the gutters and downspout are clean, the technician sweeps up any debris that landed in your yard. It is also the time for a full inspection, which checks for problem areas that need repairing and confirms that the slope of the gutters is correct.

Gutter Cleaning Prices by House Height

House height is a big determinant of the price to clean gutters, with the average cost of gutter cleaning ranging between $105 and $480 for a home with 150 feet of gutters. Additional charges apply for homes with more than two stories. Professionals have to use more advanced tools and safety equipment and spend more time reaching the higher floors. The extra height requires extension ladders, specialty tools, and a second worker to help clean the gutters, which increases the cost. Hiring a professional service provides experienced technicians who can get the job done quickly and efficiently, giving you peace of mind. The following table shows how much the price per linear foot increases for two- or three-story houses.

Gutter Cleaning and Repair Cost

Average gutter repair costs range between $100 and $250 depending on what needs to be fixed, making the total costs $220 to $500. The gutter condition is another factor that influences the cost. After cleaning, the technician conducts a gutter inspection. Depending on what they find, you may need to pay for repairs like re-affixing loose gutter hangers to the fascia board or replacing rusted, warped, bent, or broken gutter sections. Minor repairs add around 15% to the quote. However, if your gutters require larger repairs, your costs will increase, and you may have to hire a separate repair service. The inspection done after cleaning gives the professional an opportunity to reassess the gutter’s slope and condition. Minor damage or leaks can be caught early during the inspection, so repair costs are minimal.

Cost to Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged downspouts frequently add to basic cleaning charges for gutters by $50 to $100, making the total cost $170 to $350. If your downspout is not clogged, the cleaning should be included in the standard flat-rate quote. Cleaning includes the following tasks: clearing out and inspecting your gutters, unclogging downspouts, repairing fasteners and seals, and removing dirt and debris. When shopping around and deciding which gutter cleaning company to hire, confirm their per linear foot cleaning rates. Tell them how many linear feet of gutters and downspouts you have.

Roof and Gutter Cleaning Cost

Gutter and roof cleaning costs between $650 and $1,100. When getting a quote, ask about a potential discount for scheduling both a gutter and roof cleaning at the same time. Many gutter-cleaning companies also service roofs, so you can combine both cleaning services in a single visit. Many companies that offer both services have reduced rates for bundled services, so your costs may turn out lower. Roof cleaning removes lichen, moss, stains, and other debris lodged on your rooftop.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how quickly leaves, branches, and other debris get caught in your gutters. Professionals recommend cleaning gutters a minimum of twice a year to protect the health and longevity of your gutters. Most homeowners choose to schedule these cleanings for the early spring and fall to prepare the gutters for the rainy seasons. If you live in an area with frequent wind and rain, you may need to schedule an additional summer cleaning. You can also consider having your gutter system divert rainwater into a dry well area to prevent the gutters from clogging or overflowing. An extra cleaning may also be necessary after a particularly large storm.

Consider how much debris your cleaners remove from the gutters each time and any damage they find. If your gutters or downspouts are routinely filled or clogged, it is time to add another cleaning to your yearly schedule. In addition, if your landscaping includes many trees or tall trees that deposit leaves and twigs into your gutters regularly, the cleaning frequency should also increase. Discuss with the professional gutter cleaning company about the potential of price increases if large bushes or trees get in the gutter technician’s path when cleaning the gutters.

Benefits of Gutter Cleaning

Aside from allowing the water to flow freely away from your home, gutter cleaning has many other benefits. Cleaning the gutters prevents structural damage by channeling water away from the roof, foundation, and other parts of your home. It also prevents water from infiltrating your home and causing mold and rot. And because standing water puts a strain on the gutters, you remove the additional pressure put on them by having them cleaned.

The debris accumulating in the gutters is a nesting place for various insects and pests. Rotting debris also creates organic matter that may seep into your drinking water and contaminate it. Cleaning the gutters protects your family’s health, which may be harmed by the bacteria and diseases brought by insects, pests, or water contaminants. Plants and tree seedlings also ruin the home’s curb appeal. Regular cleaning prevents the growth of tree seedlings, plants, and fungi that may mar the aesthetics of your home

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Gutter Maintenance

The most important maintenance is having the gutters cleaned regularly by a professional company. These professionals ensure that no debris or water accumulates in the gutters and water is safely channeled away from your home. However, you can do some things to prevent or remove any buildup. You can buy a gutter cleaning scoop and climb on a ladder to remove the debris in your gutters. You can also use a telescopic hose wand that attaches to a spray hose and can be used to wash the gutters. A telescopic claw is also an option if there is more buildup. Heavy-duty pressure washers, blowers, and vacuums can be used to remove the leaves from the gutters.

Many professional cleaning companies that cover gutters provide maintenance contracts that offer repeat customer discounts, so you can get a lower rate when using the same service provider. When you hire a professional, they will inspect the gutters for obstructions to ensure they can efficiently channel water away from the foundation. You can also do regular inspections to ensure the gutters and downspouts are not clogged, loose, or sagging. Any signs of corrosion, cracks, or gaps require sealing with a gutter seal. While doing a visual inspection, make sure that the downspouts and gutters are affixed to the structure and fascia board, so they can be properly cleaned without becoming loose.

How to Measure Gutters

When you get quotes for having your gutters cleaned, the first question they will ask is how many linear feet of gutters you need cleaned, followed by how many stories your house is. If you do not know how long your gutters are, you need to measure them. The easiest way to measure gutters is to use twine or string and have an assistant. Have the other person hold one end of the twine against the gutter edge while you go to the other end of the gutter. Mark the length of the gutter on the twine. Go to the next gutter and repeat the process, starting from where you marked the end of the first gutter. Once all gutters are measured, total the length of the twine. Measure the downspouts as well and have those numbers available when you call to request a quote.

Enhancements and Improvement Costs

Gutter Guard

Installing gutter guards costs $2.60 to $18.50 per linear foot. A gutter guard ensures that leaves and debris will not fall into the gutter trough. The guards, also called gutter covers or gutter screens, depending on the style, allow water to flow into the gutters while blocking larger debris. This decreases the chances of gutters clogging and makes cleaning faster. It can also extend the gutter’s lifespan.

Gutter Repair

Professional gutter repair is normally charged by the hour, ranging from $50 to $150 per hour. Many factors determine the cost of gutter repairs. These include the time needed, how many fasteners are required, how many caps require resealing, and how many outlets need repairs. Frequent maintenance and cleaning prevent damage to your gutters, saving you money in possible repair costs.

Downspout Repair

Repairing downspouts is usually inexpensive, costing between $20 and $100. Downspouts are an important part of the whole system. Properly functioning downspouts divert the water from the gutters to the ground away from your home. If some part of the downspout is damaged, water will not be able to flow away, which can lead to leaks, clogs, overflows, and other damage to the gutters and home structure.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Debris removal. Before hiring a professional service to clean your gutters, consult with them to ensure they include removing all debris in their quoted price.

• Project complexity. If the ground below your gutters is unstable, steeply sloped, or difficult to maneuver due to shrubs, trees, or other landscaping features, it will take longer to set up and move the ladders and cost more.

• Gutter slope. If standing water lingers in the gutters, the slope is off. The cleaning professional will adjust the gutter hangers so the water flows freely toward the downspout.

• Damaged fascia. If damage or rotting is seen on the fascia boards, it is recommended to have the wood replaced or treated using wood preservatives.

• DIY. DIY gutter cleaning is less expensive and allows you to do the project whenever you have time. This can be a time-consuming project, require specific tools, and increase the risk of injury. Never work on a roof that is icy or wet because you could slip and fall. Also, avoid working in windy conditions because a sudden burst of wind could knock you off the ladder.