The average cost of professional gutter cleaning is about $162 per appointment, according to LeafFilter, but you could pay anywhere between $80 and $390 depending on your location and your home’s structure. Cleaning your gutters is an essential home maintenance task, but it’s also something homeowners may not want to deal with themselves. Read on to learn what you could pay for professional gutter cleaning services and factors that influence pricing.
Find Gutters Cost Help
- Use our expert research to learn more about your gutters project
- Enter your ZIP code or select from one of the top rated providers below
- Match with local experts who can meet your needs
Get Your Gutter Project Quote Today
Compare quotes from local gutter pros
Clicking “Get Your Estimate” submits your data to Home Service Quotes, which will process your data in accordance with the Home Service Quotes Privacy Policy.
Gutter Cleaning Cost
The national average cost of gutter cleaning is about $162 per appointment when you work with a professional team. However, this average price doesn’t tell the whole story about what you’re likely to pay for service. Depending on factors like your location, the size and structure of your home, and any added services you need, you could pay as little as $75 for gutter cleaning or $300 or more.
Here’s a quick overview of general price ranges for home gutter cleaning:
| Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|
| $75–$120 | $130–$190 | $200–$400+ |
What Factors Affect Gutter Cleaning Costs?
In addition to gutter length, numerous secondary factors can affect your gutter cleaning costs. Anything that makes a gutter cleaning job more difficult or lengthy will increase your project’s price. A quick inspection of your gutters to search for leaves and other debris can usually tell you if a cleaning is needed.
Number of Stories in Your Home
The number of stories in your home also plays a role in the price you’ll pay for gutter cleaning. In general, you can expect to pay more for a cleaning if your home has multiple stories. Most professional services charge a higher rate per linear foot to clean gutters located on the second or third story of a house, as special equipment and training are often needed to access these areas. Learn more about gutter cleaning costs by home size below:
| House Size | Cost Range per Linear Foot | Total Gutter Cleaning Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 story | $0.70–$1.30 | $70–$120 |
| 2 stories | $1.25–$2.50 | $95–$200 |
| 3 stories | $1.75–$2.75 | $170–$425 |
Gutter Condition
Debris builds up over time inside unprotected gutters. This debris will become waterlogged, causing your gutters to hold increased weight. Left unchecked, the gutters can detach from the roof and collapse. Repairing damaged gutters, such as replacing fascia or reattaching gutters to your roof, will increase cleaning costs. Gutters in good condition will cost less to clean.
Location
The cost of labor makes up about 70% of the total price of gutter cleaning, according to LeafFilter, which makes sense when you consider the amount of climbing and raking involved. Your location also plays a role in gutter cleaning pricing because the state you live in largely determines labor rates.
As a general rule, homeowners in states with a higher cost of living pay more for gutter cleaning. For example, Texas residents can expect to pay between $80 and $230 per cleaning appointment. The same services cost between $140–$370 in California and between $100–$320 in Connecticut—two states with some of the highest average costs of living in the country.
Additional Services and Fees
Depending on the condition of your home’s gutters and the type of company you hire, you could owe additional charges for necessary services and fees, including:
- Downspout flushing ($75–$150): Flushing ensures downspouts are completely clear of blockages, which can prevent water from backing up and causing roof or foundation damage. Some gutter cleaning services include flushing with the cost of service, while others charge for it as an add-on if needed.
- Roof debris removal ($75–$250): Leaves, pine needles, and branches often accumulate on a home’s roof, and can quickly wash back into cleaned gutters if not removed. Removing this debris can also extend the life of the cleaning and prevent future clogs, especially after storms or in heavily wooded areas. Depending on the size of debris and the slope of your roof, gutter cleaning companies can remove debris for an added charge.
- Minor gutter repairs ($75–$250): This includes resealing joints, rehanging loose sections, tightening brackets, or patching small holes. Some service providers may allow you to bundle gutter repair services with your cleaning, or will charge for repairs separately depending on the severity and materials needed.
- Gutter guard installation ($4,000–$6,000): Gutter guards are protective covers that sit over your gutters to block leaves and debris while still allowing water to flow through. Prices vary widely depending on the type, material, and installation process involved, and may represent a significant upfront investment. However, gutter guards can also greatly reduce the amount of time and money spent on gutter cleaning solutions over time.
Other Cost Factors
The area around your home and how often you clean your gutters can impact your price.
- Accessibility: You’ll see higher labor rates and service fees if the area around your roofline is difficult to access. Common accessibility issues include trees blocking your gutters or thick shrubs around the base of your home.
- Cleaning frequency: Regular gutter cleaning is key to shaving costs. Gutters that haven’t been cleaned in a while require more attention than gutters cleaned frequently. You should have your gutters cleaned twice per year. You’ll only need to clean them once every year or so if you have gutter guards.
- Landscaping: Homes built on steep slopes are more difficult and dangerous to work on. This increased risk will result in higher labor rates and service fees.
- Season: Autumn is the peak time for gutter cleaning services. High labor demand will increase costs. Scheduling a gutter cleaning after demand slows down may decrease your rate.
How To Save Money on Gutter Cleaning
If you’ve decided to hire a professional to clean and maintain your gutters, here are a few tips to keep costs down:
- Check with friends, family, and neighbors for referrals to local gutter companies with low costs.
- Consider annual contracts for gutter cleaning. Planning for the expense now might save you money in the long run.
- Install gutter guards to keep out debris that can clog your gutters and lead to more expensive cleaning and repairs.
- Look for coupons or seasonal promotions online.
- Look for discounts for seniors, veterans, teachers, or first responders on company websites.
- Shop for at least three free cost estimates from gutter cleaning companies and compare to find the lowest price.
- Undertake regular gutter maintenance to keep them in good condition and lower costs.
Is Gutter Cleaning Worth It?
Keeping your gutters clean can help protect your home from water damage. When gutters clog, water can overflow and seep into your roof, walls or foundation—leading to issues like wood rot, mold, and even severe structural damage. While it may not seem like the most crucial home maintenance task, cleaning your gutters on a schedule that works with your local climate can help you avoid costly damage in the long run.
Michael Feazel, the CEO of Roof Maxx, elaborates on these risks:
“When gutters become blocked without allowing proper flow, water will overflow and seep into the home’s structure, which will of course cause wood rot [and] mold growth and even compromise the foundation,” he said.
If you have trouble keeping up with your gutter cleaning schedule, we recommend considering professional services. Depending on your area and home construction, you could pay as little as $75 for a cleaning appointment that saves you hours of time spent on a ladder. No matter if you opt for professional help or you go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route, it’s important to establish gutter cleaning as a regular part of your property maintenance.
Why is it important to keep your gutters clean?
Are Gutter Guards Worth It?
If you’re looking for a more long-lasting solution to gutter clogs, gutter guards are an investment worth considering. Gutter guards introduce a physical barrier that prevents debris from getting into your gutter system while also allowing water to pass through. This translates to less gutter cleaning while also maintaining a safe, hygienic property.
While gutter guard installation often costs thousands of dollars upfront, this investment can pay for itself over time through decreased cleaning needs. This can especially offer benefits if you live in an area with more tree cover or where gutter cleaning services are in high demand. For a more budget-friendly solution, DIY gutter guards are also available online and in most home maintenance supply stores.
DIY vs. Professional Gutter Cleaning
DIY gutter cleaning is typically cheaper than hiring a professional. However, cleaning gutters yourself can become time-consuming and dangerous, especially if you have a steep roof. Hiring a professional is faster and more convenient.
“Hiring a professional gutter cleaner saves time and reduces safety risks, as working on a ladder can be dangerous for homeowners,” says Feazel. “Professionals have the right tools and experience to thoroughly clear debris and check for hidden issues.”
Professional Gutter Cleaning
Pros
- Trained and equipped to work safely at heights, which reduces homeowner risk
- Saves homeowners the time it would take to gather supplies, climb up and down ladders, and rake gunk out of your gutters
- Cleans gutters more completely, flushes downspouts, and checks for blockages or drainage issues
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than cleaning gutters yourself
- Service quality will vary by the provider and requires letting strangers onto your property
- Appointments for gutter cleaning services can book up fast, especially if you live in a heavily wooded area
DIY Gutter Cleaning
Pros
- Eliminates labor costs and creates a more budget-friendly option
- Gives you a close-up look at your roof, gutters and fascia, which can help you spot minor issues before they become bigger problems
- Offers more control over service timing since you can clean your gutters on your own schedule
Cons
- May become a time-consuming and physically challenging task that can last at least two hours or longer
- Presents a safety risk as falling from a ladder is a serious hazard, especially on multi-story homes or uneven ground
- Flushing out downspouts or removing debris may become difficult without commercial-grade tools
What are the pros and cons of hiring a professional gutter cleaner compared to DIY cleaning?
Expert Insights and Tips
What is the importance of gutters?
What services should homeowners consider when looking for a gutter company, and what should they watch out for?
FAQs About Gutter Cleaning
How often do you need to clean your gutters?
Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice per year, while gutter systems with gutter guards installed only need to be cleaned once a year or so.
Are gutter guards worth it?
Gutter guards are worth it for homeowners who want to make gutter cleaning easier and less frequent. Gutter guards may not be worth it for homeowners who live in arid climates or who don’t receive much rainfall or debris around their homes.
What is the average cost to clean gutters per linear foot?
The average cost to clean gutters is $0.95–$2.25 per linear foot.
Can clogged gutters cause damage to my home?
Yes, clogged gutters can cause damage to your home. Clogs in your gutters result in overflows and water damage that can hurt your home’s foundation, soil, shingles, fascia, and other structures.
How long does professional gutter cleaning take?
Professional gutter cleaning usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour depending on the size of your property. If your home is more than 5,000 square feet in size, expect gutter cleaning to take between 2–3 hours.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on information obtained from companies such as LeafFilter, local gutter contractors, and estimates from Angi and Modernize.
