Gutter cleaning is an essential home maintenance task that helps protect your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping from water damage. But how much does it actually cost to have your gutters cleaned? The price can vary quite a bit based on several factors.

Average Cost of Gutter Cleaning

The average cost to hire a professional gutter cleaning service is typically between $100 and $250 for a single-story home, according to most leading home services websites like HomeAdvisor and Angi. Here’s a quick overview:

Single-story home: $100 to $250
Two-story home: $150 to $350
Three-story home: $200 to $450

However, prices can range from as low as $75 up to $550 depending on the size of your home, how many stories it has, how dirty your gutters are, and additional services needed like gutter repairs. Get free estimates from at least 3 local gutter cleaners before hiring one.

What Impacts the Cost of Gutter Cleaning?

Several variables affect how much you’ll pay to have your gutters cleaned. Key factors include:

Size of Your Home

The main factor determining gutter cleaning prices is the size of your home. More exterior linear footage and multiple stories mean it will take longer to access and clean all your gutters. Two-story homes cost about 1.5 times more than single-story homes on average.

Amount of Debris

How much debris has accumulated in your gutters also impacts the time and effort needed to clean them. Minor buildup can be cleared quickly, while gutters clogged with years of leaves and sediment take much longer to clean out. Tell the gutter cleaner upfront if your gutters are extremely dirty.

Pitch of Your Roof

Steeply pitched roofs are more challenging and dangerous to clean than gutters along a shallow ranch-style roof. Pitched roofs may require additional safety equipment and more time to access gutters safely.

Additional Services

Basic gutter cleaning only involves removing debris. Added services like gutter repairs, downspout unclogging, pressure washing, roof cleaning, and installing gutter guards cost extra. Get an itemized breakdown of exactly what’s included.

Location

Cost of living and labor rates vary across the country. Gutter cleaning will likely cost more in expensive urban areas compared to rural towns.

Difficult Access Points

Complicated rooflines with lots of peaks and valleys make gutter cleaning more time-consuming and challenging. Ladders often can’t reach certain areas, requiring extra equipment like scaffolding or bucket trucks.

Safety Hazards

Risk factors like old roofs, tall mature trees nearby, and steep slopes can make gutter cleaning more dangerous. Additional safety gear and training may be needed to access and clean gutters safely.

Disposal Fees

Most cleaners include debris haul-away and disposal in their base rates. But in some areas, dump fees for removing large amounts of leaves and sediment may add extra costs.

When to Clean Gutters

Spring – Clear winter debris and prepare for rainy season
Summer – Wash out sediment after storms
Fall – Remove fallen leaves before winter snow and ice
As needed after severe storms like hurricanes and snowstorms

Ideally, clean gutters 2-3 times per year depending on your climate and tree coverage. Neglected gutters should be cleaned ASAP to avoid water damage.

DIY Gutter Cleaning Costs

Here are typical costs if you want to clean gutters yourself:

Ladder – $100 to $300
Gutter scoop/trowel – $15 to $40
Protective eyewear – $5 to $20
Work gloves – $5 to $30
Drop cloths – $10 to $30

Total: $135 to $420 for equipment, which can be used for years.

It takes 2-4 hours for most DIYers to clean gutters on a typical single-story home. Consider your fear of heights and physical abilities before attempting.

Is Professional Gutter Cleaning Worth the Cost?

Hiring a pro is often worth the investment for:

Safety – Reduce risk of falls and injuries when working at heights.
Thoroughness – They have right tools and training to access and clean gutters thoroughly.
Time savings – Professionals can clean gutters 2-4x faster than DIY methods.
Peace of mind – Certified technicians ensure gutters function properly.
Convenience – No need to rent, buy or store equipment.
Expertise – They quickly spot minor repairs needed to prevent big problems.

Even with DIY methods, some parts of the roof may be impossible to reach safely. Ultimately, the risk and hassle of gutter cleaning is eliminated by hiring a professional.

Questions to Ask Gutter Cleaning Companies

To find the best gutter cleaner for your home and budget, ask these questions upfront:

Do you offer free quotes and estimates?

Avoid companies that won’t provide a detailed quote for the work upfront. Estimates should be based on an in-person inspection of your home.

What is included in your services?

Ask exactly what tasks are covered in their standard gutter cleaning package vs. extras you’ll pay for.

Do you offer gutter repairs or maintenance services beyond just cleaning?

Some companies offer added services to fix leaks and damage, or help prevent future clogs with gutter guards.

Do you have the necessary equipment to safely access my roof?

Make sure they have ladders, scaffolding or lifts to reach all areas, including multi-story roofs.

Are you insured and licensed as required in this area?

Never hire uninsured gutter cleaners. Ask to see their proof of insurance and licenses.

What are your safety protocols for working on gutters?

Their process should minimize risks of falls and injuries at heights.

Do you provide guaranteed work?

Good gutter cleaners stand behind their work with satisfaction guarantees.

Can I see reviews from past customers?

Check reviews on Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau for the company’s reputation.

Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Gutters

Watch for these clues that your gutters need cleaning:

Water drips over the edges when it rains
Downspouts overflow instead of draining runoff
Dark stains on exterior walls beneath gutters
Mushy spots and erosion developing near foundation
Standing puddles around the house after storms
Gutters overflowing with leaves, sticks and debris
Plants growing inside gutters

Addressing clogs right away prevents more costly damage long-term.

Can Gutter Guards Reduce Cleaning Costs?

Gutter guards install over gutters to block debris while letting rainwater filter through. Types include:

Foam filters
Perforated metal shields
Plastic or wire mesh
Reverse curve gutters

Guards can minimize how often gutters need cleaning, especially if trees hang over your roof. But they don’t eliminate cleaning entirely. Expect to pay:

Basic gutter guards: $4 to $8 per linear foot installed
Full gutter helmet system: $8 to $20 per linear foot installed

Consider DIY gutter guard installation to save on labor fees. Calculate whether the project will pay for itself over 5-10 years based on your gutter cleaning frequency and costs.

Safety Tips for DIY Gutter Cleaning

Follow these precautions for safe DIY gutter cleaning:

Use a sturdy ladder and place on level ground. Have someone hold the ladder.
Wear slip-resistant shoes and disposable gloves.
Don’t overreach to the side. Re-position ladders as needed.
Scoop debris into a bucket, not onto the ground.
Watch for wasp nests, sharp objects, and electrical wires inside gutters.
Never lean ladders against gutters since they can bend and collapse.
Allow gutters to fully dry before sealing any leaks with caulk.
Consider goggles, hard hat and fall restraint system for steep roofs.

Know your limits and when to call 3-5 local gutter cleaners to get quotes for the job. Protecting your safety is most important.

Signs of Gutter Damage to Repair

While cleaning gutters, inspect them for any areas needing repair, including:

Rust spots and holes allowing water to leak
Sagging sections no longer sloped to drain properly
Downspouts pulling away from the house
Leaky gutter seams allowing water penetration
Clogged downspouts preventing proper drainage

Address minor damage right away before it worsens and leads to water intrusion issues.

How Much Does Gutter Repair or Replacement Cost?

Resealing gutter seams – $3 to $5 per linear foot
Downspout replacement – $7 to $12 per linear foot
Section of new gutters – $8 to $15 per linear foot
Full gutter replacement – $1,200 to $5,000+

Get an inspection and estimate for the exact repairs needed. DIY gutter installation is possible for experienced handymen.

When to Call a Pro for Gutter Repairs

While minor leaks and seam splits can be DIY repairs, it’s smart to call a professional gutter contractor for:

Extensive rust, holes or other damage
Long stretches of gutter needing replacement
Structural damage where gutters are pulling loose
Multi-story repairs requiring tall ladders or lifts
Matching new gutters to old for seamless appearance
Complex jobs like box gutters, copper gutters and hidden hangers
Anything requiring power tools you don’t own

Hiring a qualified local handyman to repair your gutters can save thousands of dollars compared to full replacement. Get 2-3 quotes before hiring.

New Gutter Installation Cost

For full tear-off and replacement, new gutter installation costs around:

5” K Style Aluminum – $4 to $8 per linear foot
6” K Style Aluminum – $5 to $9 per linear foot
5” Half-Round Copper – $14 to $18 per linear foot
6” Half-Round Copper – $16 to $22 per linear foot

Prices depend on material, gauge, specialty designs, and local labor costs. Get multiple estimates before starting a new gutter installation project.

Key Takeaways on Gutter Cleaning Costs

Average cost to hire professional gutter cleaners is $100 to $250 for a single-story home
Expect to pay $150 to $550 or more depending on size, height, debris amount, and services needed
DIY gutter cleaning requires an investment in equipment but saves on labor costs
Consider gutter guards to reduce cleaning frequency and long-term costs
Address debris buildup and damage right away to avoid water intrusion problems
Always use caution when working at heights or call a pro to avoid injuries

Keeping your gutters clear and functioning properly is essential to protect your roof, siding, landscape, and foundation from water damage over time. Review gutter cleaning costs annually and budget accordingly.

How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost?