Gutter cleaning is necessary for a properly maintained home, and it costs an average of $162 to have it professionally done. That exact cost will vary depending on factors like gutter length, geographic location, and more. But your gutters do an essential job of moving water away from your home’s foundation, so it is worth spending the money to have your gutters cleaned a few times a year for maximum efficiency.
In This Article:
- How Much Does Professional Gutter Cleaning Cost Near You?
- Factors that Influence the Cost of Gutter Cleaning
- Additional Services That Can Impact the Cost of Gutter Cleaning?
- How Often Should You Get Your Gutters Cleaned?
- How to Save Money on Gutter Cleaning
- Benefits of Getting Your Gutters Cleaned
- Gutter Cleaning: DIY vs. Professional
- Gutter Guards: The Solution to Gutter Cleaning
- Frequently Asked Questions
- In Conclusion: Is Cleaning Your Gutters Worth the Cost?
How Much Does Professional Gutter Cleaning Cost Near You?
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Like most things, where you live plays a big role in how much you’ll pay for gutter cleaning.Things like the cost of living in your area, labor costs, the climate, and how many trees are near your home can all factor into the cost of gutter cleaning.
Here are the average costs you might pay for professional gutter cleaning in the following states:
| State | Average Gutter Cleaning Cost (2024) |
|---|---|
| California | $140 to $370 |
| Connecticut | $100 to $320 |
| Florida | $90 to $260 |
| Georgia | $80 to $240 |
| Illinois | $90 to $260 |
| Kansas | $80 to $230 |
| Maryland | $100 to $300 |
| Massachusetts | $110 to $320 |
| New Jersey | $180 to $230 |
| New York | $120 to $390 |
| North Carolina | $80 to $240 |
| Oregon | $90 to $280 |
| Texas | $80 to $230 |
| Virginia | $100 to $290 |
| Washington | $90 to $270 |
*For gutter cleaning cost estimates near you, contact your nearest LeafFilter office.
8 Factors That Influence the Cost of Gutter Cleaning
| Factor | Associated Cost |
| Accessibility | 5%-10% more with landscaping around or near the gutters |
| Cleaning frequency | 10%-50% more for irregular cleaning
about $500 for severely clogged gutters |
| Gutter length | $0.95-$1.25 per linear foot
$0.40 per square foot on first floor |
| Condition of the gutters | 10%-50% more for irregularly cleaned gutters |
| Gutter guards | $6-$8 per linear foot to install
may reduce cleaning costs by up to 50% after installation |
| Home height/number of stories | $0.70-$1.30 per linear foot for one-story home $1.25-$2.50 per linear foot for two-story home |
| Roof slope | 15% increase for steeper slope |
| Other costs | $50 to $150 per hour
Labor is about 70% of the total price |
The cost of cleaning gutters will depend on various factors, but on average, U.S. homeowners should expect to pay between $119 and $227 in 2024 for a single gutter cleaning.
How often you clean your gutters, the number of floors in your home, and even travel time can impact the cost of hiring a gutter cleaning professional. Here is a look at some of the factors that can contribute to the cost of gutter cleaning:
1. Accessibility to Roof & Gutters
Using a ladder for anything always comes with some level of risk. If your gutters are easy to access, you’ll likely pay less for gutter cleaning.
On the other hand, if trees are blocking your gutters, thick shrubs surround the base of your home, or your home is on a hill, it becomes more challenging to reach and fully clean out your gutters. For a home with lots of landscaping around the gutters, expect to pay around 5% to 10% more.
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2. How Frequently You Clean Out Your Gutters
You should clean out your gutters once or twice a year at a minimum. Homes near oak trees should have their gutters cleaned out at least twice per year, while homes near pine trees should have their gutters cleaned out four times per year.
A good rule of thumb is to plan to clean out your gutters at the start of each season. Also, anytime there is a heavy storm with high winds and lots of flying debris, inspect your gutters afterward to see if they need cleaning.
If your gutters are seriously clogged from being neglected over time, you can expect to spend 10% to 50% more. You might be looking at a cost upwards of $500 for the extra time and effort it takes.
time and effort it takes.
3. Gutter Length
The length of your gutters will affect the gutter cleaning cost. A single-story home runs between $70 to $120 for gutters that encompass about 200 square feet.
Some companies may charge by the linear foot, usually priced between $0.95 to $1.25 per linear foot.
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4. The Condition of Your Gutters
Expect to pay more if it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned out your gutters. Cleaning out branches, soggy leaves, animal nests, and other debris takes more time. Additionally, if your gutters are older, you may need to replace your worn-out guards, caps, or fascia.
To clear out irregularly cleaned gutters, you could pay 10% to 50% more than the standard cost. Any repairs would also cost extra.
5. If You Have Gutter Guards
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Gutter guards can help reduce the amount of debris that collects in your gutters, making the cleaning process that much simpler (and thus, cheaper). Gutter guards can cost $6 to $8 per linear foot to install.
If you have gutter guards, you could pay 50% less for gutter cleaning because of how straightforward the process is.
Learn more about the cost to install gutter guards.
6. Your Home’s Height
A single-story home will be an easier job, which might cost between $70 and $120.
A two-story home will cost anywhere from $95 to $200 per 200 square feet because it requires more specialized equipment and training to reach the gutters. When you get to three stories or more, the cost is nearly double, between $170 to $425 per 200 square feet.
7. Your Roof’s Slope
The steeper your roof, the higher the gutter cleaning cost. Typically, you’ll see a 15% increase in gutter cleaning cost for a home with a steep roof because of the increase in time, energy, and risk involved.
8. Labor & Travel Costs
The cost of labor will always factor into gutter cleaning costs. Gutter cleaning services typically charge by the linear feet of gutters or by the hour ($50 to $150 per hour). If labor costs are higher in your area, expect to pay more overall.
Materials and equipment are also included in your overall gutter cleaning cost, and some gutter cleaning services will charge a travel fee depending on their service area.
For more, check out “How Much Does Gutter Installation Cost?”
Additional Services That Can Impact the Cost of Gutter Cleaning
Downspout Cleaning
Cleaning your downspouts usually isn’t part of a standard gutter cleaning. Downspout cleaning is more involved than gutter cleaning because the downspout is enclosed and more difficult to access, so the process requires specialized tools. You would need to ask for downspout cleaning in advance and can expect to pay $50 to $100 more.
Downspout Installation
You may need to replace your downspouts or install additional ones if your current setup can’t handle the load from the gutters. You might pay $5 to $20 per linear foot for a new downspout.
You can also opt for downspout drain covers to help prevent this vertical section of pipe from clogging. That will cost an additional $10 per downspout.
Gutter Repairs
Over time, gutters can sag or become damaged. You may have to pay $100 to $250 to fix issues like rust, dents, or loose fixtures.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
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You’ll want to clean out your gutters three times a year on average or at the change of seasons.
If you live in a milder climate or don’t have many trees near your home, you could get away with cleaning out your gutters twice a year. Installing gutter guards can reduce gutter cleaning to a simple wipe-down once or twice a year.
What Time of Year is Best for Gutter Cleaning?
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You can clean your gutters any time of the year. Experts advise the best time to clean your gutters is in the fall when leaves are falling and in the spring after snow and ice have melted. Since gutter cleaning services are in high demand in the fall and spring, expect to pay more.
To save on costs, have your gutters cleaned in the winter. With demand down in most parts of the country, you’ll find lower prices and, most likely, a few seasonal promotions.
Winter is also an excellent time to maintain your gutters, especially in colder parts of the country. Ice and snow build-up can quickly cause damage to your gutter system and roof.
For those living in areas more susceptible to wildfires, you’ll want to be mindful of keeping your gutters clean throughout the spring and summer. Regularly cleaning debris out of your gutters can help minimize the chances of flying embers from igniting in your gutters. Visit CalFire’s Ready for Wildfire website for more information on wildfire safety, preparation, and state codes.
The best time to clean out your gutters is in the fall and in the spring after the snow and ice have melted. Winter is also an excellent time to maintain your gutters, especially in colder parts of the country. Ice and snow buildup can quickly cause damage to your gutter system and roof.
For those living in areas prone to wildfires, keep your gutters cleaned out throughout the spring and summer. Regularly cleaning out debris can help minimize the chances of flying embers igniting in your gutters.
Visit CalFire’s Ready for Wildfire website for more information on wildfire safety, preparation, and state codes.
Here are some signs it’s time to clean out your gutters:
- You see built-up debris.
- Your gutters overflow when it rains.
- Water isn’t flowing from your downspouts.
- You notice evidence of leaking around your roof, siding, yard, pavement, crawl space, or basement.
- Your gutters are damaged or pulling away from your roofing.
- You see weeds growing in your gutters.
How to Save Money on Gutter Cleaning: 6 Tips
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Here are six ways to save money on gutter cleaning:
- Time your gutter cleanings for off-peak seasons like summer or winter when demand and costs tend to be lower.
- Ask neighbors for professional gutter cleaner referrals to find the best rates.
- Get quotes from at least three local companies and compare gutter cleaning prices.
- Inquire about discounts for first-time customers or packaged deals.
- Install gutter guards to prevent debris from entering your gutters and reduce maintenance demands.
- Professional gutter cleaning provides the best and most thorough results, but if you want to try cleaning out the gutters yourself, you can do so using a ladder, gutter scoop, garden hose, or other gutter cleaning tools. This should only be attempted with single-story homes.
Being proactive and smart about booking gutter cleanings can lead to big savings over time. A little effort goes a long way toward preventing costly gutter issues.
10 Benefits of Getting Your Gutters Cleaned Out
Clogs inside your gutters can become a costly issue for any homeowner, which is why you should clean out gutters regularly.
Let’s look closer at the 10 main reasons homeowners should routinely clean out their gutters.
1. Prevent Water Damage
Clogs inside your gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your attic, walls, and foundation. This can lead to mold growth, damaged roofing, flooded basements, and many other costly repairs.
Cleaning out your gutters periodically throughout the year prevents debris buildup and ensures rainwater and melting snow will flow away from your house properly.
It also helps to avoid water damage by preventing excess water from traveling into your home through crevices and cracks in the siding.
2. Prevent Foundation Damage
Clogs inside your gutters often means water starts to pool around the foundation of your home, which can cause settlement and cracks in the foundation. Water can seep into basements and crawl spaces, resulting in flooded areas, mold growth, and damage to contents stored in these spaces.
Regularly cleaning out your gutters prevents overflow and diverts water away to protect your home’s foundation.
3. Avoid Roof Damage
Debris in gutters leads to water backup under roof shingles. This traps moisture against the roof structure and, over time, causes wood rot, lifting shingles, and roof leaks.
Proper gutter maintenance allows for adequate roof drainage to prevent costly structural damages.
4. Prevent Mold and Mildew
Overflowing gutters during storms can soak exterior walls and windows. This creates damp conditions ideal for mold and mildew growth on siding, trim, and other areas.
Regular gutter cleaning removes debris from inside your gutters so water can flow away from the home properly.
5. Fire Prevention
Clogged gutters are a fire hazard, especially in areas with pine trees and leaves. Flying embers may ignite built-up debris inside your gutters, so keeping your gutters free of debris is especially important for homeowners who live in wildfire-prone areas.
A gutter guard protection system can greatly reduce the risk of fire by keeping flammable debris buildup out of your gutters.
6. Avoid Pest Infestations
Standing water and debris attract mosquitoes, carpenter ants, termites, and other pests. They nest in clogged areas and can enter through fasciae into attics and ceilings.
Meanwhile, rodents like squirrels are attracted to debris-lined gutters as prime areas to nest and feed. Blockages also enable access onto roofs and into attics.
Routine cleaning removes these enticing habitats for pests.
7. Help Prevent Ice Dams
When melting snow cannot drain, it refreezes at night along eaves and gutters. Layers of ice buildup called “ice dams” trap more water, causing leaks and roof damage.
By keeping gutters cleared out, ice dams are less likely to form.
8. Preserve Landscaping
Clogged gutters lead to overflow and water runoff, which erodes soil around foundations. This damages landscaping via washout of topsoil, plants, and trees.
Properly draining and well-maintained gutters prevent erosion and landscape damage.
9. Keep Up Curb Appeal
Clean gutters are visually more appealing and enhance a home’s curb appeal. Potential buyers notice deferred maintenance like peeling paint or gutters overflowing with debris. Regular cleaning makes a great impression for a faster, higher–value sale.
Overall, timely gutter cleaning is essential maintenance to extend the life of your roof and entire home.
10. Help Avoid Costly Home Repairs
Neglected gutters allow moisture issues to cause all types of expensive repairs, from landscaping restoration to full roof replacement.
Regular gutter cleaning is a necessary home maintenance task that helps prevent costly repairs due to water damage over time.
Gutter Cleaning: DIY vs. Professional
Cleaning out your own gutters may seem the easiest and cheapest option because the only costs are your time and equipment, like a ladder and trowel. But the truth is, cleaning out your gutters yourself comes with added risks, including the possibility of falling off the ladder.
Ladder falls are one of the top reasons for emergency room visits. This is especially dangerous for those with multi-level homes. That’s why it’s best to leave the gutter cleaning to the pros.
Professional gutter cleaners are more experienced on high ladders and have the proper equipment to safely lean, reach, and clean out debris while on the ladder. A gutter cleaning pro will also be able to identify any damage.
Having your gutters cleaned out regularly by a professional will ensure your gutters look good and work properly for years to come. You won’t have to worry as much about water leaks, clogs, pest infestations, or damage to your home, which makes it worth the cost.
Gutter Guards: The Solution to Gutter Cleaning
Hiring professional gutter cleaners several times a year can be costly, but a hands-free alternative to cleaning out your gutters exists. A gutter guard protection system like LeafFilter® will protect your gutters from dirt and debris, allowing only water to get in.
Installing the proper gutter guards reduces the amount of debris that gets in the gutter. While most gutter guards allow some dirt and debris to enter and tend to clog, LeafFilter® gutter guards feature a micromesh filter that does not let any debris get in while continuing to allow water to flow through.
No gutter is entirely maintenance-free, but a gutter guard can greatly minimize the cleaning required. With LeafFilter® gutter guards installed, you may only need to wipe off your gutters once or twice a year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do most people charge to clean gutters?
The average professional gutter cleaning cost ranges from $80 to $250 for a single-story home, and $150 to $400 for a two-story or multi-level home. Pricing varies based on several factors like home size, location, amount of gutters/downspouts, roof pitch, and ease of access.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice per year – once in the spring and once in the fall. For homes with lots of overhanging trees or in rainy climates, more frequent cleaning (every three to four months) may be required.
You should also check your gutters after severe storms and clean them out as needed if you notice any overflow.
Are gutter guards a good idea?
A gutter guard system reduces debris buildup and simplifies maintenance. High-quality gutter guard systems prevent most leaves and pine needles from entering gutters, directing water flow into the gutter instead, which means less frequent cleanings are needed.
Consider factors like climate, trees on property, roof pitch, and price when deciding whether gutter guards are a good addition for your home.
How can I find a trustworthy gutter cleaner near me?
To find reputable gutter cleaning companies near you, follow these steps:
- Search for local companies that offer gutter cleaning.
- Check their background and reviews on websites like Yelp, Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.
- Schedule appointments for multiple free quotes from your top choices.
- Check if they are properly licensed and bonded by asking for a license number and contacting their insurance company to confirm their status.
- Ask questions during the inspection and estimation process to see how they handle customer service.
- Compare quotes and choose the best company at the right price for you.
What does gutter cleaning include?
Gutter cleaning includes removing all debris from your gutters and gutter guards and inspecting them for leaks, sags, and clogged downspouts. After the job is done, they’ll clean up any fallen fasteners or other waste.
What happens if you don’t clean out your gutters?
Not cleaning out your gutters can lead to leaks, water damage to your home, and even foundation damage. Your home insurance may not cover the water damage if they determine it resulted from neglect. Clogged leaves and debris in your gutters can foster mold and mildew growth, which can rot your fascia board. If you live in a cold climate, you may also get worse ice dams in winter.
In Conclusion: Is Cleaning Out Your Gutters Worth the Cost?
Keeping your gutters cleaned out is vital to protecting your home. If your gutters are clogged with debris, you’re more likely to see water damage to your roof and/or foundation. A damaged foundation can cost you upwards of $5,000 in repair costs, but annual gutter cleaning costs are much lower.
While you can clean out your gutters yourself, it’s best to have a trusted professional do the work. Professional gutter cleaners have the experience and proper equipment to clean out your gutters safely, and they can quickly identify any potential problems.
If you’d like more information on gutter cleaning costs or installing LeafFilter® gutter guards, call us today at 1-844-714-2061.
Editor’s Note: This post has been completely revamped with up-to-date gutter cleaning cost averages and current industry trends.
