How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost?
$100 to $250 is the typical cost for professional gutter cleaning on a standard home, with the national average around $160. Single-story homes cost $80 to $150, two-story homes run $120 to $250, and three-story homes or properties with severe clogs can reach $200 to $350. Most contractors charge by the linear foot of gutter, typically $1.00 to $2.50 per linear foot, with a minimum service charge of $75 to $100.
Gutter cleaning is one of the most overlooked home maintenance tasks, but skipping it can lead to expensive problems. Clogged gutters cause water to pool around your foundation, creating risks of basement flooding, foundation cracking, and landscape erosion. A $160 cleaning twice a year is far cheaper than the $2,000 to $10,000 that water damage repairs can cost. If your roof is already showing damage from poor drainage, roof replacement runs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on size and materials.
Gutter Cleaning Cost by Home Size
A small home with 100 to 150 linear feet of gutters costs $80 to $150 to clean, while a large home with 250 or more linear feet runs $200 to $350. Home size is the primary pricing factor because it determines the total length of gutters and the time needed to complete the job. The table below breaks down average costs by home size.
| Home Size | Gutter Length | 1 Story | 2 Stories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 sq ft | 100 - 150 ft | $80 - $130 | $110 - $170 |
| 1,500 - 2,500 sq ft | 150 - 200 ft | $110 - $170 | $150 - $230 |
| 2,500 - 3,500 sq ft | 200 - 250 ft | $140 - $210 | $190 - $280 |
| 3,500+ sq ft | 250 - 350 ft | $180 - $270 | $240 - $350 |
Most homes in the U.S. fall in the 1,500 to 2,500 square foot range and have 150 to 200 linear feet of gutters. At an average rate of $1.00 to $1.50 per linear foot for single-story homes, a typical cleaning falls right around the $160 national average.
Cost Factors
$80 to $350 is the full range for residential gutter cleaning, and several factors determine where your job falls within it.
Number of Stories
Two-story homes cost 30 to 50% more than single-story homes because of the additional ladder height, safety equipment, and time required. Three-story homes cost 60 to 100% more and often require specialized equipment like bucket trucks. Some contractors will not service three-story homes at all due to the liability risk.
Gutter Condition
Heavily clogged gutters with packed debris cost 25 to 40% more than a routine cleaning. Light debris from a single season washes out quickly. Moderate buildup with decomposed leaves and some sediment takes longer but is still straightforward. Heavy clogs with compacted debris, standing water, or plant growth require hand removal and sometimes a garden hose flush, adding $30 to $75 to the total cost.
Downspout Cleaning
Flushing downspouts adds $5 to $10 per downspout, or $30 to $80 total for a typical home with 4 to 8 downspouts. Some contractors include basic downspout flushing in their base price, while others charge it as an add-on. Clogged downspouts are often the actual cause of overflow problems, so skipping them defeats the purpose of cleaning the gutters themselves.
Gutter Repairs
Minor gutter repairs cost $75 to $250 per section and are often discovered during cleaning. Common issues include loose hangers ($3 to $5 per hanger), leaking seams ($50 to $100 per joint), and sagging sections ($75 to $200 to re-slope). Some contractors offer repair services during the same visit, saving you a second service call fee.
Location and Season
Rates vary by 20 to 35% depending on your region. Urban areas with higher labor costs charge more than rural communities. Late fall is peak season for gutter cleaning because homeowners want gutters cleared before winter. Booking in mid-summer or early spring can save 10 to 15% since demand is lower. After cleaning, consider having your home's exterior washed too. Pressure washing runs $200 to $500 for most homes and pairs well with gutter service.
Gutter Cleaning vs Gutter Guard Installation
Gutter guards cost $500 to $1,500 to install but reduce cleaning frequency from twice yearly to once every 2 to 3 years. The table below compares the 10-year cost of regular cleaning versus gutter guard installation.
| Option | Upfront Cost | Annual Maintenance | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning 2x/year (no guards) | $0 | $200 - $500 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Mesh gutter guards | $500 - $900 | $50 - $100 | $1,000 - $1,900 |
| Micro-mesh guards (premium) | $800 - $1,500 | $0 - $75 | $800 - $2,250 |
| Foam or brush inserts | $100 - $300 | $100 - $200 | $1,100 - $2,300 |
For most homeowners, mesh or micro-mesh gutter guards pay for themselves within 3 to 5 years. Foam and brush inserts are the cheapest option upfront but degrade faster and still require regular cleaning. Premium micro-mesh guards from brands like LeafFilter or HomeCraft cost more initially but nearly eliminate maintenance for 15 to 20 years.
How to Save Money
$25 to $75 in potential savings is achievable with the right approach. These tips can help reduce your gutter cleaning costs.
- Book twice-yearly service in advance. Many gutter cleaning companies offer 10 to 15% discounts when you schedule both spring and fall cleanings at the same time. Annual contracts lock in pricing and guarantee availability during peak fall season.
- Combine with other exterior work. Ask your gutter cleaner if they also do window washing, roof debris removal, or minor gutter repairs. Bundling services saves a second trip charge, typically $25 to $50. Pair gutter cleaning with a home inspection ($300 to $500) if you are buying or selling.
- Coordinate with neighbors. Some contractors offer 10 to 20% discounts when they service multiple homes on the same street in one visit. Split the travel time savings and everyone pays less.
- Trim overhanging branches. Trees that hang directly over your roofline dump leaves and needles straight into your gutters. Keeping branches trimmed back 3 to 5 feet from the roof reduces debris by 40 to 60% and can extend the time between cleanings.
- Install gutter guards. The upfront cost of $500 to $1,500 pays for itself in 3 to 5 years by cutting cleaning frequency from twice yearly to once every 2 to 3 years.
- DIY on single-story homes. If you have a stable ladder and single-story home, DIY gutter cleaning costs $20 to $50 for a scoop and bucket kit. Never attempt DIY cleaning on two-story or higher homes without proper safety equipment.
Prevent future clogs: Gutter guards reduce cleaning frequency and protect your home year-round.
Shop on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How much does gutter cleaning cost?
Gutter cleaning costs $100 to $250 for most homes, with the national average around $160. Single-story homes typically cost $80 to $150, while two-story homes run $120 to $250. Three-story homes or homes with heavy clogs can cost $200 to $350 or more. Most companies charge based on the total linear footage of gutters and the number of stories.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, once in late spring and once in late fall after leaves drop. Homes surrounded by trees, especially pines or oaks, may need cleaning 3 to 4 times per year. Neglecting gutter cleaning can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and roof leaks that cost $1,000 to $10,000 or more to repair.
Are gutter guards worth the cost?
Gutter guards cost $500 to $1,500 for a typical home and reduce cleaning frequency from twice a year to once every 2 to 3 years. Over 10 years, gutter guards save $1,500 to $3,000 in cleaning costs for most homeowners. They pay for themselves in 3 to 5 years if you currently pay for professional cleaning twice annually. However, gutter guards still need occasional inspection and are not completely maintenance-free.
Can I clean my gutters myself?
Yes, DIY gutter cleaning costs $20 to $50 for a basic ladder and scoop kit. However, working on a ladder is the most common cause of homeowner injuries, with over 164,000 ladder-related emergency room visits per year according to the CPSC. Single-story homes with easy roof access are reasonable DIY projects. Two-story and three-story homes should be left to professionals who have proper safety equipment and insurance.
What happens if you don't clean your gutters?
Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pool around your foundation, leading to basement flooding, foundation cracks, and erosion. Standing water in gutters also causes rust, sagging, and gutter detachment. In winter, clogged gutters create ice dams that can damage your roof and cost $1,000 to $5,000 to repair. Regular cleaning at $100 to $250 per visit is far cheaper than the $2,000 to $10,000 in water damage repairs that clogged gutters can cause.