Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is an essential piece of home maintenance with far-reaching implications for your property’s well-being, not to mention improving curb appeal. Neglecting this task can lead to issues such as mold growth, roof leaks, foundation damage, landscape damage, unwanted pests, and more. The average cost of gutter cleaning typically falls within the range of $100 to $360. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the factors that influence gutter cleaning prices.
Factors Affecting Gutter Cleaning Prices
The average cost a homeowner can expect to pay to have their gutters cleaned is $166, but as stated previously, there are a number of factors that can increase the average cost of gutter cleaning. Let’s break down the factors that influence gutter cleaning prices below.
Gutter Type
Gutters typically come in two options, seamed and seamless. Seamed gutters are constructed in sections and are more difficult to clean because debris tends to pile up at the seams. Newer homes typically come with seamless gutters and are easier to clean because they lack the sectional buildup issue.
Gutter Dimensions
In general, the more gutters you have the more expensive it will be to clean. Most homes have 125 to 200 linear feet of gutters, but larger homes, depending on the square footage, could have more. Additionally, the wider the gutter the more expensive gutter cleaning costs will be. Gutters typically range between four to six inches wide, with five inches being the standard. Wider gutters accumulate more debris, making them more difficult to clean.
Number of Floors
Cleaning gutters on single-story homes is easier and safer compared to homes with a second or third story. For a one-story home, expect to pay gutter cleaning costs between $0.40 and $1.00 per linear foot. If you have a two-story home, the cost typically ranges from $0.60 to $1.60 per linear foot, and finally a three-story home may charge $0.80 to $2.00 per linear square foot.
Roof Type and Accessibility
Most gutter cleaning companies take an overhead approach when accessing gutters. This results in a slightly higher cost for cleaning gutters on a sloped roof—typically an increase of five to 10 percent. Steeper slopes, however, can see a surcharge of up to 15 percent. Finally, expect to pay more if you have landscaping, including trees and hedges, that make gutter access from a ladder more difficult.
Condition of the Gutters
If you’ve skipped a gutter cleaning or two, expect to pay 10 to 50 percent more as it will take gutter cleaners longer to remove the amount of buildup accumulated or clear any clogged gutters. If this is the case, consider adding gutter guards in the future, which help reduce the amount of debris that accumulates in your gutters.
Labor and Materials
Many gutter cleaning companies come with their own materials including an extension ladder, which can cost up between $300 to $400, and other miscellaneous items, totaling between $20 to $50. Labor costs, however, will account for up to 70 percent of your gutter cleaning bill, especially if you book the job during a peak gutter-cleaning season.
Additional Gutter Cleaning Costs to Consider
Beyond the specifics of gutter cleaning, there are a few other additional costs to keep in mind.
Inspections
Before cleaning, many gutter cleaning companies will inspect the condition of your gutters, looking for any signs of leaks, damage, and how the gutters are sloped. They will recommend gutter repair or replacement if necessary, generally ranging between $4 to $30 per linear foot.
Downspout Installation and Cleaning
Downspouts are an essential part of the gutter system, transporting water away from your home to protect both your home’s fascia and structural integrity. If your gutter system needs stabilized with a downspout installation, expect to add $5 to $10 per linear square foot to the total bill. If your downspout needs an extension further away from the home, it’ll cost around $5 to $15 per unit.
Cleaning downspouts are even more difficult than cleaning gutters. Generally, if your gutters are free of clogs, downspout cleaning won’t be necessary. However, in the event of a clogged downspout, be prepared to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 for the service.
Time of the Year
Gutter cleaning has two peak seasons, namely autumn and spring. In the fall, falling leaves cause clogs, while melting snow causes debris to accumulate in the spring. If possible, you can save by scheduling your gutter cleaning during the off-season, such as early summer or early winter.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
When it comes to how often should you clean your gutters, professional gutter cleaning services recommend twice a year, depending on the foliage around your home and the climate of your geographic location. Homes under multiple trees may opt to clean their gutters three times a year, whereas other homes without any foliage might get by with cleaning their gutters only once a year.
Save Money on Gutter Cleaning
Spending money on gutter cleaning isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Follow these trusted tips from Taskers to help you save when it’s time for another cleaning.
- Shop around: Gathering multiple quotes is always a great way to find the most cost-effective option.
- Install gutter guards: Gutter guards limit the amount of debris that get into your gutters, leading to simpler cleanings.
- Ask for referrals: Ask your neighbors about positive gutter cleaning experiences and get a potential referral discount.
- Ask for first-time deals: Many companies offer deals for first-time customers.
- Bundle services: Consider packaging your gutter cleaning with other yard and garden tasks or other additional services to potentially receive a bundled deal.
Gutter Cleaning DIY vs Hiring Help
Some home designs opt for a simple gutter cleaning, but not every home boasts gutters that are easy to clean or access. Paying for your gutters to be cleaned is relatively inexpensive compared to a trip to the emergency room. For the sake of safety and peace of mind, reach out to a Tasker for your gutter cleaning needs and to keep your yard as a place you love. Taskers have hours of experience in ladder safety and can address gutter issues before they lead to any damage.
Gutter Cleaning Cost FAQs
What is included in gutter cleaning?
Gutter cleaning typically includes gutter and downspout inspection, thorough removal of debris from both gutters and downspouts (including flushing), and disposal of all waste from the job.
What happens if gutters are not cleaned?
It is not recommended to skip more than one gutter cleaning. Delaying gutter cleanings can lead to costly structural damage including roof damage, roof leaks, water damage, mold growth, foundation issues, increased pest problems, ice dams, and more.
Can I clean the gutters myself?
If your home allows for a safe gutter cleaning job you can certainly tackle the job yourself. However, why spend a precious weekend afternoon on the job when you can enlist the help of a Tasker for a more efficient and convenient solution?
