How much is gutter cleaning?

The prices in the table and graphic above are national average gutter cleaning prices. Source: Thumbtack data

Gutter cleaning is a critical maintenance task for homeowners, helping to prevent clogs, water damage, and potential structural issues. If you're curious about the cost of gutter cleaning, you're in the right place.

In this guide, you'll learn how gutter cleaning services determine prices. We'll dive into the factors that typically impact costs so that you're prepared. Plus, we'll give you tips on saving money when hiring professional services.

Gutter cleaning companies typically charge a fixed (not hourly) rate. To determine this price, professionals consider various factors. Two common factors are the home's square footage and the length of the gutters.

The national average cost of gutter cleaning ranges from $0.09-$0.12 per square foot, according to Thumbtack data. However, some gutter cleaning projects cost $0.15-$0.22 per square foot on the high end and $0.06-$0.08 per square foot on the lower end.

Professional gutter cleaners may ask for your home's size to accurately determine the cost.

"I typically price out the home according to the home's square footage," says Shawn Myers, owner of Skilled Pugs Pressure Wash & Gutter Cleaning in Cartersville, Georgia.

For example, it costs an average of $150 to $250 to clean the gutters on a U.S. home that's 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Meanwhile, the national average cost to clean the gutters on a larger home that's 4,000 to 5,000 square feet is $240 to $400.

Here's a look at gutter cleaning costs by home or property size:

Source for gutter cleaning prices by property size: Thumbtack data

Sometimes, a professional may determine their pricing after measuring the length of your gutters. Pros who use this pricing method "must first go to the house and walk off the gutter footage," says Tom Nielsen, owner of Nielsen Gutter Cleaning in Hyattsville, Maryland.

"Walking off the gutter means pacing the length of the gutter from the ground," explains Tom. "Calibrate one step equals 3 feet of length."

In his area, most homes have about 100 to 300 linear feet of gutters. So, "if the price is $1.25 per linear foot, then the price range is $125 to $375."

When contacting pros for gutter cleaning cost estimates, ask them if they charge by your home's square footage or the length of gutters. However, keep in mind that professionals will consider other factors when creating a quote.

In addition to home size and gutter length, several other factors can impact the cost of gutter cleaning services. These factors include:

1. Home height.

The taller your property, the more you can expect to pay for gutter cleaning. Taller buildings may require more equipment, which can increase the total price. They may also take longer to clean, which increases labor costs. Also, the potential safety risks can influence pricing.

"I will typically increase the price if I need to use a harnessing system to complete the job or if I would have to use longer ladders to complete a job that's 32 to 40 feet high," says Shawn.

Our data found the national average cost of gutter cleaning based on how many stories the home has:

2. Home complexity and gutter accessibility.

The more complex your home is, the more dangerous and labor-intensive cleaning its gutters can be. "Some houses tend to be more complex than others, so this would lead to increased costs for gutter cleaning," says Shawn.

For example, "Is the roof walkable, or will I have to either harness up or move my ladder 20 times to clean the gutters? This will determine the final price," explains Shawn. “We always want to be 100% safe. So, customers will tend to pay a lot more if they know that cleaning their gutters will take quite a bit of risk to complete the job."

Similarly, difficult-to-access gutters may require specialized equipment, impacting the overall cost.

3. Condition of the gutters.

The condition of your gutters can also affect the cost. If gutters are in poor condition, severely dirty, or need repairs, a pro will spend more time and effort cleaning them properly.

How long has it been since the last time you cleaned your gutters? If it's been a while, you might have to pay more for cleaning due to built-up debris and clogs. Heavily clogged gutters filled with debris require more cleaning time and effort. This can lead to higher costs due to the increased labor and resources needed.

"Sometimes, customers will wait five years between cleaning," says Shawn. "This will increase the cost since it takes a lot more work to clear the debris in the gutters."

Regular gutter cleaning is key to keeping your long-term costs low.

4. Additional services and repairs.

When you get your gutters professionally cleaned, you may discover a few other issues you must address.

"Reconnecting a downspout or loose section of gutter should be a nominal fee, $10 to $40," says Tom. "All other repairs or adding screens need to be evaluated onsite during the job."

Pro tip: Always ask about what services your pro offers when chatting with them. For instance, Shawn's company offers gutter cleaning, fixing clogged downspouts, roof leaf blowing, and minor repair services in its quotes.

However, major repairs (like fixing a gutter that's hanging from the fascia) will be a separate cost. You might also need to hire a professional gutter repair service for the job, says Shawn.

Some homeowners choose to clean their gutters and downspouts instead of hiring a professional service to save money. Before deciding whether to DIY gutter cleaning, consider the pros and cons:

Required tools and safety precautions. You'll need basic tools such as a sturdy ladder, gloves, a scoop or trowel, and a hose to clean your gutters properly. Safety precautions are crucial, as working at heights can be dangerous. Wear non-slip shoes, secure the ladder properly, and avoid overreaching or leaning too far.

"The risk of falling off a ladder is the thing that scares anyone the most," says Shawn. "I used to hire pros to clean my gutters because I didn't ever want to risk falling and breaking a bone and not being able to work because I was injured trying to save a few dollars. It's best to leave gutter cleaning to the professionals with the proper training and equipment."

Limitations and potential risks. While DIY gutter cleaning can save money, it may not suit everyone. Some gutters are difficult to access or require special equipment for proper cleaning.

Without professional training, you may not notice leaks or damage that could result in expensive repairs.

Time and effort involved. DIY gutter cleaning can be time-consuming, especially for large homes or multiple stories. It requires physical effort to climb the ladder, remove debris, and clear clogs. Depending on your gutters' condition, the process may take several hours or even days.

Before embarking on a DIY gutter cleaning project, evaluate your abilities, time availability, and gutters' condition. If you're unsure about DIY-ing this project, hire a professional service to do it safely and effectively.

If hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is out of your budget, don't fret — you may be able to find some ways to save. Use these tips:

Look for discounts. Take advantage of any seasonal discounts and promotions. Some companies offer discounts to repeat customers or customers who select additional services.

"I offer repeat discounts and combination discounts for pressure washing and gutter cleaning," says Shawn.

Compare quotes. Comparing quotes from multiple providers is always a good idea when hiring a gutter cleaning service. Getting quotes from different companies can help you understand the average cost of gutter cleaning in your area and find the most budget-friendly option.

However, remember that the lowest price doesn't always guarantee the best quality service. Consider the reputation and experience of the service providers as well.

Be honest with your pro. Sometimes, it pays to be transparent with your pro when you're on a tight budget. Your pro may empathize with you and come up with an agreement to help ensure your gutters get cleaned.

"I'll also work with customers on Thumbtack if they need the service but just can't afford it right now," says Shawn. "I know how it feels when money is tight."

Perform regular maintenance. This is key to preventing major issues with your gutters and can help you save money in the long run. Clean your gutters often to avoid clogs and damage. Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt to prevent costly repairs or replacements.

Neglecting to clean your gutters can lead to various problems that are both costly and time-consuming to fix. Knowing when to clean your gutters can help prevent damage and keep them working well.

Overflowing and leaking. 

Accumulated debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can block water flow, causing water to overflow from the gutters. This leads to water damage on your roof, walls, and foundation. Regular gutter cleaning prevents this problem and protects your home from costly repairs.

Sagging gutters.

Sagging or detached gutters are another sign that cleaning is necessary. Clogged gutters filled with debris can become heavy, causing them to sag or detach from the fascia board. This not only affects the functionality of your gutters but also poses a safety risk.

Plants or pests in your gutters. 

This is a clear indication that cleaning is needed. Debris in gutters creates a moist environment ideal for plant growth. Additionally, clogged gutters can attract pests such as birds, mosquitoes, and rodents. Keeping your gutters clean eliminates these unwanted guests and maintains a healthy gutter system.

Regular gutter cleaning protects your home from water damage, structural issues, and pest infestations. If you're unsure how to clean your gutters or don't have the time, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning service.

If you don't have experience cleaning gutters (or don't feel like doing it this time), skip DIY and hire a pro instead. Here are the top-rated gutter cleaning services near you — contact a few pros to start receiving free estimates. 

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