Rain gutters, those easily-forgotten trenches that hang off the edge of your roof, protect your roof, walls and foundation from excess rainwater. When they get clogged with leaves, sticks and other wind-blown debris, they can no longer direct water away from your walls and foundation, and may become homes for pests and insects. They also become heavy enough to pull away from the house, preventing proper rainwater drainage and spoiling the appearance of your home. Experts recommend inspecting and cleaning your gutters twice a year, once in spring and once in fall, as part of your regular landscaping schedule. Gutter cleaning and maintenance is a fairly easy DIY job for some homeowners, especially on one-story homes. However, professional gutter cleaners have ladders tall enough to safely reach rain gutters, as well as the necessary tools to clean out the downspouts. Most gutter cleaning professionals can also make any necessary quick repairs.

Professional gutter cleaning and maintenance should be done once or twice a year to remove debris and check for damage to the roof and gutter. The national average cost for rain gutter cleaners ranges from $100 to $130. A number of factors affect the costs, including the combined length of the gutters, the size of the house, the location of the gutters, and any risks posed to the professional cleaner. Some companies based their cost estimates on the linear square footage of the gutters; for example, 200 linear square feet of gutters on a standard, single-story ranch-style home costs an average of $125 to clean. The cost goes up for second- and third-story gutters and those in hard-to-reach places, like a roof with an unusually steep pitch. Expect to pay at least $100 more than standard prices if cleaning your home’s gutters requires extra safety precautions. Because spring and fall are gutter cleaners’ busiest seasons, some gutter cleaning and maintenance companies offer discounts during summer and winter months.

Gutter cleaning and maintenance is an important part of keeping up a home. Not only are clogged gutters unsightly, they can also lead to water damage in the house’s walls and roof. The best way to prevent that is to clean your gutters at least twice a year — experts recommend making it part of your spring cleaning and fall landscaping schedules. In the fall, trees lose their leaves and, in the spring, release seedpods and flower petals, all of which tend to end up in rain gutters. It’s a good idea to also have a professional gutter cleaner clear out your downspouts, too; clogged downspouts can make gutters backup and overflow.