How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost?
The average price for gutter cleaning ranges from $75 to $390, with a national average of $163. Gutter cleaning is a process that has to be done seasonally to remove debris, like leaves and twigs, and to inspect for damage.
Factors Impacting Gutter Cleaning Costs
The overall cost of gutter cleaning involves many variable factors. Some of them include the layout of your house and the gutter’s type and conditions.
Number of Stories
The number of stories of your house is an important budgeting element. Here’s an estimate of gutter cleaning prices based on 200 linear feet of gutters:
- For a single-story house: $70 – $100
- For a two-story house: $95 – $225
- For a house with three or more stories: $170 – $425
Gutter Length
The average length of gutters is around 125 to 200 linear feet. However, contractors tend to measure the house footage instead of the gutter’s length. The average price per square foot is $0.40 for the house’s first floor. For a second floor, the average cost is $0.80 per square foot.
Gutter Conditions
The conditions of the gutter can increase the overall price of the cleaning. Homeowners could pay 10% to 50% more of an average budget if the gutter hasn’t been cleaned in two or three years. This happens when channels have obstacles like branches or rocks. Getting rid of them can be more complicated and take longer than an average cleaning.
Gutter Type
The type of gutter can significantly affect the cost. Seamed or sectional gutters tend to have an accumulation of debris on their connections with the seams. They cost 10% to 25% more than the average price to clean than seamless gutters.
Slope
The roof’s pitch where the gutters are affects the overall cost of gutter cleaning. A steeper slope can increase the final price by 15% more than an average one. The price elevates because the cleaning crew must carefully get on the slanted surface.
Accessibility
If your house has a single story and one floor, expect to pay a price near the average minimum. However, the more stories and feet the house has, the more the contractor will need more time and effort to get to the complex parts.
Labor and Equipment
The labor cost will depend on local labor rates and the gutter’s layout and length. It’s also influenced by the season. The contractor’s materials for a standard gutter cleaning service can cost around $20 and $50. When cleaning the gutters by yourself, materials costs are higher. Buying an extension ladder, for example, can cost about $300 to $400.
Gutter guards
Installing gutter guards can cost around $6 and $8 per linear foot. A 200-foot screened system has an average price between $1,200 to $1,600.
Gutter guards reduce the significant part of the debris. They prolong the gutter’s lifespan. Since they don’t remove all the waste, they must be swept periodically. You may have to add screens to your gutters if you live in a high-debris area.
Additional Cost Factors to Consider
Additional add-ons and services in gutter cleaning can prevent damage and debris buildup. They may increase the final cost of gutter cleaning but can help you save money in the long run by taking care of your gutters.
Frequency
Gutters should be cleaned every two to three years. If you don’t clean them regularly, the job will be longer and need more effort. Contractors may even have to clean them by hand. For this, homeowners can pay up to 10% to 50% more.
Gutter Inspection
Some contractors must inspect your gutters to ensure the gutters work correctly and recommend gutter repairs or replacements. If your house needs it, gutter replacement costs around $4 to $30 per linear foot.
Downspout Cleaning and Installation
Downspout cleaning adds an average extra cost of $50 to $100. They clean themselves when the cleaning crew flushes the gutters. However, they can get clogged and need special care. Downspouts are important for the gutter systems because they transport the rainwater away from the house.
Seasonality
The peak seasons for gutter cleaning are autumn and spring. In autumn, falling leaves clog gutters. While in spring, melting snow pushes debris into the gutters. Hiring a gutter cleaning crew during peak season can cost 10% to 50% more.
Travel Fees
Some contractors take into consideration the distance and charge travel fees. If you live in a rural area outside the contractor’s service area, you can expect to pay a little more than the average price for the service.
Gutter Cleaning Costs: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Many homeowners get the gutter cleaning done by themselves when their houses have one story and one floor. However, when the layout is more complicated, some costs include paying for an extension ladder (around $300 and $400). Not to mention the potential accidents.
Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service saves time and assures the work is well done. The contractor will inspect the gutter’s state or suggest some add-ons. They have experience using ladders in intricate places and correctly cleaning the gutters and downspouts.
Gutter cleaning is an affordable service that covers your roof and overall home. Cleaning your gutters reduces mosquitos, rodents or any other pests that prefer to live in stagnant water. It also stops overflow and prevents water damage. If you want to clean your house’s gutters, contact the best gutter cleaning services.
FAQs
How much do most people charge to clean gutters?
The average price for gutter cleaning ranges from $75 to $390, with a national average of $163. Contractors budget a gutter cleaning service depending on local labor rates, the layout of the house (footage, number of stories and floors), gutter length and season. Also, if the gutter hasn’t been cleaned in two or three years, the price increases because of the debris amount. Also, add-ons like downspout cleaning add an average extra cost of $50 to $100.
What is the cheapest way to clean gutters?
The cheapest way to clean gutters is going DIY. However, you can find some expenses for materials and increase the chances of an accident. Ensure you hire them during an off-peak season (not in autumn or spring). Installing gutter guards is a significant long-term investment that will help with the debris and reduce labor costs.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Gutters should be cleaned every two or three years. Two years is a good time, even if you live in an area with intense seasonal debris.