How much does gutter cleaning cost? Complete pricing guide

Clogged gutters can cause more than a mess — they can create expensive headaches like basement flooding, cracked foundations, and mold growth. Routine gutter cleaning keeps water moving freely and shields your home from costly problems. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of gutter cleaning, what affects the price, and when you should schedule it. You’ll also find smart tips to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Key takeaways 

• Average cost for a 1-story home: $150–$250
• Average cost for 2–3 stories: $250–$400+
• Typical per-foot rate: $1.00–$1.50 per linear foot
• Best way to save: Clean twice a year or add gutter guards to reduce long-term costs
  

How much does gutter cleaning cost on average?

Most homeowners pay between $150 and $250 for a single-story home under typical conditions — though complex access or heavy debris can push the cost closer to $300–$350. 

Pricing is typically quoted per linear foot, averaging $1 to $1.50/ft, with higher rates for taller homes and difficult access. The total price depends on the size of the house, the gutter cleaner, the length of the gutters, and the location.

For a two-story home, you can expect to pay between $250 and $400. For a three-story home, higher gutters mean prices reach up to $600+. 

Calculating the cost of gutter cleaning

Want to know exactly what gutter cleaning will cost for your home? Here’s a simple step-by-step way to estimate your price before you call a contractor.

How to calculate the cost of gutter cleaning for your home:

1. Measure your gutter length. Walk the perimeter of your home or check your house plan. Most single-story homes have ~150 ft of gutters, two-story homes ~200 ft, and three-story homes ~250 ft+.
   
2. Check your home height. Add 20–60% to the base rate if your home is 2–3 stories or has steep/complex rooflines.
   
3. Find the price per linear foot in your area. Typical range is $1.00–$1.50 per linear foot depending on region, access, and contractor.
   
4. Factor in gutter condition. Well-maintained gutters stay at the base price. Moderately clogged adds 20–40%. Heavily clogged adds 40–75%.
   
5. Add extra services if needed. Repairs and additional services will cost extra.

• Downspout flushing: +$50–$100.
• Hauling away debris: +$25–$75.
• Minor repairs: +$100–$300.

Use the table below to calculate additional costs on top of your base rate ($1.00-$1.50 per linear foot).

Cost by frequency

How often you clean your gutters also has a big impact on what you’ll pay each time. Homeowners who keep up with seasonal cleanings (spring and fall) usually pay less per visit because debris hasn’t had time to build up. If gutters are ignored for years, compacted leaves, mud, and blockages can make a single cleaning much more labor-intensive — and expensive.

Here’s how the costs add up for a typical one-story home with ~150 linear feet of gutters:

Factors that affect the cost to clean gutters

Gutter cleaning costs vary significantly depending on several key factors that affect the job's complexity, time required, and labor needed. Here's a breakdown of these primary factors:

Gutter length and type

Gutter cleaning is usually priced per linear foot, so the longer your gutters, the higher the total cost. Most contractors charge $1.00–$1.50 per linear foot, though that can vary depending on your region and the gutter type.

In addition to length, the gutter type affects cleaning cost:

Seamed gutters: More prone to clogs at the joints, making them harder and more time-consuming to clean. Prices usually fall between $175 and $325 for an average home.

Seamless (continuous) gutters: Easier to clean because they don’t have joints that trap debris. Cleaning costs are typically lower, averaging $150 to $225. Some contractors may even offer a 10%–25% discount for joint-free gutters.

Home height and roof accessibility

Single-story homes are the least expensive to clean because the gutters are easier to access and require less setup. In contrast, multi-story homes increase cost significantly — three-story homes or those with very steep roofs can cost 30-60% more than single-story jobs. The added height raises safety risk, time required, and equipment needs (ladders, lifts, scaffolding). Homes with complex rooflines or difficult access can incur an additional 10-20% surcharge for setup and safety.

Gutter condition and cleaning frequency

If your gutters have been neglected and left clogged with debris, expect the cost of cleaning to increase — professionals often charge ~10% to 30% more, and in extreme cases it can reach up to 50% higher. The extra time required to clear compacted leaf build-up, flush downspouts, or access blocked sections drives the surcharge.

Regular maintenance — cleaning your gutters at least twice a year (typically in spring and fall) — helps prevent costly surcharges and keeps your gutters flowing properly.

Additional services that increase the price for gutter cleaning

These additional services also increase the gutter cleaning cost, depending on the extent of the work required and any extra maintenance needed.

Downspout cleaning and installation

Downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation, preventing damage and maintaining proper drainage. They must be cleared of debris, as blocked downspouts can cause water to overflow, damaging the gutters and surrounding area. 

Cleaning downspouts typically adds an extra $50 to $100 for standard service. If you’re installing new downspouts or replacing damaged ones, expect about $6 to $30 per linear foot for standard materials (aluminum/vinyl), with premium materials or difficult access pushing prices higher.

Repairs and inspections

A standard gutter cleaning removes debris and ensures proper drainage — but if the technician uncovers issues like sagging gutters, rusted sections, leaks, or loose brackets, you’ll likely incur extra repair costs. Minor fixes often range from $100–$300, while more extensive repairs (multiple sections, access challenges, or replacements) can run $300–$600 or more.

Gutter guards 

Gutter guards help reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning and, over time, can lower your maintenance costs by 20–50% in areas with heavy debris. Installing gutter guards generally runs $6–$13 per linear foot for standard material and labor. Premium systems may cost $15–$20+ per foot, depending on type and access.

When is the best time to clean rain gutters?

The best times to clean your gutters are in the fall — after the last leaves have fallen, and in early spring — after the last snow has melted. These seasons coincide with the times when gutters are most likely to be clogged with leaves, twigs, pollen, and other debris. On the other hand, fall and spring are peak seasons, so you may end up paying 10% to 50% more than during off-peak times. 

To save money, schedule gutter cleaning during off-peak seasons when many companies offer discounts or promotions. It can also be a good idea to install heating cables in gutters during winter to prevent ice from forming and ensure proper drainage. 

If you live in wildfire-prone areas, leaving pine needles and other dry debris in your gutter is risky, as they can be a fire hazard. Clean your gutter regularly and install gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and reduce gutter cleaning frequency.

The costs of DIY vs professional gutter cleaning 

Some homeowners choose to clean their gutters themselves to save money, while others prefer to hire professionals for efficiency and safety. Each option has trade-offs.

DIY cleaning can cost as little as $0–$50, assuming you already own a ladder and gloves. If you need to buy supplies, expect closer to $75–$150 (ladder, scoop, hose, safety gear). For a single-story home, this could save you the full $150–$250 you’d otherwise pay a professional. However, expect a DIY clean to take longer — often 2–4 hours for one story and up to 6+ hours for taller homes — and you’ll need to handle all safety precautions yourself.

Professional gutter cleaning costs $150–$250 for a one-story home, $250–$400 for two stories, and $300–$600+ for three stories, depending on roof access, debris level, and location. The service is faster (1–2 hours with a crew) and usually includes extras like downspout flushing and minor inspections. For many homeowners, the peace of mind, safety, and thoroughness are worth the extra cost.

Remember, safety is paramount. Always use a stable ladder, wear non-slip shoes, and avoid leaning too far over the sides. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, your home is more than one story, you lack the proper equipment, or your gutters are in a difficult-to-reach location, hiring a professional is strongly recommended.

Signs it’s time to clean your gutters (and the cost of waiting too long) 

Knowing when to schedule gutter cleaning isn’t just about keeping things tidy — it’s about avoiding costly damage down the road. Ignoring the signs can turn a $200 cleaning job into thousands in repairs.

Signs it’s time for cleaning

• Overflowing water: If rain spills over the sides, your gutters are clogged.
  
• Sagging or pulling away: Heavy debris adds weight, straining brackets and fascia.
  
• Plant growth or pests: Weeds, moss, or nests signal your gutters are overdue for a clean.
  
• Stains on siding or foundation: Water isn’t being directed away properly.
  
• Basement dampness: Overflowing gutters often cause leaks or flooding below.
  

The cost of neglect 

Delaying gutter cleaning leads to damage that’s far more expensive to fix than a routine clean.

Alternatives to regular gutter cleaning 

While regular gutter cleaning is the most common way to maintain your drainage system, some homeowners prefer to reduce or even eliminate the need for frequent cleaning. These alternatives can cost more upfront but may save money and hassle in the long run. 

It’s important to note that while these methods can significantly reduce the cost of gutter maintenance, occasional gutter cleaning will still be required. 

Gutter guards 

Gutter guards are screens or mesh covers that sit over your gutters and block most leaves, twigs, and debris from entering. They don’t eliminate cleaning entirely, but they can cut the frequency by up to 80%, especially in tree-heavy yards. They cost more upfront ($6–$20 per foot), but can save you money long-term by reducing the number of cleanings needed.

Gutter covers or helmets 

These are solid, low-profile shields that fit over the gutter edge, allowing water in while deflecting larger debris. They’re more durable than mesh guards and can handle heavy leaf fall, but smaller debris like pine needles can still sneak through. At $8–$25 per foot, they’re pricier than standard guards, but they work well for homeowners who want less visible protection.

Seamless gutters 

Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters are made from a single continuous piece of material, which eliminates joints where clogs usually form. They cost about $8–$12 per foot to install and are especially popular when replacing old gutters. While they still need occasional cleaning, they’re much easier to maintain and clog far less often than seamed systems.

Rain diverters or underground drainage

Instead of focusing only on gutters, some homeowners install diverters or underground drainage systems to carry water away from the foundation. These solutions cost $300–$1,000, depending on the setup, and can drastically reduce water damage risks. They don’t eliminate the need for gutters altogether, but they reduce how much debris buildup matters by rerouting overflow safely.

How to save money on gutter cleaning

Here are some practical ways to reduce costs and save money on gutter cleaning.

• Getting multiple quotes: Shop for quotes from different service providers and compare prices and services to find the best deal. Be sure to ask about any discounts or special offers they might have.
• First-time customer deals and bundled services: Many gutter cleaning companies offer discounts for first-time customers. They may also have bundled services that combine gutter cleaning with other home maintenance tasks like pressure washing or roof inspections. Take advantage of these deals to reduce your overall cost.
• Installing guards to reduce frequency: Gutter guards can reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning by preventing debris from accumulating. Although the initial cost of gutter guards (around $6–$20 per linear foot) may seem high, installing guards may reduce future cleaning costs by 50–80% in debris‐heavy areas.
• Asking neighbors for trusted referrals: Neighbors who have had their gutters cleaned recently can recommend reliable, cost-effective contractors to you, so don’t hesitate to ask them.
• Scheduling in off-seasons: Gutter cleaning prices are lower during winter and summer because demand is low. Companies offer discounts — schedule your gutter cleaning during these times to save money.
• DIY it: If you feel comfortable cleaning your gutters yourself, you'll need a trowel, a garden hose, and possibly a gutter scoop. You can also use a leaf blower or shop vac to clear debris. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, your home is more than one story, you lack the proper equipment, or your gutters are in a difficult-to-reach location, consider hiring a professional.
  

Is the cost of gutter cleaning worth it?

The cost to clean house gutters is an investment that offers significant long-term benefits. Gutters are essential for directing rainwater away from your roof and foundation. When they’re clogged with debris, water can overflow and seep into your home's foundation, leading to water damage, cracks, and basement flooding.

Cleaning your house gutters ensures that water flows freely, preventing these costly issues and protecting the integrity of your home. By spending a small amount on regular cleaning, you’re avoiding expensive, unexpected repair bills.

Gutter cleaning costs FAQs 

What is the average gutter cleaning cost?‍

Most homeowners pay $150–$250 for a single-story home, with larger or taller homes reaching $300–$600+.

What is the gutter cleaning cost for a 2-story house?‍

A 2-story home typically costs $250–$400 to clean, depending on access, gutter length, and debris.

What is the labor cost to clean gutters?‍

Labor makes up most of the bill. Expect $1–$1.50 per linear foot or about $75–$150 per hour.

What is gutter cleaning cost per hour?‍

Rates average $75–$150 per hour, with total costs depending on your home size and condition.

Can I clean my gutters myself?‍

Yes, DIY saves money ($50–$150 in tools/supplies), but it’s time-consuming and risky on tall homes.

Does gutter cleaning include downspouts?‍

Not always. Many pros charge $50–$100 extra to flush and clear downspouts. Always confirm upfront.

Is gutter cleaning expensive?‍

Compared to repairs, no. Cleaning costs $150–$250, while fixing water damage can cost thousands.

Can you clean gutters from the ground?‍

Some tools and vacuums allow ground cleaning, but results aren’t as thorough as ladder access.

When is the best time for gutter cleaning?‍

Clean twice a year: spring (after snowmelt) and fall (after leaves drop). These prevent clogs and damage.