How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost (and How Often to Do It)?

Key takeaways

• Typical gutter cleaning costs $100–$300 for most single-family homes, with higher prices for larger, taller, or more complex roofs. Very small or easy-access homes may be under $100.
• Most homes need cleaning 1–2 times per year, but heavily treed lots or pine needles often push that to 3–4 times annually.
• Neglecting gutters can cause expensive damage—overflow can lead to foundation issues, basement leaks, wood rot, and landscape erosion.
• One-time cleanings cost more per visit than maintenance plans. Many pros offer discounted semiannual or quarterly service.
• Extras like minor repairs, flushing downspouts, and haul-away may or may not be included. Always confirm what’s in the quoted price.
• Very old, sagging, or badly damaged gutters may be cheaper to replace than repeatedly clean and patch. If repairs approach 30–40% of replacement cost, it’s time to evaluate new gutters.
• Working on ladders is a real safety risk. DIY is possible for some, but multi-story homes and steep roofs are usually best left to insured pros.

Typical price range

All numbers below are approximate US ballpark ranges. Actual costs vary by region, roof complexity, and how clogged your gutters are.

Common gutter cleaning scenarios

• Small one-story home (1,000–1,500 sq. ft.):
  $75–$150 for a basic cleaning with easy ladder access and light debris.
• Average one-story home (1,600–2,000 sq. ft.):
  $100–$225 for most standard jobs.
• Two-story home (2,000–2,500 sq. ft.):
  $150–$300 depending on roofline complexity and downspout count.
• Larger or complex home (over 2,500 sq. ft. or 2–3 stories):
  $200–$450+ especially with multiple roof sections, valleys, or difficult access.
• Heavily clogged gutters (lots of debris, plants growing, standing water):
  Add $50–$150 to typical ranges for extra labor and cleanup.
• Gutter cleaning with basic tune-up (re-securing spikes/hangers, minor sealant):
  $175–$400 depending on home size and amount of repair.
• Gutter cleaning plus simple gutter guard cleaning/inspection:
  Usually $25–$100 extra, unless guards must be removed and reinstalled.

What’s usually included in a standard cleaning

Every company is a bit different, but a typical “standard” gutter cleaning often covers:

• Hand or blower removal of leaves and debris from gutters.
• Downspout check and basic flushing (sometimes included, sometimes an add-on).
• Visual inspection for obvious sagging, separation, or damage.
• Light cleanup of debris that falls around the foundation or landscaping.

Always ask what’s included so you can compare quotes fairly.

What tends to push costs lower

• Single-story home with easy ladder access.
• Simple roofline (few corners, no complex valleys).
• Light debris (few trees nearby, gutters maintained regularly).
• Short gutter runs (smaller footprint home).
• Bundled services (cleaning scheduled with roof, window, or pressure washing).

What tends to push costs higher

• Two- or three-story homes that require taller ladders or safety equipment.
• Steep or complex roofs with multiple levels and hard-to-reach sections.
• Heavy buildup of wet leaves, mud, or plants growing in the gutters.
• Gutter guards that must be partially removed to access debris.
• Travel or minimum trip fees for remote locations or small jobs.
• Add-ons like detailed downspout flushing, repairs, or haul-away of large debris volumes.

Repair vs. replacement

Gutter cleaning often reveals issues—loose sections, leaks, rust, or sagging. At that point, you’re deciding: keep repairing and cleaning, or plan for new gutters?

When repair and continued cleaning makes sense

• Gutters are under 15–20 years old and otherwise in decent shape.
• Problems are localized, like one leaking seam or a few loose hangers.
• No major rust, cracks, or warping along long sections of gutter.
• Repairs are relatively inexpensive, typically under $200–$400 total for a few sections.

In these cases, clean + repair is usually the budget-friendly move.

When replacement is smarter

• Gutters are 20+ years old or you don’t know their age and they look worn.
• Multiple sections are sagging, pulling away, or badly dented.
• Frequent leaks even after resealing seams or joints.
• Rust, pitting, or cracks along long runs, not just at a joint.
• Water routinely overflows even after cleaning, due to poor sizing or pitch.

If your pro estimates that repairs and adjustments will cost 30–40% or more of a full replacement, it’s worth pricing new gutters.

Simple rule-of-thumb example

• You have a two-story home where:
  • Cleaning is quoted at $200.
  • Repairs to multiple sagging sections and leaky joints are quoted at $600.
  • A full gutter replacement estimate comes in around $1,800–$2,200.

In this scenario, repairs are roughly 30–35% of replacement cost. If the gutters are also 15–20+ years old, it may be more cost-effective long-term to replace the system rather than sink $600 into aging gutters that will still need regular cleaning and future fixes.

Efficiency and long-term costs

Gutters don’t use energy, but how well they work over time affects your long-term costs.

Why regular cleaning saves money

• Prevents water damage: Clean gutters direct water away from your foundation, siding, and fascia. Avoiding even one basement leak or major wood-rot repair can save hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Extends gutter life: Heavy, wet debris strains hangers and seams, causing sagging and pulling away from the house. Regular cleaning reduces that stress.
• Protects landscaping and walkways: Overflowing gutters can erode soil, wash out mulch, and stain concrete—costly to fix and restore.

Paying more upfront vs. over time

• One-time “emergency” cleaning when gutters are overflowing:
  • May cost $200–$350 for a larger or heavily clogged home.
• Twice-yearly maintenance plan:
  • Might be $125–$200 per visit, or $250–$400 per year total, often at a slight discount.

Over several years, scheduled cleanings tend to be cheaper than waiting until gutters are severely clogged and then paying for urgent service plus possible repairs.

If you eventually choose new gutters and/or guards, a well-designed system plus regular cleaning can:

• Reduce the frequency of cleanings (especially with certain guard styles).
• Lower the risk of big-ticket water issues, which is where the real savings usually show up.

What to expect from a visit or project

Before the pro arrives

• Confirm the scope and price range. Ask if the quote is per linear foot, per story, or flat-rate, and what’s included (downspout flushing, minor repairs, cleanup).
• Clear access. Move vehicles away from the house, secure pets, and remove obstacles near downspouts and ladder areas.
• Discuss problem spots. Let the tech know where you’ve seen overflow, leaks, or staining.

Typical cleaning visit (1–3 hours for most homes)

• Initial walk-around (10–20 minutes)
  • Confirm access, note roof pitch and height.
  • Identify any visible damage or safety concerns.
• Set up ladders and safety gear (10–20 minutes)
  • Place ladders at safe points around the home.
  • Use stabilizers or harnesses as needed for taller homes.
• Debris removal (30–90+ minutes)
  • Scoop or blow out leaves, twigs, and sludge from gutters.
  • Bag or pile debris for disposal (depending on what’s included).
• Downspout check and flushing (15–45 minutes)
  • Run water through downspouts to ensure they’re clear.
  • Disassemble and clear clogs if necessary (may be an extra charge).
• Light tune-up/inspection (10–30 minutes)
  • Note any loose sections, leaks, or areas with improper slope.
  • Some pros will re-secure a few hangers or apply sealant as part of service; others charge separately.
• Cleanup and walkthrough (10–20 minutes)
  • Sweep or blow off walkways and patios where debris fell.
  • Review any recommended repairs or future maintenance.

If minor repairs are added (same-day or separate visit)

• Re-securing hangers/spikes:
  • Tightening or replacing hardware to fix sagging sections.
• Resealing joints and end caps:
  • Applying sealant to stop small leaks.
• Adjusting slope on short runs:
  • Slightly repositioning gutter sections so water flows to downspouts.

These tasks can add 30–90 minutes and $50–$250+ depending on how much work is needed.

If you move forward with replacement later

• Assessment and quote visit:
  • Measure existing gutters, discuss materials, sizes, and any problem drainage areas.
• Installation day(s):
  • Remove old gutters, install new hangers and gutters, test drainage.
  • Most average homes are completed in 1 day, complex homes may take 2 days.

DIY vs. hire a pro

Reasonable DIY tasks for some homeowners

If you’re comfortable on a ladder and your home is single-story with good access, you might handle:

• Basic debris removal:
  • Using a stable ladder, gloves, and a small scoop to clear leaves and twigs.
• Low-pressure hose flushing:
  • Running water through gutters and downspouts to check for clogs.
• Simple visual inspections:
  • Looking for obvious sagging, gaps, or overflow points during a rainstorm.

If you DIY, prioritize safety:

• Use a sturdy, properly sized ladder on level ground.
• Have a spotter whenever possible.
• Avoid leaning sideways or overreaching from the ladder.

Tasks best left to pros

Because of fall risk and potential property damage, it’s wise to hire a pro when:

• Your home is two or more stories.
• Roof is steep, slippery, or has complex levels.
• You need to work over hard surfaces (driveways, patios) where a fall is more dangerous.
• Gutters are severely clogged or pulling away, requiring significant repair or partial replacement.
• You’re not comfortable on ladders or have any balance/health issues.

Pros bring:

• Proper ladders and safety equipment.
• Experience spotting early signs of damage to gutters, fascia, and roofing.
• Insurance coverage in case of accidents or property damage.

For multi-story homes or tricky rooflines, hiring a licensed, insured gutter or exterior contractor is the safest choice.

Questions to ask potential pros

• What exactly is included in your gutter cleaning service? (Debris removal, downspout flushing, minor repairs, cleanup, haul-away.)
• How do you price the job—by linear foot, story, or flat-rate per home?
• Is the quote I’m getting a firm price or an estimate that could change on-site?
• Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation? (Ask for proof if you’re unsure.)
• How will you access the gutters on upper stories or over obstacles like decks and additions?
• Do you inspect for and address minor issues, like loose hangers or small leaks, during the visit? If so, is there an extra fee?
• How do you handle heavily clogged downspouts or underground drains? Are those included or billed separately?
• What kind of cleanup do you provide after the job? Will you bag and haul away debris or leave it on-site?
• How often do you recommend cleaning for a home like mine with my tree coverage?
• Do you offer maintenance plans or discounts for twice-yearly or quarterly service?
• If you find significant damage, can you provide a repair/replacement estimate, or do you refer that out?
• What forms of payment do you accept, and when is payment due?

Quick FAQ

How often should gutters be cleaned?

Most homes do well with twice-yearly cleanings—once in late fall after leaves drop and once in spring. If you have lots of trees, pine needles, or frequent storms, you may need 3–4 cleanings per year.

Are gutter guards worth it to reduce cleaning costs?

Gutter guards can reduce the frequency of cleanings but rarely eliminate them entirely. You’ll still need periodic inspections and light cleaning, but guards may help if your gutters clog constantly with leaves or larger debris.

Does homeowners insurance cover gutter cleaning?

Routine gutter cleaning is considered preventive maintenance and is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. However, maintaining clean gutters can help prevent water damage claims that might otherwise be denied due to neglect.

Can clogged gutters really damage my foundation?

Yes. When gutters overflow near the house, water can pool around the foundation, increasing the risk of cracks, basement leaks, and soil erosion. Regular cleaning is a relatively low-cost way to protect your foundation over time.

Wrap-up / next steps

Gutter cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to protect your home from water damage. For most US homes, plan on $100–$300 per visit and 1–2 cleanings per year, more if you’re surrounded by trees.

If your gutters are older, sagging, or frequently leaking, use your next cleaning visit as an opportunity to evaluate repair vs. replacement—especially if repair costs start to creep toward a third or more of full replacement.

Your best move is to get 2–3 quotes, compare what’s included, and choose a reputable, insured pro who explains their process clearly. You can use a neutral directory like Home Services Scout to quickly compare local gutter cleaning companies and read reviews without pressure.

With a reasonable cleaning schedule and the right pro, you can keep water flowing where it belongs—and avoid much bigger repair bills down the road.