Rain gutters protect your home from leaks, mold, rot, and erosion, but they need regular maintenance to stay effective. The cost of gutter cleaning typically ranges from $1 to $1.30 per linear foot.
Most homeowners pay $205 to $253 to have their gutters cleaned in a one-story home, but your actual costs may vary depending on factors such as the size and height of your home, gutter type, width, and the condition of your gutters.
This cost guide draws data from big cities and smaller towns across the U.S., giving you a better idea of what you might expect to pay for gutter cleaning services in your area.
Cost by Location
The cost of gutter cleaning can vary based on your location and the local cost of living. In urban areas like New York or Chicago, labor and materials are more expensive, leading to higher service costs.
The climate also plays a role in gutter cleaning costs. Areas with mild weather and longer maintenance seasons typically have lower prices, while regions with harsh winters, heavy snow, and ice may see higher costs due to the increased difficulty and shorter cleaning season.
The table below shows a snapshot of the costs of cleaning gutters in a one-story home across the country:
| City | Cost per Linear Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $1 – $1.25 |
| New York, NY | $1.35 – $1.65 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $0.85 – $1.05 |
| Orlando, FL | $0.90 – $1.10 |
| Atlanta, GA | $0.90 – $1.10 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $1.05 – $1.30 |
| Chicago, IL | $1.20 – $1.45 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $0.95 – $1.20 |
| Seattle, WA | $1.25 – $1.50 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $0.85 – $1.10 |
| Roswell, NM | $0.90 – $1.10 |
| San Diego, CA | $1.10 – $1.35 |
Cost By Size
The length of your gutters is a major factor impacting your project’s costs. Most U.S. homes have between 150 and 200 linear feet of gutters, but the exact length depends on factors like climate, home height, gutter type, roof pitch, and number of downspouts installed.
Gutter professionals typically charge per linear foot with additional fees for increased height, steep roof slopes, or extra time required. The typical costs range between $1 and $1.30 per linear foot.
| Total Gutter Length | Average Cleaning Cost (Including Labor) |
| 100 feet | $100 – $130 |
| 150 feet | $150 – $195 |
| 200 feet | $200 – $260 |
| 250 feet | $250 – $325 |
Cost By Number of Stories
Most companies charge higher rates for two- or three-story homes due to the extra labor and materials required.
Though the costs for gutter cleaning usually average $1 to $1.30 per linear foot nationwide, contractors could charge as low as $0.70 and as high as $1.40, depending on a few factors, such as gutter type, slope, etc.
| Number of Stories | Cost Per Linear Foot (Including Labor) |
| One | $0.70 – $1.40 |
| Two | $1 – $2.10 |
| Three | $1.45 – $2.60 |
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Hiring a professional for gutter cleaning is the best option, and it’s well worth the cost—even if annual maintenance isn’t covered by your warranty. Professional gutter cleaners can spot potential repair issues early, helping you avoid more significant problems down the road.
However, if you decide to go the DIY route, you’ll spend around $255 on basic equipment and tools like a ladder, hose, gutter scoop, and a drain snake for downspouts. Other optional materials, including a telescopic gutter cleaner and pressure washer, might increase your costs by up to $595.
For more information, check out these guides:
- Common Gutter Cleaning Mistakes
- Ways to Clean Gutters From the Ground
- Ways to Clean Second-Story Gutters
- How to Clean Gutters Safely Using a Ladder
- Methods to Remove Ice Dams From Your Home’s Gutters
Warning: Providers only recommend tackling the dirty job if you have a one-story home and are comfortable with heights. If your home has two or three stories, go the safety route instead and contact a professional gutter cleaner.
Cost By Gutter Type
There are two types of gutters: seamed and seamless. Seamless gutters are custom-fabricated by professionals to fit the exact length of your home, minimizing the risk of leaks.
Seamed gutters, also known as soldered or sectional gutters, are typically less reliable than seamless gutters. They are installed in sections, creating seams that are joined using welds, fasteners, soldering, screws, or sealant, depending on the material. While they are more DIY-friendly and less expensive upfront, their maintenance costs can add up over time.
If your home has a seamed gutter system, you can expect to spend about 10% more on gutter cleaning due to the increased likelihood of clogs and the additional care required.
Cost By Gutter Width
The most popular U.S. gutter width is 5 inches, with 6- and 7-inch widths available for homes located in areas with heavy annual rainfall.
Extended-width gutters handle almost 50% more water and are recommended for steep roofs. Unfortunately, wider gutters mean more surface area to clean, increasing gutter cleaning prices by 5% or more.
Other Factors Affecting Cost
Most gutter systems require little maintenance outside of biannual cleaning. Overall, consider the following factors affecting your total cost:
Slope
Pitched roofs with steep slopes are more dangerous to work on, affecting accessibility and increasing cleaning costs. You can expect to spend around 15% more per cleaning service if you have a roof with a steep slope.
Downspout Cleaning and Replacement
Your gutters channel water to your home’s downspouts, which direct water away from your foundation. When downspouts become clogged, water can back up, pooling on your roof or in the gutters. This can lead to overflow, causing mildew, leaks, rot, and damaged shingles or roofing materials.
Professionals recommend cleaning your downspouts as part of your biannual gutter maintenance, or at least once a year. For downspout cleaning, expect to pay an additional $52 to $110 per job.
However, if your gutters aren’t draining properly, it could be time to replace one or more of your home’s downspouts. On average, new downspout installation costs $4 to $16 per linear foot.
Gutter Repair
Gutters last around 20 years or more, and proper maintenance, including annual cleaning, increases the longevity of your system.
Loose seams and joints are the most common and least expensive repairs. Taking into consideration the severity of your repair needs, the length of the gutters, and the material of your gutters, expect gutter repair costs to range between $217 and $698.
However, if you need new gutters and you want to replace them yourself, check out this article: How to Install or Replace Gutters
Gutter Guard Installation
Gutter guards protect your gutters from organic debris, decreasing maintenance needs and lowering your risk for potential leaks. Gutter guard installation costs, on average, $7 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the type and material.
It is important to note that gutter guards increase your professional cleaning costs by 10% to 15%, but the peace of mind and benefits offset the additional costs.
Keep Your Home’s Gutters Clean
Routine gutter cleaning protects your home from potential water damage, saving you money. However, doing it yourself might put your life at risk. Luckily, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled gutter cleaning services and leave the rest to us.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Read More:
- Myths About Gutter Cleaning
- Ways Bad Gutters Cause Roof Leaks
- How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
- Know the Best Time of Year to Clean Your Gutters
- Signs You Have Clogged Gutters
- Are Gutters Necessary on Your House?
Main Image Credit: Photographee.eu / Adobe Stock
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