How much does gutter cleaning cost?
Gutter cleaning often costs $100 - $250 for many homes, or about $0.50 - $2.50 per linear foot. One-story homes usually cost less; two-story, steep-roof, heavily clogged, or guard-covered gutters cost more.
The best quote includes debris removal, downspout flushing, cleanup, and photos. Overflow during rain can be a simple clog, but it can also reveal sagging gutters, bad pitch, fascia rot, or undersized downspouts.
Gutter cleaning cost by scope
Standard one-story gutter cleaning
$70 - $200How to tellNormal leaves and debris, safe ladder access, no heavy clogs
The fixRemove debris, bag or dispose, rinse/flush where included
Two-story or steep-roof cleaning
$100 - $275+How to tellHigher ladder work, steep grade, roof pitch, or difficult access
The fixAdd safety time, equipment, and careful access planning
Clogged downspouts
$60 - $150 add-onHow to tellWater spills over at corners or no water exits the downspout
The fixFlush downspout, clear elbows, and check underground discharge if present
Gutter guards or screens
Often 25-100% more than open guttersHow to tellGuards must be lifted, brushed, or removed to clear debris underneath
The fixClean tops, inspect beneath guards, and reset panels if possible
Heavy debris, roof valleys, or minor repairs
$150 - $400+How to tellSeedlings, packed mud, roof-valley buildup, loose hangers, leaks, or sagging
The fixClear debris and quote repairs separately
Before hiring a gutter cleaner
- Estimate linear feet and note stories, steep slopes, walkout basements, and difficult ladder areas.
- Ask whether the quote includes downspout flushing, debris haul-away, cleanup, and before/after photos.
- Tell the cleaner whether gutter guards are installed and what type they are.
- During the next rain, watch where water overflows so the cleaner knows where to inspect.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a gutter cleaning, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- Gutters overflow during rain
- Plants, mud, or standing water are visible in the gutter
- Downspouts do not discharge water away from the foundation
- The home is two stories, steep, or unsafe to ladder yourself
- You suspect sagging gutters, leaks, fascia rot, or guard problems
Repair or replace?
Clean first when gutters are structurally sound but clogged. Repair when hangers, seams, elbows, or pitch are causing localized overflow. Replace gutters when they are rusted through, repeatedly leaking, badly sagging, separating from fascia, or too small for the roof area. Gutter guards only make sense after the gutters themselves are sound.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the gutter cleaning checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Many homes need cleaning once or twice a year, often after heavy leaf drop and again after spring debris. Homes with overhanging trees, pine needles, or guard issues may need more frequent service.
Do gutter guards still need cleaning?
Yes. Guards reduce debris inside the gutter, but they can collect debris on top, clog at roof valleys, or let fine material through. They should still be inspected and cleaned as needed.
What should gutter cleaning include?
At minimum, it should include removing debris, clearing outlets, checking downspouts, cleaning the work area, and identifying obvious leaks, sagging, or fascia issues.