Gutter Cleaning Cost 2026: $100–$400 by Story Count and Home Size

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have gutters cleaned?

Professional gutter cleaning costs $100-$250 for single-story homes, $150-$400 for two-story homes, and $250-$500 for three-story or steep-roof homes in 2026. National average per visit is $175. Most pros charge by linear foot ($0.70-$1.50/lin ft) or by home size.

How often should gutters be cleaned?

At least twice per year — late spring (after tree seed pods drop) and late fall (after leaves are down). Homes surrounded by pines or oaks may need 3-4 cleanings per year. Skipping cleanings leads to overflow, fascia rot, foundation damage, and ice dams — any of which cost far more than the cleaning itself.

Is it worth paying someone to clean gutters?

For single-story homes with easy access, DIY saves $100-$250 per cleaning and takes 1-2 hours. For two-story, three-story, or steep-pitch roofs, the fall risk isn't worth the savings — over a third of ladder accidents happen at home, and gutter work is a leading cause. Hire a pro if you don't have proper ladder equipment or a helper.

What's included in a professional gutter cleaning?

Standard service includes hand-removing debris from gutters, flushing all runs with water to verify flow, clearing downspout clogs, and bagging and removing debris. Premium services add a roof debris blow-off, visual inspection with photos, and minor fastener tightening. Ask what's included — some cheap quotes skip the downspout flush, which is the whole point.

Do gutter guards eliminate cleaning?

No. Gutter guards reduce frequency but don't eliminate it. Fine pollen, shingle grit, and small debris still accumulate on top of the guard and inside the trough. Expect to clean gutter-guarded gutters every 2-3 years, and the cleaning itself costs $50-$150 more per visit because the guards have to be lifted, cleared beneath, and reseated.

How much does gutter cleaning cost per linear foot?

Most pros charge $0.70-$1.50 per linear foot for single-story and $1.25-$2.50 per linear foot for two-story. A typical 150-foot home runs $100-$225 single-story and $185-$375 two-story. Get per-foot pricing in writing — flat-rate quotes sometimes hide a 'steep roof' or 'difficult access' upcharge at the end.

What happens if I don't clean my gutters?

Clogged gutters cause: (1) Overflow that saturates soil against the foundation — water intrusion and long-term foundation damage ($5,000–$30,000 to repair). (2) Fascia and soffit rot from standing water in the gutter trough ($500–$3,000 to replace). (3) Ice dams in winter — water backs up under shingles, causing interior leaks and ceiling damage. (4) Mosquito breeding grounds. A $175 cleaning prevents all of these.

Should I clean gutters myself or hire a pro?

DIY is safe for single-story homes with easily accessible gutters — a $15 gutter scoop, garden hose, and solid ladder handle it in 1–2 hours. Hire out for: two-story or taller homes, steep rooflines, gutters over garage roof, or homes with limited ladder access. The injury risk from gutter falls on tall homes is not proportional to the savings — professional gutter cleaning runs $150–$400 for a two-story home, which is reasonable for the labor and fall-risk management.

What is the best time of year to clean gutters?

For most regions: (1) Late fall — the most important cleaning, scheduled after the last leaves have dropped in your area (November in most of the US, December in the South). This clears everything before winter so ice dams and freeze-thaw damage are minimized. (2) Late spring — clears tree seed pods, pollen, and shingle granules that accumulate over winter. In regions with heavy tree coverage, an additional cleaning in early summer after seed drops is worth adding. Timing by tree type: pine trees drop needles year-round — homes surrounded by pines need 3–4 cleanings annually. Oaks drop leaves late (November–December), so schedule fall cleaning in mid-to-late December for oak-heavy yards. Maples and cottonwoods drop seed pods in spring — add a May cleaning in those areas.

When should I replace gutters instead of cleaning them?

Signs that cleaning is no longer enough and replacement is needed: (1) Gutters pulling away from the fascia at multiple points — indicates failed hangers or rotted fascia board. Rehinging works short-term, but if the fascia is rotted, both need replacement. (2) Visible holes or cracks that leak even after cleaning. Minor holes can be patched with gutter sealant; widespread rust or cracking requires new gutters. (3) Sagging sections that hold water rather than draining it — sagging indicates the gutter has lost its slope and cannot be corrected by cleaning. (4) Seam separations on sectional gutters (non-seamless). These open wider over time. (5) Gutters over 20 years old with recurring blockage, leaking, or visible surface rust. Seamless aluminum gutter replacement runs $5–$15 per linear foot installed — a 150-foot system costs $750–$2,250.

Professional gutter cleaning costs $100-$250 for a single-story home and $150-$400 for two stories in 2026. Three-story and steep-roof homes run $250-$500.

Clogged gutters don’t just overflow — they rot fascia boards, flood basements, and cause ice dams that tear shingles off roofs. Gutter cleaning is one of the highest-ROI maintenance expenses a homeowner has, because a $200 cleaning prevents a $5,000 water damage repair. This guide breaks down what professional gutter cleaning actually costs in 2026, what drives the pricing, and when DIY makes sense versus hiring a pro.

Quick Answer on Gutter Cleaning Cost

Home Size / Type	Cost per Cleaning
Single-story, standard pitch	$100 - $250
Single-story, complex roofline	$150 - $300
Two-story, standard pitch	$150 - $400
Two-story, steep pitch	$200 - $500
Three-story or townhome	$250 - $500
Home with gutter guards	+$50 - $150 per visit
Heavy debris (first cleaning in 2+ years)	+$50 - $100

National average: $175 per visit. Most homeowners clean twice per year, so annual budget runs $300-$500 for a typical single-family home.

What Drives Gutter Cleaning Cost

Home Height and Roof Pitch

This is the biggest factor. A one-story ranch with a 4/12 pitch takes 45 minutes with a 12-foot ladder. A two-story Victorian with a 10/12 pitch requires roof harness, a 28-foot ladder, and two people. Steep pitches over 8/12 usually trigger a 25-50% surcharge because pros can’t walk them safely.

Linear Footage of Gutter

Pros often price per linear foot rather than per home. A 2,000 sq ft ranch has roughly 150-200 linear feet of gutter. A 3,500 sq ft colonial with dormers can have 300+ linear feet. Per-foot pricing is more transparent than flat rates.

Debris Load

First-time cleanings after 2+ years of neglect are heavier and take longer. Expect a $50-$100 “heavy buildup” upcharge. Regular bi-annual service stays in the base tier.

Gutter Guards

Guards don’t eliminate cleaning — they change it. Pros have to lift the guard sections, clear what’s underneath (usually silt, pollen, and small twigs), and reseat everything. That adds 30-45 minutes and $50-$150 to a typical job. Some companies refuse guard homes entirely.

Access Difficulty

Landscaping, hardscape, fences, decks, and power lines under the gutter run all increase labor time. If a pro has to move furniture, protect plantings with tarps, or work around obstacles, expect a $50-$150 access surcharge.

Region

Coastal Southeast (heavy pollen + pine needles), Pacific Northwest (moss, year-round rain), and areas with heavy deciduous trees (Northeast in fall) see prices 15-25% above the national average. Arizona, Nevada, and the desert Southwest run 10-20% below.

Add-On Services

Add-On	Cost
Roof debris blow-off	$30 - $75
Downspout hydro-jetting	$75 - $150
Minor fascia / soffit repair	$100 - $300
Gutter resealing (per joint)	$15 - $40
Gutter re-hanging (loose sections)	$50 - $150
Gutter guard installation	$7 - $12 per linear foot

Regional Cost Snapshot

Region	Single-Story Average	Two-Story Average
Northeast (NYC, Boston)	$175 - $300	$250 - $475
Southeast (Atlanta, Charlotte)	$125 - $225	$200 - $375
Midwest (Chicago, Detroit)	$125 - $225	$175 - $350
South-Central (Houston, Dallas)	$100 - $200	$175 - $325
Mountain West (Denver, Salt Lake)	$125 - $225	$200 - $400
Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland)	$150 - $275	$225 - $450
Southwest (Phoenix, Vegas)	$90 - $175	$150 - $300
California Coastal	$175 - $325	$275 - $500

DIY Gutter Cleaning Cost

If you already own a ladder and basic tools, DIY is $0-$50 per cleaning. Full tool-up cost breakdown:

Tool	Cost	Notes
Gutter scoop	$6 - $15	Plastic is lighter, metal lasts longer
Heavy work gloves	$12 - $25	Cut-resistant for shingle grit
Safety glasses	$8 - $15	Mandatory — wet debris flies
Ladder stabilizer	$40 - $80	Prevents denting the gutter; one-time purchase
20-24 ft extension ladder (if needed)	$150 - $300	One-time; rent for $30/day if only occasional use
Gutter cleaning wand (hose attachment)	$25 - $60	Lets you clean from the ground
Leaf blower gutter kit	$25 - $45	Fits most major blower brands

Most homeowners buy a scoop, gloves, and safety glasses ($25-$55 total) and use an existing ladder. For ground-level-only options, the wand or blower kit approach works well on single-story homes — see our full how-to-clean-gutters guide for technique.

DIY time commitment: 1-2 hours for a single-story home, 2-4 hours for two-story. Save $100-$250 per cleaning if you’re comfortable on a ladder.

When to DIY vs Hire a Pro

DIY makes sense when:

• Single-story home with easy ground access
• You already own or can borrow a stable extension ladder
• You have a helper to hold the ladder base
• Gutters are accessible without walking on the roof
• Total linear footage under 200 feet

Hire a pro when:

• Two-story or three-story home
• Steep roof pitch (over 7/12)
• Gutter guards installed
• Limited mobility or balance issues
• You’d be working alone with no helper
• Fascia / soffit damage already visible (pro can assess during cleaning)

Falls from ladders account for roughly 30% of home-maintenance-related ER visits each year. The $200 you save DIYing a two-story doesn’t cover a single ER visit, let alone a broken wrist.

How to Save Money on Gutter Cleaning

Bundle with Other Services

Many companies offer 10-20% off when gutter cleaning is bundled with power washing, window cleaning, or exterior house washing. Ask for a multi-service quote.

Annual Contracts

Two-cleaning annual contracts often save 15-20% vs. two separate visits. Example: $175 + $175 = $350 separately, vs. $295-$315 on contract.

Schedule Off-Peak

Fall (October-November) is peak season and prices run 10-20% higher. Schedule spring cleaning in March-April before the rush, or take late-summer (August) off-peak slots if your tree cover is heavy year-round.

Skip Every Third Cleaning (Guard Homes Only)

If you have quality gutter guards, bi-annual cleaning is overkill. Switch to every 18 months or every 2 years and inspect the gutters each spring. You’ll still catch problems before they cause damage. See our gutter guard cost guide for what quality guards actually cost and which types work.

Get Three Quotes

Gutter cleaning is one of the most variable-priced services in home maintenance. Three quotes for the same house can range 50-100% apart. Always get at least three written quotes.

What to Ask a Gutter Cleaning Pro Before You Hire

1. Is the price per visit or per linear foot?
2. Does the quote include downspout flushing and clearing, not just scooping?
3. Is debris removal included, or will you leave it bagged on-site?
4. Do you carry liability insurance? Ask for a COI.
5. Will the same crew handle fall and spring if I sign an annual contract?
6. Is there an upcharge for steep roof, gutter guards, or heavy buildup? Get it in writing.
7. Do you send before/after photos?

Answers to 1, 4, and 7 separate real pros from guys with a truck and a ladder.

Warning Signs You Waited Too Long

If you see any of these, schedule a cleaning immediately:

• Water overflowing over the gutter edge in rain (always a sign of a clog)
• Sagging or pulling away gutter sections (weight of debris + water)
• Plants growing in the gutter
• Staining on siding directly below the gutter
• Paint peeling or rot on fascia board
• Basement or crawlspace moisture after heavy rain
• Ice dams or long icicles hanging off the gutter edge in winter

Any of these means the gutter has been overflowing long enough to start causing secondary damage. Clean immediately and inspect for rot — water is the root cause of most expensive home repairs.

Regional Gutter Cleaning Cost Variations

Region	Single-Story Home	Two-Story Home	Large Home (2,500+ sq ft)
Northeast (NY, MA, NJ)	$175–$325	$250–$475	$375–$650
Mid-Atlantic (DC, MD, VA)	$150–$300	$225–$425	$325–$600
Southeast (FL, GA, TX)	$100–$225	$165–$325	$250–$450
Midwest	$110–$240	$175–$350	$265–$475
Pacific (CA, WA, OR)	$150–$300	$225–$425	$325–$600

Prices include cleaning, debris removal, and basic downspout flush. Fall cleanings after leaf drop are typically priced 10–20% higher than spring cleanings due to higher debris volume.

Gutter Cleaning Service Provider Comparison

Provider Type	Cost Range	Best For	Notes
Local window/gutter cleaning company	$125–$275	Most homes — best all-around value	Established local companies; good reviews indicate reliable quality
Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning	$150–$350	Northeast and Mid-Atlantic; multi-service bundling	National franchise; consistent quality; offers maintenance contracts
Mr. Handyman	$150–$350	Convenience, same-call minor repairs	Good for simple homes; upcharge for two-story or complex rooflines
Window Genie	$130–$300	Homes needing window + gutter service together	National franchise; bundle discounts available
Gutter cleaning franchise (1-800-Hansons, etc.)	$175–$400	Homes with more complex access	Variable quality; check local franchise reviews specifically
DIY (ladder + garden hose + scoop)	$0–$30 in materials	Single-story, comfortable with ladders	Safe for single-story; two-story DIY carries significant fall risk

Annual maintenance contracts (2 cleanings/year) from established companies typically save 15–25% vs. per-visit pricing and ensure the work actually gets done on schedule.

Questions to Ask Your Gutter Cleaning Service

1. Does the price include debris bag removal and downspout flushing, or are those extras? — Some companies quote a low base price for cleaning gutters but charge separately for bagging and removing the debris ($25–$50) or for flushing downspouts ($20–$40 each). Ask for an all-in quote that covers: cleaning all gutters, bagging and removing debris from the property, flushing all downspouts, and a basic walk-around check for obvious gutter damage. Any of these items quoted as extras from an already-in-range base price is a flag worth noting.

2. Will the technician walk around and report any damage they observe — sags, separations, holes, or fascia rot? — A gutter cleaner walking your roofline is in a unique position to spot issues the homeowner can’t see from the ground: separated gutter joints, spike failures (gutters pulling away from fascia), rusted sections, or early fascia rot. Ask: “Does your technician document and report any damage they observe while cleaning?” Companies that do this are providing a real inspection service, not just cleaning; those who don’t may be walking past problems that will cost you significantly more if caught late.

3. How do you clean — by hand from a ladder, with a gutter vacuum, or with a pressure nozzle? — There are three common methods: (1) hand-scooping from a ladder (most thorough, takes longest); (2) high-reach vacuum system that works from the ground (lower risk, faster, but less thorough for compacted debris); (3) pressure washing from a nozzle (fast, but can force debris into downspouts and drives water under shingles). Ask which method they use, and be aware that pressure washing is not appropriate for gutters with any gutter guard system.

4. Are you insured for work at height, and what is the liability coverage? — Gutter cleaning is one of the highest-risk home services — ladder falls account for thousands of serious injuries annually. A company without proper general liability insurance creates personal liability exposure for the homeowner if a worker is injured on your property. Ask: “Do you carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation?” Any professional company should be able to confirm immediately; ask for a certificate of insurance if you have any doubt. Uninsured workers injured on your property can sue you.

5. Do you offer a maintenance contract for twice-yearly cleaning, and what is the scheduling reliability? — Two cleanings per year (spring and fall) is the standard for most homes with any tree cover. Ask: “Do you offer a service contract for recurring cleanings, and what’s the discount?” Also ask: “How far in advance do I need to book for fall cleaning?” The best companies book fall cleaning in September — waiting until November in high-tree markets means weeks of delay, and debris sitting in gutters through fall rains causes the damage you’re trying to prevent.

Related Guides

• How to Clean Gutters Safely — step-by-step DIY technique
• Gutter Replacement Cost — when cleaning isn’t enough
• Signs You Need a New Roof — overflowing gutters often reveal roof failure
• Tree Trimming Cost — trimming overhanging branches is the best way to reduce gutter-clogging debris
• Basement Waterproofing Cost — the downstream cost of neglected gutters
• Spring Home Maintenance Checklist — where gutter cleaning fits in the broader calendar
• How to Fix a Broken Gutter Downspout — repair or replace a broken downspout while the gutters are clean
• Handyman Cost — when gutter cleaning is bundled with other small jobs

Bottom Line

Professional gutter cleaning is $100-$500 per visit depending on home size and access, with a $175 national average. Most homeowners budget $300-$500 per year for two visits. DIY saves $100-$250 per cleaning but only makes sense on accessible single-story homes. The service is one of the highest-ROI maintenance spends available — clogged gutters cause foundation, fascia, and basement damage that routinely runs $5,000 and up. Don’t skip it.