How much does gutter cleaning cost in 2026?
Cost breakdown
| Job type | Typical low | Typical high |
|---|---|---|
| Single-story home, light debris | $125 | $250 |
| Single-story home, heavy debris | $200 | $350 |
| Two-story home, average gutters | $200 | $450 |
| Three-story or steep pitch | $400 | $1,000 |
| Gutter guard install (per linear foot) | $7 | $25 |
| Sagging gutter re-hang (per section) | $100 | $250 |
| Downspout repair or replacement | $100 | $350 |
| Gutter pressure wash exterior | $75 | $250 |
How gutter cleaning is priced
Gutter cleaning prices scale with three factors: linear footage of gutter (typically 100–200 feet for a single-family home), home story count (single-story is cheapest, three-story or with steep roof pitches is most expensive), and debris level (light vs heavy clogged). Most pros price by stories: single-story homes $125–$300, two-story $200–$450, three-story or with steep roof pitches $400–$1,000+. The rule of thumb: $1.50–$3.00 per linear foot for single-story, doubling for each additional story.
What's typically included
A standard gutter cleaning includes: hand-removal of leaves, twigs, pine needles, and shingle granules from gutter runs; downspout flush with a hose to clear blockages; basic inspection (looking for sagging sections, pulled-out spikes, leaking joints); cleanup of debris dropped on the property. NOT typically included: gutter guard installation, repair of pulled fasteners, sealing leaking joints, or pressure washing the gutter exterior. Each of those is a separate line item.
When to add gutter guards
Gutter guards (mesh, foam, or "reverse-curve" hood-style) cost $7–$25 per linear foot installed and typically reduce future cleaning costs by 60–80%. For a 150-foot gutter run that's $1,000–$3,750 to install, but saves $200–$600/year on cleaning. The breakeven is usually 4–8 years. Worth it if you have heavy tree coverage; less worth it if you have minimal trees and gutters that fill slowly. Note: no guard is "maintenance-free" — even guarded gutters need a flush every 2–3 years.
Cleaning frequency
Twice a year is the standard recommendation: spring (after pollen and seed-pod drop) and fall (after leaves drop). Homes with heavy tree coverage may need quarterly. Homes with minimal trees can sometimes go annually. Skipping cleanings has real consequences: clogged gutters cause water backup → ice dams in winter → fascia rot → eventual water intrusion to interior walls. A $200 cleaning beats a $3,000 fascia-and-soffit repair every time.
Common surprises and add-ons
Five things commonly add to the quote on-site: (1) sagging gutter sections that need re-hanging or new spikes; (2) leaking joints that need sealing; (3) downspouts that have come loose from the house; (4) heavy mold or staining on the gutter exterior that needs pressure washing; (5) bird or rodent nests requiring extra removal. A reputable pro will inspect during the cleaning and quote any repair work BEFORE doing it — confirm this in advance.
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Find a handyman near you →Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my gutters? ▾
Twice a year (spring + fall) for most homes. Quarterly for homes with heavy tree coverage. Annually for homes with minimal trees.
Can I clean my gutters myself? ▾
On a single-story home, yes — with a stable extension ladder, gloves, and a hose. On two-story or steeper-pitched homes, the safety risk and the cost of a fall make hiring it out worth the $200–$400.
Do gutter guards really work? ▾
The good ones (micromesh and high-end reverse-curve) reduce cleaning frequency by 60–80%. Cheap foam inserts work for 1–2 seasons before they break down. Choose guards by manufacturer warranty and reviews, not price.
How long does gutter cleaning take? ▾
Single-story home: 30–60 minutes. Two-story: 60–120 minutes. Three-story or with extensive damage: 2–4 hours. Most pros are in and out in under 90 minutes.
What's the difference between hand-cleaning and pressure washing? ▾
Hand-cleaning removes the debris from inside the gutter — what every cleaning service does. Pressure washing cleans the gutter's exterior surface (mold, mildew, road salt). They're different services and usually billed separately.
Why are my gutters overflowing even after cleaning? ▾
Three common causes: (1) downspouts are clogged below the gutter; (2) gutters slope wrong (too flat or sloped away from downspout); (3) gutters are undersized for your roof area. A pro will diagnose and quote any needed re-pitch or downspout work.
Should I hire a roofer or a handyman for gutter cleaning? ▾
A handyman is fine for cleaning. For repairs (sagging, leaks, replacement), a roofer or specialty gutter contractor often has better tools and warranty options.
Can I tip the gutter cleaner? ▾
Optional but appreciated — $10–$30 for a single-story job, $30–$60 for a two-story or large home.