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Home & Garden Roofing & Exterior Cost guide

Gutter Cleaning Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

Updated  3 sources

Typical cost per visit

$191 – $529

Gutter cleaning typically costs $191 – $529 per visit, according to This Old House, with a midpoint near $360. The price depends mostly on how tall the house is and how many feet of gutter the crew has to clear. A one-story ranch costs less than a three-story house with long runs, because the crew spends more time on ladders and moves more slowly.

Figures below carry a check date of Oct 11, 2026. They are split by house height and by linear foot so you can estimate your own job.

Gutter cleaning cost by home height

Item Typical range Relative price range
1-story home $145 – $250
2-story home $180 – $360
3-story home $210 – $450

Source: This Old House: Gutter cleaning cost

Gutter Cleaning Cost per Linear Foot

Some companies price by the foot instead of by the house. This is a useful check on a flat quote if you know roughly how much gutter your home has. You can estimate by walking the roofline, or by measuring the outside perimeter of the house.

Gutter cleaning cost per linear foot

Item Typical range Relative price range
1-story home $0.95 – $1.25/linear ft
2-story home $1 – $1.85/linear ft
3-story home $1.25 – $2.25/linear ft

Source: This Old House: Gutter cleaning cost

Multiply the per-foot range by your gutter length for a rough total. Many companies also set a minimum charge, so a short run may cost more per foot than the table suggests.

How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost Near Me?

Local prices depend on the same factors that shape the national numbers, plus regional labor rates and tree cover. A house in a wooded neighborhood may need cleaning more often than one on an open lot. To find a fair local price, get quotes from at least three companies in your area and ask what each price includes. A quote that is low but skips downspout flushing may cost you more in the end.

What Affects Gutter Cleaning Cost

  • House height. Taller homes take more time and require more safety equipment.
  • Gutter length. More linear feet means more labor.
  • Debris amount. Heavy leaf buildup, shingle grit, or moss takes longer to clear.
  • Roof pitch and access. Steep roofs and obstacles like fences or landscaping slow the crew.
  • Gutter condition. Sagging or clogged downspouts add work.
  • Gutter guards. Covers must often be removed and put back to clean underneath.
  • Season. Late fall, after leaves drop, tends to be the busy time.
  • Add-on services. Gutter repair, downspout flushing, and roof debris removal may cost extra.

Gutter Guard Maintenance Cost

Gutter guards reduce how often you need to clean, but they do not eliminate maintenance. Debris, pollen, and shingle grit can build up on or under the guards.

Gutter guard maintenance cost per year

Item Typical range Relative price range
Professional gutter guard cleaning $162 – $486/yr
DIY gutter guard upkeep $35 – $150/yr

Source: This Old House: Gutter guard maintenance costs

The DIY row covers supplies and tools for basic upkeep. The professional row covers annual service. Over a year, the difference between the two may be justified by safety alone, since clearing gutters means climbing a ladder.

Why Gutter Cleaning Estimates Vary

Estimates by source

Item Typical range Average Relative price range
This Old House $191 – $529$360
This Old House (Ned Stevens review) $120 – $250—

Sources: This Old House: Gutter cleaning cost; This Old House: Ned Stevens gutter cleaning review

The two entries come from different pages. One is a general cost guide. The other is a review of a specific gutter cleaning service. Differences in what each covers, such as whether downspouts are flushed or debris is bagged and hauled, can change the number. Compare scope as well as price.

How Often Should You Clean Gutters?

Most homes benefit from cleaning at least once a year, and two visits help when you have many trees nearby. Spring and late fall are common times. If water overflows during rain, if you see plants growing in the gutter, or if the gutter pulls away from the fascia, schedule a cleaning sooner. Clogged gutters can send water down walls and toward the foundation, which can lead to far more expensive repairs than a cleaning.

DIY or Professional Gutter Cleaning?

Cleaning gutters yourself costs only supplies and time. It is also risky. Ladder falls are a real injury risk. If you do it yourself, use a sturdy ladder on level ground, have someone spot you, and consider ladder stand-offs or a telescoping tool to avoid reaching too far. Wear gloves, because gutters often hold sharp debris. Single-story homes with good access are the most reasonable DIY candidates. For a two- or three-story house, steep terrain, or a roof you cannot safely reach, hire a professional with liability insurance.

What to Ask When Getting Quotes

  • Is the price per visit, per linear foot, or per hour?
  • Does it include flushing the downspouts and checking for leaks?
  • Is debris bagged and hauled away, or left on the ground?
  • Is the company insured, and does the insurance cover damage to the roof?
  • Is there a minimum charge, or a discount for recurring service?
  • Will you inspect the gutters for damage while you are up there?

Frequently asked questions

How much does gutter cleaning cost?

Gutter cleaning typically costs $191 – $529 per visit according to This Old House.

How much does it cost to clean gutters on a two-story house?

A two-story home is listed at $180 – $360 per visit, or $1 – $1.85/linear ft.

How much does gutter cleaning cost for a one-story house?

A one-story home is listed at $145 – $250 per visit, or $0.95 – $1.25/linear ft.

How much does it cost to clean gutters on a three-story house?

A three-story home is listed at $210 – $450 per visit, or $1.25 – $2.25/linear ft.

How much does gutter guard cleaning cost?

Professional gutter guard cleaning is listed at $162 – $486/yr. DIY upkeep is listed at $35 – $150/yr.

Is it worth paying for gutter cleaning?

Often, yes, especially for tall houses, because the work involves ladders and heights. Clogged gutters can let water damage siding, fascia, and the foundation, so the cost of a cleaning is small compared with those repairs.