Most homeowners ignore gutter cleaning until water pours over the sides in a storm. Clogged gutters are a leading preventable cause of foundation damage, and the repair bill dwarfs routine cleaning.
Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
How much does gutter cleaning cost? Gutter cleaning costs $100–$250 for a single-story home in 2026, averaging $175. Two-story homes run $150–$250, three-story $250–$450 due to ladder height and safety. Many pros quote by the foot — $0.50–$1.50/LF; the average home carries 150–200 linear feet.
Gutters overdue? Post the job free on AllBetter and compare bids from identity-verified cleaning pros — no lead fees, payment in escrow until it is done right.
Gutter Cleaning Cost by Home Size
Home height is the biggest price factor — it drives ladder setup, risk, and crew speed:
The single-story headline range is $100–$250 nationally (about $175) once heavy debris and tree-lined lots factor in. Complex rooflines — valleys, dormers, multiple sections — land higher; they add hidden length.
Cost Per Linear Foot
Many companies quote by linear foot. The national range is $0.50–$1.50/LF; most jobs $0.75–$1.25/LF:
Most companies set a $75–$100 minimum regardless of footage.
Add-On Services and Gutter Guards
Basic cleaning removes debris and flushes the system. Most pros offer add-ons that prevent bigger problems:
Gutter guards can pay for themselves in 5–8 years. Micro-mesh guards ($12–$20/LF, roughly $2,400–$4,000 for a 200 LF home) block 90–95% of debris and last 20–25 years — best value under heavy canopy. Cheap foam and brush inserts deteriorate fast and trap debris. A companion task is chimney cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
The standard is twice a year — late spring after pollen and seed pods, late fall after leaf drop:
The late-fall cleaning is most critical — it decides whether gutters handle winter rain and snowmelt or form ice dams. Schedule it after most leaves drop (late November) but before the first hard freeze. Off-peak booking can save 10–15%.
DIY vs. Professional Gutter Cleaning
The gap between DIY and professional cleaning is smaller than most expect once equipment, time, and risk are counted:
DIY makes sense for a single-story home if you own a quality ladder and use it confidently. For two-story homes the math shifts hard toward a pro: the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 164,000 ladder-related ER visits a year, gutter cleaning among the top causes. A two-story gutter puts you 18–24 feet up on an often wet, uneven surface. If you DIY single-story, use a weight-rated ladder, keep three points of contact, and do not overreach.
Not climbing the ladder? Post the job on AllBetter and several verified cleaning pros bid directly — payment in escrow until you approve the work.
What Affects Your Price
- Home height — biggest factor; each added story adds $50–$150.
- Roof pitch — steep roofs (8/12+) often carry a $50–$100 surcharge.
- Linear footage — average homes have 150–200 LF; dormers and valleys push to 250–300+ LF.
- Debris level — packed leaves take 2–3x longer; heavy clogs add $50–$100.
- Access difficulty — fences, decks, and power lines blocking the ladder add cost.
- Location — metro areas run 15–30% higher than rural.
Skipping cleanings to save $175 is a gamble against far costlier repairs. Overflowing gutters erode soil and create hydrostatic pressure at the foundation, leading to repair at $5,000–$15,000. Water under shingles also causes decking rot and leaks — see our roof repair cost guide. Against $300–$400 a year, clean gutters are a clear ROI call.
How to Spot a Thorough Pro
- Counts linear footage onsite — not a quote on home size alone.
- Checks downspout flow and seal condition, not just the trough.
- Discloses any story-count surcharge in the quote.
- Bags and hauls debris at no extra cost.
- Hose-flushes after cleaning to verify flow.
- Recommends gutter guards only when tree coverage justifies it.
Lead-generation sites like Angi, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor charge contractors $15–$80 per lead, and that cost is built into your quote. On a marketplace with only pay when you win, verified cleaning pros bid directly and payment sits in escrow until you approve the work. Get at least three quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gutter cleaning cost for a two-story house?
A two-story house costs $150–$250 in 2026 — higher than single-story homes ($75–$150) because of taller ladders, more setup time, and added risk at 18–24 feet. Get three quotes, since prices vary 30–50%.
How often should you clean your gutters?
Clean your gutters at least twice a year — late spring and late fall after leaf drop. Homes under mature trees may need 3–4 cleanings; those with no overhanging trees can manage one. The late-fall cleaning is most critical, preparing gutters for winter.
Are gutter guards worth the investment?
Gutter guards are worth it for homes with heavy tree coverage needing 3–4 cleanings a year. Micro-mesh guards ($2,400–$4,000 for a typical home) cut cleaning frequency 90–95% and last 20–25 years, paying for themselves in 5–8 years. Avoid foam and brush inserts — they trap debris.
Can clogged gutters cause foundation damage?
Yes. Overflowing gutters pool water at the foundation instead of draining through downspouts, saturating soil and creating hydrostatic pressure that causes cracking, shifting, and settlement. Foundation repair averages $5,000–$15,000; two cleanings a year cost $300–$400.
Is it safe to clean gutters yourself?
DIY is reasonably safe on single-story homes for people fit and comfortable with ladders, but not for two-story or taller homes without professional training and gear. Ladder falls cause over 164,000 ER visits a year. If your home is two stories or taller, or you are over 50, a professional cleaning beats the risk.
What is the best time of year for gutter cleaning?
Late November is best for the critical annual cleaning — after most leaves fall but before the first hard freeze. For spring, late April through mid-May works best. Off-peak months (January–March, July–August) can save 10–15%.
