Gutter Cleaning Cost Calculator
Estimated Cleaning Cost
$96 – $150
$0.80 – $1.25 per linear foot
Per Cleaning
$96 – $150
Cost per LF
$0.80 – $1.25
Annual (2×/yr)
$192 – $300
Frequency
2× per year
Tip: Schedule gutter cleaning in late fall (after leaves drop) and late spring. Fall cleaning is the most important to prevent ice dams and winter water damage.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Gutter Cleaning Cost Breakdown
| Stories | Light | Moderate | Heavy | Severe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Story | $0.80 – $1.25 | $0.92 – $1.44 | $1.08 – $1.69 | $1.20 – $1.88 |
| 2-Story | $1.00 – $1.85 | $1.15 – $2.13 | $1.35 – $2.50 | $1.50 – $2.78 |
| 3-Story | $1.50 – $2.50 | $1.73 – $2.88 | $2.03 – $3.38 | $2.25 – $3.75 |
* Cost per linear foot. No gutter guards. Minimum $150 applies for most contractors.
Average Project Costs (2-Story, Moderate Debris)
| Home Size | Gutter LF | Per Cleaning | Annual (2×) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Home | 80 LF | $150* | $300 |
| Standard Home | 120 LF | $138 – $255 | $276 – $511 |
| Large Home | 200 LF | $230 – $426 | $460 – $851 |
| Very Large Home | 300 LF | $345 – $639 | $690 – $1,277 |
* $150 contractor minimum applies for small jobs.
How We Calculate
Our gutter cleaning cost calculator estimates per-cleaning and annual costs based on gutter linear footage, story height, debris condition, and gutter guards. Pricing is calculated per linear foot with multipliers for debris severity and adders for gutter guard removal.
How the math works: Cleaning cost = linear feet × base cost per LF (by story height) × debris condition multiplier + guard removal adder. Annual cost = per-cleaning cost × recommended frequency. The debris multiplier ranges from 1.0× (light) to 1.5× (severe/neglected).
Pricing Factors
Story height is the biggest cost factor: 1-story ($0.80–$1.25/LF), 2-story ($1.00–$1.85/LF), 3-story ($1.50–$2.50/LF). Height increases cost due to longer ladder setup, safety equipment, and slower work pace.
Debris condition affects time and effort: light debris (minimal leaves) is the baseline; moderate adds 15%; heavy (packed leaves, shingle grit) adds 35%; severe/neglected (years of buildup, plant growth) adds 50%.
Gutter guards must be removed and reinstalled during cleaning, adding $0.50–$1.00/LF. However, guards reduce cleaning frequency from 2× to 1× per year, often saving money long-term.
Seasonal Recommendations
Fall cleaning (late November) is essential — accumulated leaves cause ice dams and overflow during winter rain. Spring cleaning (April–May) removes pollen, seed pods, and winter debris. Homes near pine trees may benefit from a third cleaning in midsummer.
Additional Costs
Our estimates cover standard gutter cleaning. Additional services may include: downspout flushing ($25–$75 per downspout), downspout unclogging ($50–$150 per downspout), minor gutter repair ($50–$200), gutter guard installation ($6–$12/LF), and gutter resealing ($2–$5/LF).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions (February 2026). Costs vary by region, season, and contractor availability.
Last updated: 2026-02-04
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gutter cleaning cost? +
Gutter cleaning costs $0.80–$2.50 per linear foot depending on story height and debris condition. A typical single-story home with 120 LF of gutters costs $96–$150 per cleaning. Two-story homes cost $120–$222, and three-story buildings $180–$300. Most companies charge a $150 minimum.
How often should gutters be cleaned? +
Clean gutters at least twice per year — in late fall (after leaves drop) and late spring. Homes surrounded by trees, especially pine trees, may need 3 cleanings per year. Heavy debris areas should be cleaned in fall, late winter, and spring.
Can I clean gutters myself? +
DIY gutter cleaning is feasible for single-story homes with a sturdy extension ladder, work gloves, a gutter scoop, and a garden hose. Budget $20–$50 in supplies. For two-story or higher homes, hire a professional — ladder falls cause over 500,000 injuries per year in the US.
Do gutter guards eliminate the need for cleaning? +
No. Gutter guards significantly reduce debris accumulation but don't eliminate cleaning entirely. Fine particles, shingle grit, and pollen still get through or accumulate on top. Expect to clean gutters with guards once per year instead of twice, and budget an extra $0.50–$1.00/LF for guard removal and reinstallation during cleaning.
Why do 2-story homes cost more to clean? +
Two-story homes cost 25–50% more due to the increased height requiring taller ladders (28–40 ft), more time for repositioning, greater safety risk, and sometimes specialized equipment like ladder stabilizers. Three-story buildings may require boom lifts ($200–$400/day rental) in addition to higher labor rates.
When is the best time of year to clean gutters? +
Late November (after deciduous trees drop their leaves) is the most important cleaning. Late April or May is the second-best time to remove spring pollen, seed pods, and any winter debris. Avoid cleaning during freezing temperatures or heavy rain.
What are the signs of clogged gutters? +
Watch for: water overflowing during rain, sagging or pulling-away gutters (from weight), plant growth in the gutters, birds or pests nesting, staining or mildew on siding below gutters, and pooling water near the foundation. Clogged gutters can cause foundation damage costing $5,000–$15,000+ to repair.
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