If you're a homeowner, gutter cleaning is one of those jobs that must be done regularly — but few people enjoy doing it themselves. It’s messy, time-consuming, and often requires climbing a ladder. That’s why many homeowners ask the same question: how much to clean gutters professionally?
At State Restoration Services, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners maintain their gutter systems, and we know that understanding the cost is just as important as understanding the service itself. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how much gutter cleaning typically costs, what factors influence the price, what’s included in the service, and whether it’s worth hiring a professional.
Why Cleaning Gutters Matters
Before breaking down how much to clean gutters, it’s important to understand why cleaning gutters is not optional. Gutters that are clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris can’t do their job — and that leads to major home damage.
Clean gutters help prevent:
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Foundation cracks
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Basement flooding
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Roof leaks
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Mold growth
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Fascia board rot
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Ice dams
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Soil erosion
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Pest infestations
A small investment in cleaning now can save thousands in repairs later.
How Much to Clean Gutters: The National Average
When people ask how much to clean gutters, they usually want a clear price range. While costs vary by region and home size, here are the typical national averages:
Average Cost to Clean Gutters
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$100 – $250 for a standard single-story home
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$150 – $350 for a two-story home
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$250 – $500+ for large homes, steep roofs, or heavy debris
These are general estimates, and the exact price can vary depending on the factors below.
Factors That Influence How Much to Clean Gutters
Several elements affect the total cost of gutter cleaning:
1. Size of Your Home
The bigger the home, the more gutters it has — and the more time required to clean them.
Large homes naturally cost more due to additional footage.
2. Number of Stories
Cleaning a second-story home requires taller ladders and more safety precautions.
Two-story homes usually cost 20–40% more than single-story houses.
3. Roof Pitch and Accessibility
Steep roofs or difficult-to-reach areas increase the price.
If the technician cannot safely place a ladder in certain spots, the job takes longer.
4. Amount of Debris
Homes with many trees typically have more buildup, including:
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leaves
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pine needles
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twigs
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dirt
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granules from shingles
Heavily clogged gutters take more time, which increases the cost.
5. Condition of the Gutters
If gutters are old, damaged, or sagging, extra work may be required to complete the cleaning safely.
6. Downspout Blockages
A complete cleaning includes clearing clogged downspouts.
Downspouts that require disassembly or special tools may increase the cost.
7. Local Market Pricing
Prices vary by region.
Urban areas with higher labor costs tend to have higher gutter cleaning prices.
What’s Included in Professional Gutter Cleaning?
When you ask how much to clean gutters, you should also understand what you're paying for.
A professional gutter cleaning typically includes:
✔ Full debris removal
Leaves, dirt, branches, and buildup are removed by hand or with tools.
✔ Downspout flushing
Water is run through the system to ensure free flow.
✔ Inspection for damage
Professionals check for cracks, leaks, loose brackets, sagging sections, and rust.
✔ Minor repairs (sometimes included)
Tightening screws or resealing seams may be part of the service.
✔ Cleanup
All debris is collected and removed from the property.
High-quality providers like State Restoration Services deliver a complete and thorough cleaning — not just a quick scoop-and-go job.
Extra Services That May Add to the Cost
Sometimes homeowners want additional services during gutter cleaning. Here are optional extras that may increase the total price:
1. Gutter Guard Cleaning
Removing leaves from the top of guards or taking them off for deeper cleaning.
2. Gutter Repairs
Sealing leaks, replacing brackets, or fixing sagging sections.
3. Roof Debris Removal
Clearing branches and leaves from the roof surface.
4. Power Washing
Cleaning the exterior of the gutters for better appearance.
5. Gutter Whitening
Removing black streaks and oxidation.
These upgrades are optional but often worth considering.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: Cost Comparison
Many homeowners wonder whether they should clean gutters themselves instead of paying someone. Here’s how DIY compares to professional service:
DIY Cleaning
✔ Lowest cost
✔ Good for small or easy-access homes
But…
✖ Requires ladder use
✖ Risk of injury
✖ Time-consuming
✖ Easy to miss clogs or damage
✖ No professional inspection included
The cost of DIY is usually the price of gloves, tools, and your time.
Professional Cleaning
✔ Safe
✔ Fast
✔ Thorough
✔ Includes inspection
✔ Handles high or steep roofs
Given these benefits, many homeowners find professional cleaning worth the price — especially for taller homes.
How to Save Money on Gutter Cleaning
If you want to reduce how much to clean gutters costs, here are smart ways to save:
1. Clean Regularly
The more clogged they are, the more expensive it becomes.
2. Install Gutter Guards
They reduce cleaning frequency and overall cost.
3. Trim Nearby Trees
Fewer leaves = less debris.
4. Schedule During Off-Season
Professional services may offer discounts during slower months.
5. Bundle Services
Combine gutter cleaning with roof inspection, siding wash, or gutter repairs.
How Often Should You Clean Gutters?
To avoid expensive problems, most homes should be cleaned:
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Twice per year (spring and fall)
Homes with many trees may need cleaning:
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Every 3–4 months
Keeping a regular schedule lowers the cost each time.
When Gutter Cleaning Becomes Urgent
Even if you clean regularly, sometimes the need is immediate. Call a professional if you notice:
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overflowing water
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plants growing inside gutters
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sagging sections
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water near foundation
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stains on siding
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leaks behind gutters
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insect or bird nests
These are signs the gutters are severely clogged or damaged.
Is Hiring a Professional Worth It?
Absolutely — especially for multi-story homes or houses surrounded by trees.
Professional services like State Restoration Services offer:
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safe ladder use
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experienced technicians
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complete cleaning
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system inspection
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minor repairs
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downspout clearing
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advice on long-term maintenance
You’re not just paying for cleaning — you’re paying for protection, safety, and prevention.
Final Thoughts
So, how much to clean gutters?
While prices vary, most homeowners spend between $100 and $350 depending on home size, height, accessibility, and debris levels.
Gutter cleaning is a small investment that prevents major home damage. Regular cleaning keeps your foundation dry, protects your siding, reduces roof problems, and keeps your home safe year-round.
View our residential roofing page for more information, or book free inspection here.
If you want professional cleaning, inspection, or maintenance, State Restoration Services is here to help protect your home.