Gutters are an integral part of keeping your home safe, especially if you live in an area that has heavy rain and snowfall every year. Having gutters allows water to be diverted away from a house, so homeowners can avoid dealing with costly problems such as damage to the roof, basement, and the very structure of the home. In order to decrease the chances of water damage to your home, gutter cleaning is extremely important. Continue reading to find out what you should budget as your gutter cleaning cost, as well as information on the importance of cleaning gutters regularly.
How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost?
On average, gutter cleaning costs $0.80 to $2 per linear foot of guttering. Gutter linear feet depends on the size and structure of your home, but the average 1,600 square foot home has 160 linear feet of guttering. At this rate, homeowners can expect to pay a gutter cleaning cost of about $128 to $320 per service for a 1,600 square foot home.
Keep in mind that there are many factors that go into the final cost of gutter cleaning service, such as:
- The type and condition of the gutters
- Your home’s size and number of stories
- Your roof’s structure and slope
- If you have gutters on the upper floors of your home
- The last time you cleaned the gutters
Generally, if you have a single-story home, it will cost $0.80 to $1 per linear foot for gutter cleaning, and closer to $2 per linear foot for larger homes. As a result, the entire gutter cleaning job could range between $70 and $400.
| Home Size | Average Gutter Cleaning Cost |
|---|---|
| One story | $120 to $240 |
| Two story | $250 to $320 |
| Three story | $300 to $400 |
It is also important to clean and maintain gutter downspouts, because clogged downspouts can contribute to water damage. To add downspout cleaning onto your gutter cleaning service, you can expect to add an additional $50 to $100 to the servive costs.
Gutter Cleaning Services
It may be possible to save some money on gutter cleaning costs by finding a local company and scheduling regular gutter cleaning services. Many gutter companies offer subscription pricing, meaning each gutter cleaning visit costs less than the typical rate. This will also help ensure your gutters are being cleaned regularly and extend the lifespan of your gutters, saving you on long-term gutter replacement costs.
Be sure to ask your local gutter company about any cleaning service subscription offerings. Check and see if they offer discounts on regularly scheduled gutter cleanings, as well as any additional discounts.
Why Is It Important to Clean Gutters?
The point of having gutters on your home is to allow water to flow freely through them and away from the house. This cannot be done efficiently if gutters are not properly maintained.
Gutter cleaning will not only extend the life of your gutter system itself, but will prevent leaks in your roof, flooding in your basement, and damage to your walls. Cleaning them will also give you or your contractor a chance to spot damage to gutters early so it can be repaired or to begin budgeting for a gutter replacement well in advance. In addition, gutters help to protect your landscaping. When water overflows and is misdirected because of clogs, plants and trees can be destroyed, and soil erosion may occur. Clogged gutters may also lead to pest infestations. Water accumulating inside your gutters can be a breeding ground for bugs, and rodents and birds can use those unkempt areas as a place to nest.
How Often Is Gutter Cleaning Necessary?
Generally, gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall, possibly more if you have a lot of trees near your home. If you have gutter guards, which are designed to prevent debris from getting inside and causing clogs, you may not need to clean your gutters as frequently. Installing gutter guards can help you save money in the long-run by reducing gutter cleaning frequency.
Can You DIY Gutter Cleaning?
Of course, it is possible to clean your gutters on your own. This will involve a trip to the local home improvement store and picking up a gutter scoop or brush, gloves, ladder, and gutter cleaning solution. Depending on how many items you already have at home, the cost to buy these items may cost more than the professional gutter cleaning cost itself.
There are several benefits to hiring a regular gutter cleaning service. Not only is this a low-cost job, but it will also save you hours of weekend work, ensure the job is done regularly, extend the lifespan of your gutters, protect your home from water damage, and more.
If you need to find a contractor who specializes in gutter cleaning, we can help. Compare local gutter cleaning costs by exploring our reliable contractors.
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