Gutter Cleaning

Prevent foundation damage, fascia rot, and ice dams — most homes need cleaning twice per year

Typical cost

$75–$250

Job duration

1–2 hours

How often

2× per year

Gutter cleaning removes the leaves, seeds, shingle debris, and organic buildup that clog gutters and block downspouts. Clogged gutters overflow against your foundation, rot fascia and soffit boards, and create ice dams in freezing climates. This is one of the lowest-cost, highest-consequence maintenance services on a home.

Gutter Cleaning vs. Gutter Brightening — Know the Difference

Gutter cleaning means removing debris from inside the gutters and flushing downspouts clear — this is the essential maintenance service.

Gutter brightening is a separate cosmetic service for the exterior of the gutter channel. Those black vertical streaks (called tiger stripes) are caused by oxidized roof runoff and won't come off with a garden hose or standard washing. Brightening uses a specialized cleaning agent applied by hand or low-pressure spray.

Many companies offer both as a combined service. If your gutters are clean inside but streaky on the outside, ask specifically about brightening when you call.

Why Clogged Gutters Are a Serious Problem

Gutters exist for one reason: to move water away from your foundation. When they overflow, water pools directly against the foundation and can penetrate into basements and crawl spaces. Foundation water intrusion is one of the most expensive residential repairs — remediation costs commonly run $5,000–$30,000+.

Overflowing gutters also saturate and rot the wood fascia and soffit boards behind them. Once rot sets in, the repair involves replacing both the wood and the gutter hardware. The weight of wet debris also pulls gutters away from the fascia over time, requiring full gutter replacement.

Signs You Need Cleaning Now

Don't wait for the annual schedule if you're seeing any of these:

  • Water visibly spilling over the front edge of gutters during rain (not just at seams or downspouts)
  • Plants or seedlings growing from gutters — this means substantial soil has accumulated
  • Sagging sections of gutter — debris weight is pulling them down
  • Water staining or mold on siding directly below the gutter line
  • Downspouts that don't flow well or are silent during heavy rain

Common Questions About Gutter Cleaning

How often should gutters be cleaned?
Most homes: twice per year — late spring (after pollen and seed season) and late fall (after leaves drop). Homes under pine trees may need 3–4 cleanings per year because pines drop needles year-round and the needles compact into a dense mat that blocks drainage quickly.
What's included in a standard gutter cleaning service?
Removal of all debris from gutters by hand or vacuum, flushing of downspouts to confirm clear flow, and a basic visual inspection for loose hangers or damaged sections. Full gutter cleaning doesn't include gutter repair — ask the contractor to note any issues found during the cleaning so you can address them separately.
Can I inspect my gutters from the ground?
You can see obvious overflows and plant growth from the ground. But you can't see inside gutter runs that drain away from you, and you can't check downspout flow without someone at roof level. A professional inspection during cleaning covers the full run including downspout outlets.
Free — No obligation

Get Free Gutter Cleaning Quotes

Matched with up to 3 licensed local pros in 24 hours

1Your ZIP
2Your Details
Gutter Cleaningselected

Related Services

House Soft Washing
Roof Cleaning