Gutter cleaning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What gutter cleaning is

Gutter cleaning removes leaves, grit and sediment from gutters and downspouts, then flushes the system with water to confirm it drains. People call when water spills over the gutter edge, when the troughs are packed with debris, or after a season of heavy leaf drop.

Signs you need it

  • Water spilling over the front edge of the gutter during rain instead of running into the downspout
  • Shingle grit or leaves packed in the trough, with seedlings growing out of the debris
  • Water dripping from the seams or the downspout outlet after a light rain
  • Downspouts that stay quiet when the roof sheds water, which points to a clog at the elbow or outlet
  • Dark staining or soft wood on the fascia board directly below the gutter

What the pro does

  • Check the gutters and downspouts from the ground, photograph the debris and any sagging, and set up access for the height of the eave
  • Scoop leaves and sediment out of the trough by hand, bagging the debris rather than dropping it into the yard drains
  • Use a gutter vacuum or a plastic scoop on sections packed with silt or grit, and clear the downspout outlets and elbows
  • Flush each run with a hose from the high end, checking that the water reaches the downspout and comes out the bottom
  • Check the hangers, joints, end caps and seams for leaks, sagging or loose fasteners, and note what needs repair

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Home height and roof access, since two-story and steep roofs need more fall protection and more crew time
  • Total length of gutter and the number of downspouts to clear
  • Amount and type of debris, such as wet leaf mats or packed shingle grit
  • Whether the downspout elbows and underground drain lines need to be cleared
  • Whether gutter guards are on the gutters and have to be cleaned around or removed
  • Repairs found during cleaning, such as loose hangers or leaking seams
  • Disposal of the debris and whether the yard and beds are cleaned after the job

What a written quote should spell out

  • Gutter length and the number of downspouts included in the visit
  • Whether the downspouts and elbows are cleared and flushed
  • How the debris is removed and where it is taken
  • Whether the gutters are checked for leaks, sagging and loose hangers, with each finding listed
  • Whether the ground around the downspout outlets is cleaned
  • Photos of the gutters before and after the clean

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you flush each run with water to confirm it drains, or do you only remove the debris?
  • How do you reach two-story gutters, and what fall protection does your crew use?
  • Will you clear the downspouts and elbows, and will you check the underground drain lines if water backs up?
  • What do you do with the debris, and do you clean the lawn and driveway afterward?
  • Will you note any leaks, sagging or loose hangers, and can you show me photos of them?
  • Can you clean around my gutter guards without removing them, and is that included?
  • Does your insurance cover ladder work at the height of my eaves?

Red flags

  • A crew that blows debris off the top and does not check the downspouts or flush the run
  • Gutters bent or dented by a ladder or a tool that was pried against the trough
  • Debris pushed into the downspouts or left on the roof instead of removed
  • No fall protection used on a steep or tall roof edge
  • Pressure to add gutter guards or repairs before the clean is finished

What you can do yourself

You can safely check gutters from the ground, look for debris in the trough, clear downspout outlets you can reach without a ladder, and use a garden hose to see where water spills. Do not climb a ladder to clean gutters on a two-story home or a steep roof, since a fall can cause serious injury. Call a pro for any gutter you cannot reach from the ground, or any gutter that needs repair.

Licenses and permits

Gutter cleaning is often offered by general exterior and home service companies, and licensing rules vary by place. Check with your state and local licensing agency, and check contractor licensing for any fascia or roof edge repair.

Gutter cleaning questions

How often do gutters need cleaning?

It depends on the trees near the house, the roof type and the season. Homes under trees usually need cleaning more often than homes in open areas. Ask the pro to check the gutters after the first season to set a schedule.

Can gutter cleaning damage my gutters?

It can, if the crew bends the trough with a tool or pries the hangers loose. Ask how they clean and whether they check the fasteners afterward.

Why do my gutters still overflow after a cleaning?

Usually the downspout outlet or elbow is still clogged, or the gutter slope is wrong. Ask the pro to flush the system and check the slope and the outlet.

Do I need gutter guards after cleaning?

Not always. Guards reduce how often cleaning is needed, but they need their own cleaning and inspection. Ask the pro whether your trees and roof make guards worth it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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