It’s that time of the year when you catch yourself thinking, how clean are my gutters? Should I schedule gutter cleaning? When was the last time I had my gutters cleaned? What are the gutter cleaning costs these days? Should I do it myself or schedule a gutter cleaning service, what will it cost to clean my gutters?
These are all legitimate questions to ask when planning this vital housekeeping chore. This detailed guide will help you prepare and budget for gutter cleaning for your home. Read more about the price of gutter cleaning and things to consider before hiring a service.
Signs You Need Gutter Cleaning
Let’s first answer the most important question; what are the apparent signs your gutters are full and desperately need some cleaning? These signs are easy to spot and can help you avoid damage to your property. Here is a few of them:
– Gutters are full of debris or overflowing with water
– Water is leaking from the gutters or pooling around the foundation
– Sagging or improperly angled gutters
– Damage to your roof, siding, or landscaping due to clogged gutters
– Vegetation is growing in your gutters instead of your garden
– Lots of debris on your roof
Notice any of the above? It’s time to act ASAP before clogged gutters cause more damage.
Benefits of Gutter Cleaning
Before we get into gutter cleaning costs, let’s talk about the benefits. First and foremost, cleaning the gutters is incredibly helpful in keeping water out of your home. Clean gutters and downspouts will prevent structural damage by diverting water from the home’s foundation. In turn, it will keep water from infiltrating a home, causing mold and rot. Standing water in a clogged gutter, besides providing a perfect environment for pests and bacteria, also causes stress on an entire gutter system that can lead to sagging gutters, damaged gutter hangers, and broken-off downspouts.
In winter, clogged gutters can cause ice dams, slip hazards, and damage to roofs. The weight of the ice can rip gutters off the house entirely, and the water can seep under shingles and cause leaks.
Although it is an essential home maintenance task, the cost of gutter cleaning might keep you from calling your local gutter cleaners. Keep reading to discover why this is flawed thinking and jeopardizes your family’s safety.
Factors in Calculating Gutter Cleaning Costs
Now that we’ve covered the importance of gutter cleaning let’s dive into the cost to clean gutters. Gutter cleaning pricing is often determined by the home’s square footage, the cost of labor in the area, and any added services such as gutter repairs or installation of gutter guards. Some gutter cleaning services charge extra to clear downspouts or remove debris from your property. Always ask what is included in the gutter cleaning cost when scheduling an appointment.
The average gutter cleaning cost for a 1,500-square-foot home ranges from $100-$175 for basic cleaning.
Additional fees could include an extra charge for extremely tall homes (requiring specialized equipment such as a 32-foot ladder) or cleaning gutters with gutter guards. Sometimes, especially after a harsh winter with a lot of debris buildup, additional charges may apply for extensive clogs or blockages that require special attention to clean out thoroughly.
Gutter Cleaning and Repair Costs
If your gutters are in need of repair or replacement, it may be more cost-effective to combine gutter cleaning with the necessary repairs. Some services offer package deals for both gutter cleaning and repair, often at a discounted rate. It is important to note that gutter repairs can be quite costly, potentially costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. Before committing to a gutter cleaning and repair service, it’s wise to have a professional gutter cleaning company come and inspect your gutters first to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
Gutter repair costs in the Chicago area range from $25 to repair a single leak combined with gutter cleaning or about $80 when done alone.
Downspout reattachment or replacement runs around $80 with gutter cleaning and $180 when done separately.
Gutter readjustment or gutter guard replacement costs about $5 per linear foot. You’ll probably be able to negotiate a flat fee if you schedule this service with gutter cleaning.
Ask your local gutter cleaning company what they will charge you to repair and clean your gutters. You’ll save some money scheduling these services together.
Gutter Cleaning Prices by House Height
One factor that may affect gutter cleaning prices is the height of your home. Cleaning gutters on a one-story house is less risky and requires less equipment than cleaning gutters on a tall or multi-story home. The cost to clean gutters will likely be lower for a one-story house, ranging from $100-$150, while it could cost $150-$250 or more for taller or multi-story homes.
Gutter cleaning companies often use specialized equipment such as extension ladders with stabilizers and special gutter cleaning tools to reach safely and thoroughly clean high gutters. Always ask about any added fees for taller homes when scheduling an appointment.
Roof Cleaning Costs
Many gutter cleaning services also offer roof cleaning, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the size and pitch of your roof. Roof cleaning is an important part of maintenance for your home as it helps prevent damage to your roof and keeps your gutters clear of debris. Ask about including a roof cleaning when scheduling gutter cleaning for added convenience and potentially lower costs.
How much does hiring a professional gutter cleaning company near me cost?
The cost to hire a professional gutter cleaning company varies depending on the size and type of your home and any special services or repairs that may be needed. On average, plan to spend between $100-$225 for basic gutter cleaning on a 1,500-square-foot home. For taller or multi-story homes, expect to pay slightly more. Be sure to ask about any added fees for extra services such as roof cleaning or gutter repair. Shop around and compare prices from multiple companies in your area to ensure you get the best deal.
Contact a few local gutter cleaners for your neighborhood’s gutter cleaning cost. Check their reputation, and you’ll be confident you’re getting a fair deal and hiring the right company for gutter and downspout cleaning.
Additional Costs and Considerations
-Be sure to ask about any added fees for taller or multi-story homes, roof cleaning, gutter repair, and downspout cleaning.
-Companies often charge extra to clean gutters on any detached structure that is not part of the house, such as a detached garage.
-Some companies offer discounts for scheduling regular gutter cleaning services multiple times per year.
-If your gutters need repairs, it may be more cost-effective to schedule gutter cleaning and repairs together with a package deal.
-Before committing to any service, have a professional come and inspect your gutters to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
Gutter cleaning should ideally be done at least twice a year – once in the late spring and once in the fall. However, if you have a lot of trees near your home or live in an area prone to storms, you may need to clean your gutters more frequently. Inspecting and cleaning your gutters after any major storm or high winds is also important.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your gutters can prevent damage to your roof and foundation, save you money on potential repairs, and increase the longevity of your gutters. Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule regular gutter cleaning as part of your home maintenance routine.
DIY vs. Gutter Cleaning Service
Cleaning gutters can be a dangerous and time-consuming task. Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service can save you the hassle and ensure the job is done properly and safely. However, if you’re experienced in using ladders and have the proper equipment, it may be more cost-effective to do it yourself.
No matter which route you choose, regularly cleaning your gutters is important for maintaining the health and longevity of your home. Take the time to research local companies or gather the necessary supplies for DIY gutter cleaning to keep your gutters clear and functioning properly.
Conclusion
Gutter cleaning is a necessary task for proper home maintenance. The cost to hire a professional gutter cleaning service can vary depending on the size and type of your home and any additional services or repairs needed. Be sure to ask about discounts for scheduling regular cleaning multiple times per year and package deals for cleaning and repairs. It’s important to clean your gutters at least twice a year and inspect them after any major storms. Consider hiring a professional gutter cleaner or doing it yourself. Just be sure to stay safe while on the ladder. Regularly maintaining your gutters will save you money in the long run and keep your roof and foundation in good shape.