How Much Does Gutter Cleaning or Gutter Repair Cost?
This guide is for general homeowner education. For safety-sensitive repairs or active damage, contact a licensed professional.
Quick answer
Most homeowners pay $120–$250 for a standard gutter cleaning on a one-story home and $200–$425 on a two-story home. Minor repairs like resealing a leak or re-securing a loose section typically run $90–$300. Replacing a full section of gutter or installing gutter guards costs more — usually $5–$15 per linear foot for repair, and $7–$20+ per foot for guards, depending on materials and home height.
Gutters don't get much attention until something goes wrong — overflowing in a storm, sagging away from the fascia, or dripping behind the boards. The cost to clean or repair them is usually small compared to the water damage they prevent, which is why this is one of the most cost-effective maintenance jobs a homeowner can budget for.
Typical gutter cleaning cost
For most homes, a professional gutter cleaning runs $120–$250 for a single-story house and $200–$425 for a two-story home. Larger homes, steep roofs, heavy debris, or homes surrounded by trees can push the price higher.
Typical gutter repair cost
Small repairs are usually inexpensive: resealing a leak, replacing a hanger, or re-securing a loose section often falls in the $90–$300 range. Replacing a damaged section of gutter or downspout costs more depending on length, material, and access.
Cost by service type
Typical U.S. homeowner cost ranges
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Basic gutter cleaning (single-story) | $120 – $250 |
| Two-story gutter cleaning | $200 – $425 |
| Downspout clearing | $50 – $150 per downspout |
| Minor gutter leak repair (resealing) | $90 – $250 |
| Re-securing loose gutters | $125 – $350 |
| Replacing a section of gutter | $5 – $15 per linear foot |
| Replacing a section of downspout | $5 – $12 per linear foot |
| Gutter guard installation | $7 – $20 per linear foot |
| Full gutter replacement (1,500 sq ft home) | $1,200 – $2,800+ |
| Emergency/storm cleanup | $250 – $600+ |
What affects the final cost
- Home height — two-story and three-story homes need taller ladders, more setup, and more safety equipment
- Roof access and pitch — steep or slippery roofs increase labor and risk
- Total length of gutters and number of downspouts
- Debris load — light leaves vs. compacted muck full of seeds and shingle grit
- Repairs found during cleaning — sealing leaks, replacing hangers, or correcting slope
- Gutter material — aluminum is most common, copper and steel cost much more
- Geographic location and local labor rates
- Time of year — fall and after storms are peak demand and may carry a premium
- Whether gutter guards are present (cleaning may take longer if guards must be removed)
- Emergency or after-hours service fees
Signs your gutters need cleaning or repair
- Water spilling over the front edge during rain
- Visible plants, grass, or seedlings sprouting from the gutter
- Sagging sections that pull away from the fascia
- Stains or streaks running down the siding under the gutter
- Water pooling around the foundation after storms
- Downspouts that don't drip even during heavy rain (a sign they're clogged)
- Rust spots, holes, or visible separations at the seams
- Peeling paint or rot on the fascia board behind the gutter
- Ice dams forming repeatedly in the same spots in winter
Why clogged gutters can lead to water damage
When gutters can't move water away from the roof, it has to go somewhere. It spills behind the gutter and soaks the fascia. It pours over the front and lands next to the foundation. It runs down the siding and seeps into trim joints. In freezing weather, it backs up under the shingles as ice dams.
Over time, that one neglected gutter can lead to rotted fascia, basement seepage, cracked foundation corners, and interior water damage in walls and ceilings — repairs that cost many times more than a $200 cleaning.
Cleaning is cheap insurance
Most pros recommend cleaning at least twice a year — late spring and late fall. Homes with lots of trees may need quarterly cleanings.
What homeowners can safely check from the ground
- Walk around the house during the next rainstorm and look for overflow, drips behind the gutter, or downspouts that aren't running.
- Look up at the underside of the gutter and fascia for stains, sagging, or visible separation.
- Check that downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from the foundation.
- Look at the soil around the foundation for erosion, mulch washed sideways, or splash patterns on the siding.
- Note any sections of gutter that visibly lean forward, sag in the middle, or have pulled away from the fascia.
What not to do
- Don't climb a ladder you're not comfortable on, especially for a two-story home. Ladder falls are one of the most common serious home-maintenance injuries.
- Don't walk on the roof to clean gutters unless you're trained and equipped. Slips happen on dry roofs, not just wet ones.
- Don't pressure-wash inside a gutter — it can blow off paint, dent thin aluminum, and force water behind the fascia.
- Don't ignore water pooling at the foundation. Even small amounts every storm add up to bigger problems.
- Don't seal a leak from below without finding why the gutter is leaking — a slope or fastener issue won't go away with caulk.
Questions to ask a gutter cleaning or repair company
- Is the quote per visit or per year, and how many cleanings are included?
- Will you bag and remove debris, or leave it on site?
- Will you check downspouts and run water through to confirm they drain?
- Do you flag and quote repairs found during cleaning before doing the work?
- Are you insured for falls and property damage?
- What's the cost difference between repairing a section and replacing it?
- If gutter guards are recommended, what type and what's the warranty?
- Do you guarantee the work — for example, no clogs for 30–90 days after cleaning?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping cleanings to save $200, then paying thousands for water damage repairs
- Only cleaning the gutters and forgetting to flush the downspouts
- Sealing leaks without checking that the gutter slope still drains toward the downspout
- Using ladders alone on a two-story home or in windy conditions
- Installing gutter guards over gutters that haven't been cleaned or repaired first
Estimated cost
Below is a typical homeowner cost summary. Use it as a planning estimate — your final price depends on home size, height, debris level, and any repairs found during cleaning.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Basic gutter cleaning (single-story) | $120 – $250 |
| Two-story gutter cleaning | $200 – $425 |
| Downspout clearing | $50 – $150 per downspout |
| Minor leak repair | $90 – $250 |
| Re-securing loose gutters | $125 – $350 |
| Section replacement | $5 – $15 per linear foot |
| Gutter guard installation | $7 – $20 per linear foot |
Costs vary by region, home height, gutter material, and the condition of the existing system. Always compare written quotes from at least two companies.
A note on these costs: Costs are general U.S. homeowner ranges based on common repair scenarios and publicly available market estimates. Actual pricing can vary by location, labor rates, materials, damage severity, access, permits, emergency fees, and contractor minimums. Always compare multiple written quotes.
How we estimate costs: Our cost ranges are designed as planning estimates based on common homeowner repair scenarios, contractor pricing patterns, and publicly available market data. They are not quotes.
Recommended tools & products
Useful tools for the parts of gutter maintenance that can be done safely from the ground.
These are general product types to consider — compare features, reviews, and your specific repair situation before buying.
Gutter scoop
A plastic scoop is far easier and safer on aluminum than a trowel — used by a pro from a ladder.
Heavy work gloves
Decomposed leaves can hide sharp screws, metal edges, and wasp nests.
Hose attachment with curved wand
Lets you flush gutters and downspouts from the ground or a step ladder.
Downspout strainers
Inexpensive screens that catch debris at the top of each downspout to reduce clogs.
Ladder stabilizer
An add-on bar that braces the ladder against the roof or siding instead of the gutter itself. Use only if you're comfortable on a ladder and have help nearby — never use a ladder alone for two-story work.
When to call a professional
Call a gutter professional for two-story homes, steep or slippery roofs, sagging gutters, sections pulling away from the fascia, water pooling near the foundation, visible rot on the fascia, or recurring ice dams. Roof access is the biggest risk in this work — paying a few hundred dollars for a pro is almost always safer and cheaper than a ladder injury. If you already see water staining inside walls, around windows, or in the basement, treat it as a water damage issue and bring in a water mitigation or remediation pro alongside the gutter repair.
Frequently asked questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?+
Most homes do well with two cleanings a year — late spring and late fall. Homes surrounded by pine, oak, or maple trees may need three to four cleanings to stay clear.
Do gutter guards eliminate cleaning?+
No. Quality gutter guards reduce how often gutters need cleaning, but fine debris and shingle grit can still build up. Most still need an annual inspection and rinse.
Can clogged gutters really cause foundation damage?+
Yes. Water dumping next to the foundation saturates the soil, expands, and can lead to basement seepage, cracked corners, and shifting over time. Extending downspouts well away from the house is one of the simplest preventive fixes.
Is it worth repairing old gutters or just replacing them?+
If a few sections are damaged but the rest are sound, repair usually makes sense. If you're seeing widespread sagging, multiple leaks, rust-through, or the gutters are clearly undersized for the roof, full replacement is often the better long-term value.
Why is my gutter leaking only during heavy rain?+
Usually one of three things: the downspout is partially clogged and overflows during high-flow storms, the gutter slope is off so water pools and spills, or the gutter is undersized for the roof area it serves.
About the author
Home Repair Solve Editorial Team
Home Repair Solve creates homeowner-friendly guides based on practical research, common repair scenarios, product considerations, and professional-safety best practices. Our content is written for general education and reviewed for clarity, safety, and usefulness.
Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
Related articles
How Much Does Water Damage Repair Cost?
A broad cost guide for water damage repair — from a small leak to a full remediation project.
How to Tell If a Wall Has Water Damage
Stains, soft drywall, bubbling paint, and musty smells often point to hidden moisture. Here's how to spot wall water damage early and decide what to do next.
How to Prevent Water Damage Under Sinks, Toilets, and Appliances
A simple prevention plan for the spots where most household water damage actually starts: under sinks, behind toilets, and around major appliances.
Signs Your Concrete Slab Is Still Wet After Water Damage
Telltale signs your slab is still holding moisture — and what to do before installing flooring on top.