Two of the main things you'll want to make sure the company has is insurance and a current license. Requirements to be licensed to install gutters varies from state to state, but every state does require a company to be licensed.
Not all states require gutter guard installers be licensed – although many gutter contractors do more than install gutter covers on a house so they have a license because of their other service offerings.
Generally, routine maintenance jobs are not subject to permitting rules. Some examples of such projects include: Gutter repair.
You do not need any formal education, but you should train under a veteran gutter installer. Since your responsibilities may include working with specialized gutter systems or on high peaks and angles, you often have to go through on-the-job safety training as well.
The need for a license to clean gutters varies by location. In many areas, you may need a general business license to operate legally. Some regions might also require specific permits or contractor licenses, especially if you offer additional services like repairs or installations.
Handypeople are equipped to do all sorts of tasks, including but not limited to gutter cleanings. You may pay less by hiring a handyperson instead of a gutter pro. When executed by a gutter company, cleanings cost between $120 and $230 on average, but a handyperson may charge as little as $75 for the same job.
For a one-story home, expect to pay gutter cleaning costs between $0.40 and $1.00 per linear foot. If you have a two-story home, the cost typically ranges from $0.60 to $1.60 per linear foot, and finally a three-story home may charge $0.80 to $2.00 per linear square foot.
The cost of a gutter installation can run between $2,834 to $5,170 on average as of 2025, or $14.17 to $25.85 per linear foot for a 2500 sq ft. home roof area. The national average cost to install gutters in the U.S. is $20.01 per linear foot, but higher end gutters like copper can cost as high as $46 per linear foot.
Traditionally armed with a ladder, blower, garden hose, and basic transportation that will take you from one job to the next, it is possible to earn up to $800 per day cleaning leaves and other debris from rain gutters. Because some houses are more challenging than others, most gutter cleaners work in pairs.
Gutter installers are trade workers who focus on the installation, maintenance, and repair of gutters. They work for both residential and commercial clients. A gutter installer will complete every phase of the gutter installation process. It's their job to fabricate, assemble, and install gutters where they're needed.
238170 Siding Contractors
This industry also includes establishments installing gutters and downspouts. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Your new gutters should be installed at a certain angle to ensure rainwater is diverted to the drains. As a rule of thumb, gutters should have a slope of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet.
If you're wondering if you need approval from your homeowners association (HOA) to replace your gutters, the short answer is probably yes. Most HOAs require pre-approval for exterior changes to ensure that modifications adhere to the community's aesthetic and structural guidelines.
If they have an in-house gutter division, a roofing contractor will offer gutter installation services with or without an accompanying roofing service. On the other hand, roofing contractors that subcontract their work may only install new gutters when replacing your roof.
As of Jan 31, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Gutter Installer in the United States is $23.13 an hour.
An average home requires 100 to 300 square feet of gutter. The average small business will have between one and four jobs each month. This averages out to a net profit (before material costs are taken into consideration) of anywhere between $4,800 and $475,200 in a single year.
If a windstorm, lightning strike, or another covered peril damages your home's gutters, your homeowners policy may pay for their repair or replacement, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible. Your homeowners policy won't cover damage to your gutters due to negligence or wear and tear.
If they have an in-house gutter division, most roofers also offer gutter installation services with or without a roof replacement. On the other hand, companies that subcontract their work may only install gutters when replacing your roof.
Along with a business license, a business must apply for specialized permits. An example of a permit you will need for your business is a sales tax permit. The licenses will differ depending on your state, with some states requiring a gutter cleaning business to apply for a contractor's license.
Linear Foot Method
To calculate the linear foot of your home, simply measure the length of all the gutters you have around your house—it works out to the same length as all your walls. Once you have your linear foot, multiply $1 per linear foot for a one-story home and $2 per linear foot for a two-story home.
If you'd like to tip your gutter cleaners, $10 to $20 per cleaner is a typical tip. If the job is more challenging or takes more time, you can always tip a little more.
If you were to damage the roof of a client's house while scraping out leaves and debris from their blocked gutter, they could potentially file a claim against you, resulting in fees for damages and even legal defense costs. This is why general liability insurance is essential.
Gutter cleaning can be a profitable business on its own, but it can also be somewhat seasonal, depending on where you live.