Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line. Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring and in the fall. If you have pine trees near your home, needles will need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts.
Water is overflowing
If you have water cascading over the top of your gutters, it's time to start cleaning! Water spilling over the sides means the gutter is blocked at some point, and the water can no longer flow freely down the drain pipe into the drains below. This is a sure-fire sign of when to clean gutters.
If you don't clean your gutters, many different and costly problems can occur over time. Avoiding the task long-term puts your home at risk for shingle damage and roof leaks that can lead to water damage on the interior in the attic, insulation, and behind walls.
You can expect to pay between $0.95 and $1.25 per linear foot for gutter cleaning, but the number of stories your home has and your gutter condition all play a factor in the total cost. Fall leaves are beautiful to look at, but they'll start clogging your gutters sooner or later.
Cleaning a gutter is best done at the end of autumn or at the beginning of spring. If it is more than one year ago, it is best to do this immediately, to avoid problems and water not being able to flow correctly. Especially in autumn, the gutters will quickly get dirty due to falling leaves and twigs.
Handyman advises against walking on the roof unless completely necessary. From the roof, leaning downhill to reach the gutter increases your risk of falling. Accessing the roof and gutters while using an extension ladder is the safest. We also recommend waiting until midday when the roof is dry.
Many experts recommend gutters are cleaned twice a year — once at the beginning of spring and then again after the autumnal leaf drop.
One of the primary reasons to opt for professional gutter cleaning is to prevent costly repairs. Clogged and neglected gutters can lead to water damage, which can affect your home's foundation, roof, and siding. Repairing such damages can be a significant financial burden.
A small home with little to no debris could be done in as fast as 20-30 minutes. However a smaller home with a lot of debris could take 60-90 minutes depending on what type of debris is in the gutters. Larger homes (5,000 sq ft plus) could take as long as 2-3 hours if there is a lot of debris.
A wet/dry vacuum or shop vac extension allows you to vacuum your rain gutters from the ground. Many online retailers and hardware stores carry these kits for purchase or rent. Pros: The powerful suction allows you to remove debris and standing water quickly by acting as a gutter vacuum.
One of the most important functions of gutters is to direct water runoff. Inspecting and cleaning your gutters regularly ensures that water is properly flowing away from the building. If water is drained from the roof but pools around your building, you could be at risk of flooding or damage to your foundation.
The damage becomes much more significant after a year or two without gutters. Foundation Damage: Rainwater's repeated impact on your foundation can lead to cracks and structural instability. If left unchecked, foundation repairs can be costly and may lead to structural damage.
Professional cleaners typically start with the downspout area and remove noticeable debris, like leaves, twigs, and more, and place it in the bucket. The trowel comes in handy to rake and gather smaller debris into removable piles. Latex gloves are also important to carry wet or damp debris.
Yes, gutter cleaning is necessary even if you don't have trees nearby. While it might seem logical to assume that fewer leaves mean fewer clogs, gutters can still accumulate debris from other sources, leading to blockages and potential damage to your home.
Pressure washing is a fantastic tool for cleaning up around your home. It works great for removing mildew from your walls, cleaning up oil stains from your driveway, or clearing chipped paint from your deck. However, your gutters are one problem you shouldn't tackle with a power wash.
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.
Getting your gutters cleaned during the spring and fall also allows you to get those two essential cleanings throughout the year. Those regular cleanings will help eliminate any debris buildup and allow your gutters to operate effectively.
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.
But if you don't clean your gutters regularly, you can end up with much bigger problems and costly home repairs in the future. Hiring a professional to clean your gutters can provide the best of both worlds: you'll know that your gutters are working as they should, and you won't have to do any of the dirty work!
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.
If you don't clean your gutters regularly, it can cause a lot of problems for your home. Water can overflow from clogged gutters, damaging your roof, siding, and even the foundation of your house. The water can also seep into your home and cause mold growth, which can lead to health issues.
Generally, it is recommended to have your windows cleaned at least twice a year. This frequency ensures that your windows remain clean and free from dirt, dust, and grime buildup.
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.