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The national average for gutter cleaning costs is $0.80 per linear foot, which works out to be $160 for a common house with 200 feet of gutters. On the low end, for single-story homes, the cost to clean gutters is around $0.40 per foot. For homes with multiple stories, the cost for a comprehensive gutter cleaning may exceed $2.00 per foot. Downspout cleaning may add $50 to $100 to the project.

As a rule of thumb, the more stories a home has, the more it will cost to clean gutters. For a single-story home with 200 linear feet of gutters, the average national cost is in the range of $70 to $100. For a two-story home, that increases to $95 to $225 for 200 linear feet. For a home that is three or more stories, the average gutter cleaning cost is $170 to $425.

When determining gutting cleaning rates, the most important thing to consider is that not all homes are created equally. Even with similar amounts of linear footage for the gutters, some gutters in higher or hard-to-reach places may increase the final cost of the cleaning.

For example, if there are overhanging trees that could make it difficult for a professional to move around the exterior of the home while cleaning the gutters, there may be an additional fee.

Other factors that could affect the rate include how long it’s been since the gutters were last cleaned, whether you want to add downspout cleaning, or if removing or replacing gutter screens would be part of the process.

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Gutters conjoin with downspouts, which serve to funnel water away from the foundation of a home. The national average for installing four downspouts 12 feet in length is $480, which represents $100 on the low end for vinyl downspouts and $600 on the higher end for galvanized steel downspouts.

For premium, copper downspouts, the costs balloon to $1,800. The downspout material fee is the largest chunk of these figures while the labor costs are generally in the $50 to $200 range for downspout installation.

If a downspout ends at the foundation of the home without an extender, water that pools at the bottom of the home may cause leaking or more costly structural damage. The product cost for downspout extensions is in the $10 to $20 range per unit—and it’s a cost worth paying to save you from foundation structural damage.

Depending on the location of the downspout, you may opt to invest in professional installation. For example, if the downspout extension would cover a walkway, you can pay a professional to have the downspout extension covered by the concrete so it isn’t a tripping hazard.

Likewise, if you want a longer downspout extension to direct the water farther away from the house, the product and installation rates will be greater. On average, it costs $25 per linear foot to bury a downspout extension.

When it comes to cleaning gutters, the process is pretty simple. The objective is to clear leaves, twigs and other debris that could clog the gutters—so some good gloves, a bucket and a gutter scoop can help you do the job. However, there are other factors to take into account. Specifically, there is risk involved when working on tall ladders.

If you don’t have ladders that can reach as high as your gutters, this can greatly add to the DIY expense, too. The cost for extension ladders ranges from $100 to $500.

Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is a minor expense that could save you time. Professionals have experience and skill working on ladders, whereas this can be hazardous for the average homeowner. Beyond cleaning debris, professionals can also help fix any damage to the gutters.

Getting your gutters cleaned is a relatively small expense that can save you time and money in the long run. The costs for professional gutter cleanings are affected by the number of stories in the house, the condition of the gutters and even the season. It is possible to DIY, but the advantages to hiring a professional are worth it for many homeowners.

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The frequency for getting your gutters cleaned depends on a few factors, such as your climate and how prone your gutters are to getting clogged by leaves. In general, professionals suggest getting gutters and downspouts cleaned two times a year.

If you become a loyal client of a local gutter cleaning service, you should ask about incentives for getting your gutters cleaned on a biannual basis. Some services also offer different degrees of gutter cleanings, such as a thorough cleaning at the end of fall and a lighter cleaning in the spring.

Gutter covers or seamless gutters are designed to minimize or all but eliminate the debris that gets into gutters. This means you can get away with gutter cleanings every two to three years, which will save time and money in the long run.

For the initial investment, expect to pay between $7.50 and $10 per linear foot for a gutter screen or cover, which works out to be between $1,500 and $2,000 for a home with 200 linear feet of gutters.

Considering gutter cleanings cost an average of $160 and are recommended biannually, it would take approximately five or six years to recoup the expense of gutter covers. If you plan to be in your home long-term, gutter covers are worthwhile.

Getting your gutters cleaned is a relatively small cost that helps homeowners avoid more costly consequences. If you don’t regularly clean your gutters, you risk damage to parts of your home. For starters, clogged gutters can result in water pooling around the roof, which can reduce the lifespan of the gutters.

Backed-up water can also cause damage to the fascia, the board that runs behind the gutter, or flood onto the roof. This can cause leaking, mold or rot inside the home—which can be a big expense to address. Additionally, if water cannot effectively drain through the gutters and downspout, this can result in water pooling around the foundation of the home.

Professional gutter cleaning services are most in demand during spring and fall. Not only can this affect rates, but you may have to wait longer before a service appointment is available. If the gutter cleaning is not urgent, you may be able to reduce costs by scheduling a cleaning during the off-season.

Emily is a writer specializing in personal finance, real estate and parenting. By demystifying complicated topics ranging from mortgage products to baby stroller options, she hopes to give readers more confidence in their next steps. In addition to Forbes, she works as a copywriter for businesses of all sizes.

Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.