How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost? {2024 Updated}

Gutter servicing and maintenance has a major contribution to the well functioning of a property. When well maintained, downpipes and gutters are clear ensuring water flows to the stormwater drainage and prevents water damage to the structure. However, the reality is many properties to not maintain their exterior roof leading to a build up of dry leaves, debris & moss which will block the gutters and downpipes. Therefore, regular maintained gutter cleaning & downpipe flushing becomes essential for a well functioning property.

Gutter cleaning costs can vary depending on numerous factors including pitch of roof, building size; gutter type; whether the gutters have a guard on them etc.. If you seek professional assistance to clean the gutters and are concerned about the charges, this blog is for you. Here, we shed light on the vitals that cap up the gutter cleaning rates so you can make an informed decision. Exterior Clean Melbourne’s typical gutter cleaning price starts from $350 plus gst for any onsite work and can go up to $1500 depending on various factors.

Here is an estimate of our gutter cleaning costs:

What Does Gutter Cleaning Involve?

It involves removal of debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt from gutters and checking that the entrance from the gutter to the downpipes are clear. Downpipes get clogged from debris and will stop the flow of water to the stormwater drains/tanks resulting in your gutters overflowing and the water spreading all around your property. Over time, this could contribute to subsidence and water ingress to your property due to a lack of drainage.

Professional gutter cleaning services include:

• Inspecting the gutters
• Clearing out of debris
• Flushing out downpipes (as required)
• Making a note of any roof maintenance issues

Factors Determining Gutter Cleaning Costs

Below are a few factors that influence gutter cleaning charges. By understanding these, you can have an idea of the quote and know if the charges justify the requirement.

Size & Pitch of Roof Area on Property

The size of your roof & building is one of the key factors that drives gutter costs. Larger buildings require intensive efforts to maintain clean gutters. It’s because there are more gutters to clean. Also, they may be more difficult to reach. As a result, the cost of commerial  gutter cleaning increases with building size.

The height of residential or commercial buildings greatly influences gutter cleaning costs. Single-storey homes typically incur lower cleaning expenses compared to multi-storey residences, which require more effort and resources. Likewise, in commercial settings, the complexity of the structure, including multi-level office buildings or large corporate spaces, necessitates extensive labour, specialised equipment, and advanced cleaning products, all of which contribute to higher overall costs.

Also, building design adds to the cost. If there are complex roofs, multiple gutters or hard-to-reach spots, professionals will need special tools to reach and clean these spaces, which affects the gutter cost.

Time Since the last clean

When gutters are not regularly maintained, we will need to spend more time clearing them and ensuring the downpipes are flushed & clear. This is part of our initial clean process. Once completed, talk to us about a fixed frequency booking where we can schedule in the maintenance of the commercial gutter clean for you – simply set the schedule and forget about it. We’ll remind you when your service is due.

Length of the Gutters

The length of your gutters is another major factor in the cost. Longer gutters require more time and effort to clean, potentially increasing costs for homes or offices with extensive gutter space.

Gutter cleaning costs are sometimes calculated by the linear metre, meaning longer gutters generally cost more. For instance, a home with 25 metres of gutters will have a different price than one with 50 metres. Longer gutters require more time and resources to clean effectively. This can lead to higher costs for both homes and businesses with extensive gutter systems.

Type of Gutters

The type of gutters on your building can also be pivotal in determining the cost of cleaning them. There are many types of gutters.

• Fascia Gutters: These are the most common gutters on Australian homes. They are typically mounted on the fascia of a property. This type of gutter design consists of numerous bends around the house that can trap debris, which can lead to overflowing if not maintained need more work during cleaning.
• Box Gutters: These are often most commonly found on commercial buildings. They are easier to clean due to wider access, which lets water flow more easily.
• Recessed or Concealed Gutters: Older residential buildings have concealed gutters. The downpipes are recessed into the gutter relying on the gutter being clear for the water to flow to the downpipe. Their design is prone to water overflowing into the eaves and when blocked they can cause significant water damage to the house. It is essential that they are maintained to prevent this.

Accessibility of the Roof

Roofs that are low to standard pitches usually cost less to clean because the work can be done faster and more safely. However, buildings with steep pitched roofs or with complex designs with multi levels make it harder both in terms of access and time spent to clean.

For example, single storey homes with flat or low inclined roofs are easier to access and cheaper to service. However, buildings with multiple floors, steep slopes, or complex designs might need ladders, scaffolds, lifts to get to the gutters safely. This adds to the time and effort needed, which raises the cost of servicing them.

Moreover, roofs with overhanging trees or dense greenery might pose more challenges. Branches and leaves can make cleaning harder and take more time, which can lead to higher costs. In such cases, regular care can help keep the gutters clear and reduce the overall cost of cleaning.

Amount of Debris

If your home or business is near a tree prone area, there is a high chance of the accumulation of leaves, twigs, and dirt in the gutter. It will require frequent cleaning, probably more than once a year. Increased debris often necessitates regular cleaning.

Furthermore, debris buildup on the roof itself may necessitate blowing all debris off the roof prior to cleaning the gutters. This can vary a lot depending on the season and weather. For example, in autumn, when there is excessive foliage, it will clog your gutters quickly. Therefore, you will need frequent cleaning, which will add to the costs. In contrast, homes in cities with fewer trees might see less debris buildup, which can lead to lower cleaning costs.

Wet debris and silt build up will block water flow resulting in overflowing gutters & blockages that can only be cleared through gutter cleaning.

Downpipes and Gutter Guards

Gutters and downspout or downpipes are an interconnected system that should carry the water safely away from your property. Downpipes are the vertical pipes attached to the gutter to carry the rainwater to the stormwater drain or tank. When there is a clog in the gutter, the dirt can accumulate in the downpipe and create a blockage. Regular scheduled gutter cleaning should include clearing both the main gutter and checking the entrance to the downpipe is clear. The professionals will inspect & flush downpipes using mains water pressure and sometimes use tools to to clear them.

Similarly, gutter screens or gutter guards often sit in or on the gutter with the idea that they will prevent leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. These cover the gutters, creating a shield that prevents large matter from falling inside. You can either install a brush guard, mesh screen or fine stainless steel and aluminium guards. Whilst these ideas appear to save time and cost in cleaning, our experience is that many types simply do not work as the gutter builds up fine silt over time preventing the flow of water. In addition, removing the guards before cleaning and reinstalling them will add to increased labour changes, thus increasing your gutter cleaning prices. The only product we recommend for heavily tree prone areas is the Gutter Brush, we can install this at no cost to you when you purchase a gutter clean & the brush through us.

Downpipes and Gutter Guards

Gutters and downspout or downpipes are an interconnected system that should carry the water safely away from your property. Downpipes are the vertical pipes attached to the gutter to carry the rainwater to the stormwater drain or tank. When there is a clog in the gutter, the dirt can accumulate in the downpipe and create a blockage. Regular scheduled gutter cleaning should include clearing both the main gutter and checking the entrance to the downpipe is clear. The professionals will inspect & flush downpipes using mains water pressure and sometimes use tools to to clear them.

Similarly, gutter screens or gutter guards often sit in or on the gutter with the idea that they will prevent leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. These cover the gutters, creating a shield that prevents large matter from falling inside. You can either install a brush guard, mesh screen or fine stainless steel and aluminium guards. Whilst these ideas appear to save time and cost in cleaning, our experience is that many types simply do not work as the gutter builds up fine silt over time preventing the flow of water. In addition, removing the guards before cleaning and reinstalling them will add to increased labour changes, thus increasing your gutter cleaning prices. The only product we recommend for heavily tree prone areas is the Gutter Brush, we can install this at no cost to you when you purchase a gutter clean & the brush through us.

Frequency of Cleaning

Regular maintenance fixed frequency cleaning will stop debris from building up and reduce the time and work needed for each clean, resulting in a well maintained property.

Homes or buildings near trees or in areas with lots of storms might need more gutter cleaning to keep them in good shape. For homes close to trees or in spots with heavy rain, cleaning might be needed a few times a year. Meanwhile, homes in less tree prone spots might need cleaning just once or twice a year.

Regular gutter cleaning can also help spot problems early, like broken tiles, leaks, unlevel gutters, or blocked pipes. Fixing these issues right away can stop bigger damage and costly fixes later. By incorporating a regular cleaning plan, you can keep your gutters in good shape and avoid costly repairs.

Location

When you evaluate how much gutter cleaning costs, the building’s location also matters. Different areas might have different rates for work, tools, and other fees, which can change the total price..

Aside from service charges, the weather and place can affect how often gutter cleaning is done and how complex it is. Areas with heavy lots of rain, snow, or storms might need more cleaning to stop blockages and water damage. Areas with lots of trees might have more debris, leading to more frequent cleaning schedules.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Gutter Cleaning Services

You might be tempted to attempt cleaning the gutters yourself, especially if it’s easily accessible. However, it may be good to consider the following before you do so:

Expertise in Gutter Cleaning

Professionals know how to clean gutters effectively, identifying potential issues like leaks, sagging, or blockages that an untrained eye might miss. They can address these problems before they become serious, saving you from costly repairs.

Use of Specialised Tools

Professionals use specialised tools including ladders that have self leveling feet and some gutter tools that are specifically used to reach heights and provide stable support and effective cleaning. Gutter Vacuums can also be used. A household ladder may not offer you the required support and could also be dangerous. We do not recommend pressure washing gutters as it creates a huge mess and also creates a water hazard on the roof surface making it likely that you will slip and fall.

Offer Preventive Maintenance

DIY gutter cleaning may achieve a certain level of cleanliness but you may not be able to clear all levels of the gutters or access all areas. However, when professionals perform the task, they will be able to use the right approach to deliver a complete result. Remember, gutters are only there to safely carry rainwater away from your property thereby minimizing water damage around your property .

At Exterior Clean, the only gutter guard we suggest are gutter brushes with free installation. It functions as a gutter guard. It is easy to remove while cleaning and is also fire retardant, so it will ensure that your gutters stay grime-free for a long time.

Safety & Convenience

Hiring professionals means you don’t have to worry about doing the job yourself or having the right equipment. They take care of everything, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on other tasks.

Ensure Proper Waste Disposal

Professionals will not only clean your gutters but also dispose of the debris into your green bin or compost pile, ensuring that your property remains clean and tidy after the job is done.

Concluding Words

Gutters exist purely to carry rain water safely away from your property to prevent water damage. Downpipes are essential to this process and having a clear system is critical to allow the water flow.

The simple answer is to have a planned scheduled maintenance schedule to clean them thereby keeping your space in good shape and preventing costly repairs.

Exterior Clean is a trusted cleaning service for both residential and commercial needs. We focus on gutter cleaning and many other exterior cleaning services, making sure your gutters stay clear and work well all year. Our team is set on providing top service that fits your needs. Reach out to us to learn more about what we do and how we can help keep your place safe.