How much does Gutter Cleaning cost?

Your gutters help to control water and protect your foundation, roof, walls, and landscape design from water damage. When they become clogged with sticks and debris, they can cause a roof leak or damage to your home. In Australia, gutter cleaning cost averages between $100 and $600, depending on several factors. If you don’t maintain your gutters often they may need replacing. 

Gutter Cleaning Costs Across Australia

The following list represents an average price for cleaning gutters in various parts of Australia. Labour costs are the most significant variable in these price differences.

How often you need to have your gutters cleaned depends on the location of our house. In general, the more trees you have around, the more often you need to have your gutters cleaned. It’s recommended that you have your gutters cleaned about twice a year, in most areas. Having your gutters cleaned will help to make them last longer.

Before and after of a gutter being cleaned. | Source: Kleen Genie

If you are thinking of cleaning out your gutters yourself, you need to think twice. Cleaning your gutters is a dangerous job, especially if you have two stories, or your house is on a slope.

Also, a gutter cleaning professional will perform other skilled services while they are up there. They can also help to install gutter guards, inspect your roof, flush out downpipes, and do minor roof repair. They can also clean the ceiling cavity and do any repairs that are needed. You will be charged extra, such as a gutter and roof cleaning cost if other services are performed.

Labour is the most significant cost involved in gutter cleaning. If repairs or installations are needed, then there may be some material cost added.

Length of Gutter

The gutter cleaning cost per metre is a major factor in determining the gutter cleaning prices. The job is measured in linear feet of gutter. An average one-storey home that is 130 square metres has about 45 to 60 linear metres of gutters, but you need to multiply that by the number of storeys. However, this is not the biggest factor in the price. The difficulty of the job can add labour costs to the basic estimate quickly.

Size of Home

If the average home has 45 to 60 linear metres of gutters, then you need to multiply that by each story to get the entire house gutter cleaning cost. This will also add extra downspouts to the estimate, which will increase the price. Of course, the larger the home, the more costly the job will be. Each storey can more than double the cost of cleaning for a one-storey house.

Access to the Job Site

The ability to access the job is a significant cost factor. If the home is against a slope, or too close to other houses, then the cost will climb. Ease of access if a big factor in the cost estimate.

Safety of Job

Safety is another significant cost factor. Gutter cleaning is a dangerous job anyway, but certain circumstances can make it even more so. In some cases, additional equipment might be needed, such as a bucket truck or scaffolding. If your job requires extra equipment, this can quickly add to the cost of the job.

Roofing Type

The type of roof will also have an impact on the cost of the job. Things such as whether the roof is simple or more complex are major cost factors. A roof that has dormers, different heights, and gables will be a more time-consuming job. The height and pitch of the roof will also play a role in the roof gutter cleaning cost. 

Amount of Debris

If you live in an area that has a lot of trees or bird nests, the job will take longer. The more debris that has accumulated, the longer the job will take.

Time Since Last Clean

Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis can save you money each subsequent time. Regular cleaning means that less debris has accumulated and that each clean will take less time, cost less, and save you money in the long run.

Professional cleaner removing leaves from a gutter. | Source: Bright oz Cleaning Solutions

Hiring a gutter cleaner is just like hiring any other professional. You want someone trustworthy, has a good reputation, and who is reasonable in price. You might be tempted to go with the cheapest option first, but this can be a poor choice and can end up costing you more in the end. Here are some things to consider when hiring a professional.

Licencing – There is no licence required to clean gutters in Australia. 

Insurance – Make sure they are Insured. If they should get hurt on your property, you do not want to be liable. Also, protection is necessary in case the gutter cleaners cause damage, such as harming your roof or siding. 

Good Background Record – Make sure they have the proper safety and good work record.

Certifications – Even though there are no formal licencing requirements, there are certificates for working in high places. Make sure your professional, and all of their employees, have a certificate from this training. 

Get References – Check references and possibly see if you can look at other jobs they have done in the area. Some professionals will provide a gutter cleaning price list on their website, which will give you a good indication of what you should be charged.

1. Get multiple quotes for competitive estimates.
2. Have your gutters cleaned often
3. Have gutter covers installed
4. Monitor for nesting birds and animals.

Having your gutters cleaned regularly can save you in-home repairs later. As always, it is best to hire a professional with experience and that has a good reputation. Gutter cleaning rates will vary depending on these factors. 

It is a good idea to put this task on your monthly calendar so that you will remember to have it done regularly. This little bit of home maintenance can help you to preserve the beauty and integrity of your home for the future.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources