Gutters are crucial in protecting your home or building from water damage, but keeping them clean and clear can be a hassle.
If you’re wondering about the cost of gutter cleaning, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that influence the cleaning cost in the UK so you can better understand what to expect when it’s time for service.
Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance or addressing buildup, understanding what drives the price will help you plan accordingly.
What is Gutter Cleaning?
Gutter cleaning removes debris, such as leaves, twigs, moss, and dirt, from the gutters and downspouts of a building. Leaving your gutters clogged can lead to water damage, leaks, and even structural problems. It can be done manually or with specialised tools to ensure water flows freely through the system.
While many homeowners attempt DIY cleaning, professional services like those offered by All Clean London use high-end tools and techniques to provide thorough, safe, and effective cleaning.
Why Regular Gutter Cleaning is Important
Gutters are vital for your property’s drainage system. Regular cleaning helps prevent:
- Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow, resulting in leaks inside the building, damage to the foundation, or even structural issues if left unaddressed.
- A buildup in gutters traps moisture and provides a place for rodents, insects, and mould, which can lead to further property damage.
- When gutters are blocked and water overflows, it can damage materials within the roof, fascia boards, and siding. This causes rot, warping, and staining, which would be expensive to repair.
Factors That Influence Costs
Several factors contribute to the cost of cleaning your gutters. Here’s a breakdown:
The Size Of Your Property:
The size of your building is the primary factor in determining the cost. Smaller homes with a simple gutter system are usually more affordable to clean. Larger properties, such as multi-story buildings or commercial spaces, require more labour, specialised equipment, and time, increasing the cost.
Length and Complexity of the Gutter System:
Longer gutters or more intricate systems (like those with multiple corners or additional downspouts) may require more cleaning time.
Complex systems are also harder to reach, adding extra costs due to the necessary safety measures and equipment.
The material of the gutters (e.g., PVC, metal, copper) may also affect the price, with some requiring more delicate cleaning methods.
Gutter Condition:
If gutters have not been cleaned for a while, they may be blocked with debris, moss, and wildlife like bird nests.
Cleaning these will take longer and may require extra work, like clearing downspouts or repairing minor damage. Gutters in poor condition will likely increase the cost of cleaning.
Height and Accessibility:
Cleaning gutters on a ground-floor house would most likely be much cheaper than a multi-story one. Taller buildings may need advanced equipment like ladders, scaffolding, or cherry pickers, which can affect the overall cost.
Location of the Property:
Costs can vary based on where the property is located. For example, properties in city centres or more remote areas may cost more due to travel time and logistics.
Seasonal Demand:
Demand for gutter services increases during peak seasons (such as Autumn due to leaf fall). This can make professional gutter cleaning prices slightly higher due to availability and the urgency of scheduling.
Gutter Cleaning Cost Calculator
Many homeowners wonder how much they should budget. While every property is different, combining these factors will give you a rough estimate:
- The size of your home
- The length of your gutters
- The condition of your gutters
- The location of your property
While this can be helpful for giving you an idea of what to expect, we recommend reaching out to get a tailored quote based on your specific needs.
At All Clean London, we understand that no two properties are the same, and we’ll work with you to provide an accurate estimate that reflects the actual cost of your commercial building.
How to Estimate Gutter Cleaning Costs
We’ve created a detailed table that reflects common pricing trends to help you understand the potential costs based on property size and complexity.
The figures below are the average cost of cleaning gutters, and the actual price may vary based on your location and specific requirements.
| Property Type | Estimated Cost | Factors Affecting Price |
|---|---|---|
| One-Story House | £60 – £100 | Gutter size, accessibility, and debris buildup |
| Two-Story House | £120 – £180 | Height, complexity of gutter system, and potential for obstructions |
| Three-Story+ Building or Large Commercial Property | £250+ | Height, size, type of gutters, and commercial property regulations |
Remember, these are rough estimates. The price can change based on your property’s location and specific needs.
Gutter Clearance Costs Based on Length
The price is often calculated based on the total length of the gutters that need to be cleaned, measured in linear metres.
On average, you can expect to pay between £4 and £5 per linear metre, depending on factors like the condition of the gutters and how accessible they are.
Since gutters are typically measured by length and not square footage, this method provides a more accurate estimate of the overall cost.
For example, you can expect to pay roughly £1.22 to £1.52 per linear foot. Prices may change due to the complexity of the job and the specific features of your property, so it’s best to get a personalised quote for a clearer estimate.
Gutter Removal Costs
If you need to have your gutters removed, the price will vary on several factors, such as the gutters’ material and the job’s complexity.
On average, removal costs range from £18 to £50, with plastic or PVC gutters typically costing less to remove than metal gutters.
Additionally, if the gutter removal requires any repairs to the fascia or roofline, this could add extra costs.
Disposing of the old gutters is another consideration, with options like skip hire typically costing between £250 and £330 or a waste removal service ranging from £50 to £150.
How Long Does Gutter Cleaning Take?
Times vary based on property size and gutter condition, but most jobs take 2 to 6 hours. Smaller homes, like terraced houses, take around 2 to 4 hours, while medium-sized properties, such as semi-detached or detached houses, can take around 3 to 6 hours.
Larger homes or those with difficult-to-reach gutters may require 5 to 7 hours. These are general estimates, as factors like heavy debris buildup or complex roof designs can extend the cleaning time.
You should also decide whether the costs should be calculated based on hourly or daily rates, which may be more cost-effective depending on the scope of the job. The average gutter cleaning costs per hour is £20 to £30, and per day can be between £150 to £250.
An hourly rate might be the better option for smaller tasks, while larger or more time-consuming jobs could be more affordable at a daily rate. It’s worth considering the amount of work needed to determine the most cost-effective pricing structure.
Additional Pricing Influences
- Gutter Guard Installation: If you’re considering installing gutter guards, this additional cost can help reduce cleaning frequency in the future. The installation cost varies depending on the type of guard used (mesh, leaf covers, or more advanced systems).
- Emergency Clean: If you need it urgently (e.g., before or after a storm), expect to pay higher fees due to the emergency nature of the service. Emergency cleaning can range from £150 – £400+.
- High-Rise Gutter Clearance: For buildings with a height above four stories, the costs increase significantly due to the need for scaffolding, rope access, or cherry pickers, potentially reaching £400 – £1,000. But, it’s worth ensuring the job is carried out safely and properly.
What's Included in a Gutter Cleaning Service?
When you hire a professional gutter cleaner, you’re not just paying for the cleaning but for a thorough service that ensures your gutters are functioning properly. At All Clean London, our services include:
- Removal of Debris: We remove leaves, twigs, moss, and other debris blocking your gutters.
- Downspout Cleaning: We clear the downspouts to ensure water flows freely.
- Water Flow Test: We run a test to ensure the gutters are draining properly as part of our cleaning process.
- Cleaning the Area: After cleaning, we’ll remove debris from the surrounding areas to leave your property neat.
If any minor repairs are needed, we’ll inform you and provide a quote to ensure your gutters remain in good condition.
How Often Should You Have Your Gutters Cleaned?
To maintain optimal function, we recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the Autumn. These seasons are when your gutters are most likely to accumulate debris.
However, if your property is surrounded by trees or near busy streets, you may need more frequent cleanings. Homes in areas with heavy rainfall need to prevent clogging and water damage by booking regular maintenance.
For commercial properties, cleaning gutters more often to maintain a professional appearance and prevent costly damage to the building may be beneficial.
Benefits of Professional Gutter Clearance
While DIY may seem simple and cost-effective, professional gutter services offer several advantages. Safety is a significant consideration; cleaning gutters, especially on multi-story buildings, can be hazardous without the proper equipment and protocols, something professionals are trained to handle.
Professionals can complete the job thoroughly, saving time and ensuring the gutters are fully cleared of debris. Beyond just cleaning, services like All Clean London also inspect gutters for potential damage or clogs that may go unnoticed during a DIY attempt.
This thorough approach ensures the job is done right and helps prevent long-term damage and costly repairs that can result from neglecting to address underlying issues.
Annual Gutter Maintenance Contracts
Priced on average in the UK between £150 – £500 per year, these contracts offer scheduled cleanings at a discounted rate compared to booking one-off services.
- Instead of paying for each cleaning, a contract often provides better value, reducing the overall cost per visit.
- With automatic scheduling, you won’t have to worry about remembering to book cleanings, reducing the risk of gutter blockages.
- Many companies offer priority scheduling or emergency call-outs for contract clients, ensuring your gutters stay in top condition year-round.
- Knowing your gutters are taken care of regularly helps prevent unexpected damage and costly repairs caused by neglected maintenance.
Annual gutter contracts are beneficial for buildings surrounded by trees or areas prone to heavy rainfall, where gutters tend to clog more frequently and should be cleaned at least twice a year. Many gutter specialists also offer flexible payment plans, making spreading the cost over the year easier.
Expert Gutter Clearance
Cleaning gutters is essential to property maintenance, which protects your building from water damage and costly repairs. While the costs depend on factors like the property size, the condition of your gutters, and the location, understanding these factors can help you prepare for the cost of the service.
For a more accurate estimate, get in touch with All Clean London. With over 40 years of experience, we’ll provide you with a professional service that ensures your gutters remain in top condition, year after year.
