What is the Average Cost to Have Gutters Cleaned?
Gutters need to be serviced regularly to ensure that they work well and function properly. But how often should they be cleaned? This is a question that many homeowners face and it can be difficult to find an answer. The answer depends on many factors. Here are some examples that should give you a good idea of what would be industry standard rates.
First, let s take a look at the situation for residential property owners. Assuming you have a single story house with approximately 150 feet of exposed gutter running through it, the gutter cleaning cost will run about $75 per linear foot. For the city water pipe system that delivers the water to your house, the average cost would be slightly less at around one dollar per linear foot. You do have to factor in the cost of the disposal system and possibly your association fees when determining these figures.
Now let us look at residential roof issues. If you have a one story home, it may be easy to determine how much does gutter cleaning cost by simply looking at your own roof. If you see a lot of downed trees and branches blocking the gutter, this is a sign that your roof will be exposed to a lot of debris. Additionally, if you notice a buildup of leaves and other debris along the edge of your roof, this also adds to the problem.
Now let’s take a look at commercial property. Here, we assume that the gutters are attached to the buildings roof. This will generally add another fifty cents to per linear foot. Also consider the fact that businesses have more maintenance requirements than residences. The average gutter screens will be able to handle at least one hundred feet of debris.
Now let’s take a look at commercial buildings with open roofs. This will increase the average to two dollars per linear foot. This includes the cost of a ladder to clean out the gutters, but also includes the cost of installing the gutters in the first place. Again, this is assuming that you will hire someone to install them.
Now let’s take a look at residential construction. Typically you will find that the cost of cleaning gutters on a residential building is at the same level as that of a business building. However, there are differences in the style of the house, and where it is located. For instance, gutters are generally installed higher on a home, so you will probably have to use a ladder.
You will also want to keep in mind that gutter cleaning costs are influenced by the size of your home. The national average is one hundred feet per linear foot. To find out what your national average is, call your local storm water specialists.
A final consideration is the type of leaves or debris you are dealing with. Do you get rid of leaves on an annual basis? If so, you can probably reduce your gutter cleaning costs by using a leaf blower or mulch. Do you often get leaves or branches blown onto your roof? If so, consider having your gutters cleaned more often. Either way, you will probably want to purchase a leaf guard for those times when heavy winds do come down.
Finally, there is the cost of a ladder. Many homeowners prefer to use a ladder to clean gutters. This can be a very good idea if you are doing a very limited amount of cleaning, or if you are concerned about safety. Unfortunately, ladder use comes at a price.
The gutter cleaning cost will be less for a two story home than it would be for a one story home because of the additional space that is required to store more debris. Two story homes also require more materials and tools to clean so your gutter cleaning cost will likely increase. In addition, if you choose to use a ladder, be prepared to deal with more people at times. In essence, this will increase your labor costs.
Hopefully this article has provided some insight into the various gutter cleaning cost factors associated with having gutters cleaned. While gutters can be a labor intensive process, they are well worth the effort. They are easy to get caught up in the excitement of having them cleaned, but you’ll feel good about the result long term. If you have questions about rain gutter cleaning, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. A trained professional can answer any questions you might have and ensure you get the job done right.