Cleaning gutters is one of those house maintenance tasks that most people would rather avoid. It’tends to be messy, inconvenient and smelly – not to mention, it can be a dangerous task if you don’t take the appropriate precautions. Neglecting your gutters for too long can lead to water damage in your ceiling or foundation, as well as create breeding grounds for pests such as cockroaches or mosquitoes. Keeping your gutters tidy is essential to protecting the stability of your home and keeping its value when it comes time to sell. If you’re ready to tackle this dreaded chore, read on for our expert advice on how much does it cost to clean guttering.
What is involved in gutter cleaning?
Gutter cleaning can be done at any time of the year, but you’ll probably want to get it done when you have the least amount of leaves and other debris clogging up your gutters. The main steps in this task are as follows: – Make sure the gutters are empty – If they have debris in them, you’ll need to clean them out before they can be cleaned – Wash the gutters – A pressure washer is often used to blast away dirt, leaves, and other debris. – Check for loose or damaged parts – If you find that your gutters need replacing, make sure to do it before you can get the cleaning done. If there are loose or damaged parts, you’ll want to fix them before you can clean the gutters. – Clean the gutter spouts – Use a long-handled brush to clean out any debris stuck in the spouts. – Haul away the debris
How much does it cost to clean gutters?
The cost of cleaning gutters varies greatly, depending on what type of cleaning you choose and other factors. Since the industry isn’t regulated, there is no standard pricing that applies to all home owners. The best way to estimate how much it will cost to clean your gutters is to get a few quotes. You’ll want to ask the following questions: – What kind of cleaning do they use? – How many stories are your gutters on? – How long will the job take? – Do they climb on the roof or use ladders to get to your gutters? Depending on the type of cleaning and the company, you may pay between $100 and $700 to have your gutters cleaned.
Factors that affect gutter cleaning costs
– The type of cleaning they use – The type of cleaning they use will have a big impact on how much they charge. For example, if they use a manual brush or a pressure washer, you can expect to pay less than if they use a gutter scouring machine. – The location of your gutters – If you have a large roof, the cost of cleaning will be higher. Roofs need to be accessed and gutters need to be lifted off the ground to clean them. In addition, you may need safety equipment such as a harness. – The length and difficulty of your gutters – If you have a long, difficult-to-reach gutter, you can expect to pay more. If you have a very long gutter, you may need to break the job into multiple visits.
Estimate only the labor cost
To get an idea of how much you’ll pay for a DIY cleaning, you can estimate only the labor cost. First, you’ll need to know how long you think the job will take. Once you’ve estimated the time, check a few online job websites to see what people in your area are paid an hourly rate to do the work. A quick search online will show you that the average hourly wage for an experienced gutter cleaner is $20-$30 per hour. Keep in mind that there may be some seasonal variation in pay, such as a higher pay rate during seed germination season. For example, if you think it would take 4 hours to complete the job, you can expect to pay between $80-$120 for the cleaning service. If your gutters are very long, there may be additional costs for the extra time needed to clean them. In addition, if you have an unusual roof or gutter system, you can expect to pay more for the cleaning.
Estimate the total cost
If you want an even more accurate estimate of the final cost, you can also include the cost of replacing a damaged gutter if you’re not sure if it’s safe to keep using it. It’s also a good idea to factor in any other costs that may occur. These may include time spent finding a reputable cleaner, the cost of any required safety equipment, and any other costs you may not have thought of. You may also want to account for any savings you may receive. For example, if you have a friend who is a carpenter, you may be able to get them to clean your gutters in exchange for helping them out with a few remodeling projects. In addition, if you use a coupon for a cleaning service, you may be able to save money on the cost of the service.
Pros and cons of hiring a pro to clean your gutters
Hiring a pro to clean your gutters has many advantages. Professionals generally have the right equipment to clean your gutters and have training to do the job safely. In addition, they have experience doing the job and can usually finish the job more quickly than you can. That said, hiring a pro may not be right for everyone. If you have a very simple gutter cleaning job that you can do in a short amount of time, hiring a pro may not make sense financially. However, if you have a large roof that’s difficult to clean or has very long gutters, you can expect to pay a lot of money to clean them yourself.
Key Takeaway
If you’re ready to tackle this dreaded chore, read on for our expert advice on how much does it cost to clean guttering. The main steps in this task are as follows: – Make sure the gutters are empty – Wash the gutters – Check for loose or damaged parts – Clean the gutter spouts – Haul away the debris