Gutter Cleaning
DON'T climb. Hire it or solve permanently.
Why gutters matter
- Clogged gutters = water in basement/foundation.
- Foundation repair $5K-50K.
- Roof rot from backed-up water.
- Mold inside walls.
- Ice dams in winter.
- Mosquito breeding.
- Critical to clean 2x/year minimum.
PROS — hire someone
- Local handyman — $75-200 single story, $150-400 two story.
- TaskRabbit / Thumbtack — vetted contractors.
- Roofing companies — often offer cleaning.
- Gutter cleaning services — twice yearly contracts $200-500.
- Insurance + ladder safety = their problem.
- Spring + fall cleanings standard.
Permanent solution: gutter guards
- Mesh or screen covers prevent leaves entering.
- $300-2,000 DIY for whole house.
- $1,500-5,000 professional install.
- LeafFilter, LeafGuard, MasterShield brands.
- Don't eliminate cleaning — reduce 80%.
- Worth it if 2-story or many trees.
- Wait for sales — companies negotiate.
From-the-ground tools
- Gutter wand for hose — $30-60. Spray clean from ground.
- Telescoping gutter cleaner — wet/dry vac attachment.
- iRobot Looj — gutter robot. Mixed reviews. $300.
- Only good for small clogs.
- Not enough for serious blockages.
- Still need pro check yearly.
If you MUST climb
- NEVER alone — falls top senior killer.
- Don't lean over — climb down + reposition.
- Stable level ground.
- Spotter holding ladder.
- Don't step above 3rd-from-top rung.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with grip.
- Truly — DON'T. $200 hire saves life.
Vetting gutter companies
Get 3 quotes. Check reviews + BBB. Insured + bonded. Avoid door-to-door pitches. LeafFilter etc. high-pressure sales — wait + get other quotes. NEVER pay full upfront. Ask for references. Some companies install gutter guards FREE as "showcase" for marketing — ask.