Gutters do a lot more than direct water away from your house. They’re an essential defensive measure protecting your yard, foundation, roof, fascia, soffits and even basement from long-term water damage.
When gutters get clogged, they overflow and back up the water. Instead of being deposited several feet away from the house, water spills directly onto the yard. This erodes your soil, increases pressure on your foundation or basement, and can cause basement or crawlspace leaks. Standing water or water overflow can cause mold, and backed up water in winter can create refreezing ice dams that damage the roof.
Regular gutter cleaning can prevent this problem. The frequency of gutter cleaning depends on where you live and the type and number of trees near your home. Experts say you should usually clean your gutters twice a year—once in spring and once late in fall. Gutter cleaners get very busy these times of year, so it’s a good idea to get on the schedule as early as possible.
Expect to pay between $115 and $225 for gutter cleaning, depending on home size. Most of the time, the work will take an hour or two. If you have gutter guards, you won’t need to hire cleaners as often, but the job might take a little longer.
