How much does gutter cleaning cost in Australia?

Maintaining one’s home can be very demanding since it entails doing a variety of chores. Sometimes, this leads to putting a few tasks like gutter cleaning on the back burner or forgetting about them altogether. Fortunately, you can hire service providers who can help tick a box or two on your to-do list.

But how much will this set you back? This guide outlines the factors that affect gutter cleaning costs and gives you an idea regarding how much the service is priced in your area.

What are some signs of dirty or clogged gutters?

A rain gutter full of fallen leaves (Source: iStock)

Some of the telltale signs that your roof’s gutters are dirty or clogged include:

• Water spilling over when it rains;

• Gutters sagging or collapsing;

• Water stagnating in the gutters;

• Pests or animals hanging around near the gutters;

• Plants, mould, or mildew growing; and

• House sidings becoming stained.

If you observe any of these signs, it might be time for gutter cleaning services or even a simple drainage checkup.

What are the average costs of gutter cleaning in Australia?

The table below can give you an idea of the average cost to clean rain gutters in various parts of Australia.

What factors affect the costs of gutter cleaning?

The average gutter cleaning cost depends on a range of factors, including the type of your house, the condition of your roof gutters, and any additional services that you may need.

House size and height

In Australia, gutter cleaning price per metre is typically $4 to $7. This means having a bigger house translates to higher gutter cleaning rates since there is more drainage to deal with.

The gutter cleaning price list below also shows how the number of your house’s storeys can affect the average price for gutter cleaning.

Gutter type

A brown plastic gutter against a backdrop of foliage (Source: iStock) 

Traditional seamed or sectional gutters tend to accumulate more dirt than the seamless ones used in many modern homes. As such, bringing seamed gutters to their original spotless state can take more time and, therefore, result in a pricier gutter cleaning job.

Gutter condition

A small tree sprouting from a damaged roof gutter (Source: iStock)

If your roof’s drainages are relatively new and undergo regular maintenance, the cost of gutter cleaning will likely be minimal. However, there is more work to be done if your gutters are old, damaged, or full of hard-to-remove dirt and debris. In this case, expect gutter cleaning charges to be higher than usual.

Gutter accessibility

A man on a ladder cleaning debris from house gutters (Source: iStock)

The safety of the activity is also taken into account when computing gutter cleaning prices. Hence, do not expect cheap gutter cleaning if accessing your gutters involves more risks than usual.

Roof pitch

Roof pitches can vary from lowly sloped to sharply steep. The latter entails greater hazards, more rigorous safety requirements, a longer cleaning time, and a higher service cost.

Obstacles

Cleaning gutters may cost extra if there are various objects that block or restrict access to your roof’s drainage system. These obstacles can be in the form of fences, outdoor home features, trees, and other landscaping elements.

Terrain

Uneven terrain—as opposed to level ground—can make gutter cleaning more challenging and costlier. For instance, more manpower and specialised equipment (such as scissor lifts) may be necessary to complete the procedure in a hilly area.

Additional services

A gutter positioned beneath a roof heavily covered with moss (Source: iStock)

Compared to regular gutter cleaning, an operation with additional services will cost more due to the extra skills, time, effort, and tools involved.

Downspout cleaning

This service refers to unblocking, washing, and draining downspouts or downpipes. This is done to prevent damage and ensure that water can pass through with no issue. On average, this service can add $50 to $100 to the total cost because downspouts can be harder to access and clean than regular gutters.

Gutter whitening

Also known as gutter brightening, this service gets rid of unsightly brown stains and other discolouration that can develop over time. Gutter whitening can easily refresh the appearance of your home and give it a trim and tidy look.

Roof debris removal

Removing debris and other clutter from your roof can prevent gutter blocks that can be detrimental to your home’s structural integrity. This service is recommended after storms, whose typical aftermath involves roofs littered with leaves, branches, pine needles, and other rubbish.

Gutter flushing

Gutter flushing is basically letting an excessive amount of water flow through your roof’s drainage system. This process detects any remaining obstruction that may be difficult to discover with regular gutter cleaning.

Moss and algae removal

Removing moss and algae is important to keeping your gutters in tip-top shape. This service can increase the cost of cleaning gutters significantly, but it can be a crucial step to preventing blockage and moisture damage.

Waterproofing and protective coatings

Waterproofing and adding protective coating are extra services that can increase the cost to get gutters cleaned. However, if your gutters have gaps or cracks, these measures can stop leaks and prevent further damage that may require pricier repairs or total replacement.

Regional differences

Your location can greatly affect the amount that you have to pay; gutter cleaning will naturally have a higher price tag in places with higher costs of living. If you live in a rural area that is difficult to access, travel costs can also make the price of gutter cleaning higher.

Time of year

A gutter encased in ice due to freezing temperatures (Source: iStock)

How much does it cost to clean gutters based on the time of year?

Summer and winter are usually low-demand seasons when it comes to gutter cleaning, translating to lower price points. Meanwhile, rainy periods and autumn can lead to higher charges since there is usually more dirt and litter to clean, as well as more risks involved.

What are some ways to save on gutter cleaning?

A mesh screen installed on rain guttering to prevent debris (Source: iStock)

Nowadays, in light of the rising cost of services, it is wise to find ways to save through DIY solutions and the availment of discounts. In the case of gutter cleaning, some cost-cutting measures you can take include the following:

Invest in gutter guards

Installing gutter guards involves shelling out a significant amount of money initially, but consider this move an investment since these devices prevent obstructions, keep gutters attached to the roof, and make cleaning less of a hassle.

Maintain gutters between professional cleanings

How often should gutters be cleaned to keep costs low? You can minimise the cost and frequency of hiring an expert by conducting regular checkups and cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. But if your gutters are surrounded by overhanging branches, doing it every quarter may be necessary. You can utilise various tools—such as a garden hose, a wet/dry vacuum, or a leaf blower—during the operation.

Group service with neighbours

Take advantage of the deals you can get if you and your neighbours book a gutter cleaning package together. You can find these promos through gutter cleaning company websites, emails, and social media posts, among other sources.

What should you look for in a professional gutter cleaner?

In your search for the right gutter cleaning expert, be sure to find out the answer to these questions:

• How many years of industry experience do they have?

• Do they have experience dealing with a property or outdoor environment similar to yours?

• What do their former customers say about their service?

• How much do their services cost?

• Do they have the right permits, certifications, and insurance to perform gutter cleaning?

• What kind of tools and equipment do they use during a cleaning procedure?

Restore your gutters’ cleanliness with Airtasker

A man unclogging a rain gutter filled with debris (Source: iStock)

Dealing with a clogged and dirty roof drainage system? Airtasker has a roster of professional gutter cleaners who can help you with this issue. But if your gutters’ problems can’t be solved with regular cleaning, you can also find repairers and other roofing experts on the website.

After signing up on the platform, you can reach out to Taskers by posting a task with all the basic details (such as your location and budget). Once they get back to you with quotes, you can pick the best gutter cleaner for your needs.