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Photo: istockphoto.com
There are various types of gutters, each requiring a certain level and form of care. Investing in good gutter cleaning is a smart decision to make on an annual or biannual basis to ensure the system is properly draining rainwater. Failing to keep up with gutter cleaning can result in water falling around the foundation of a home or building, which can then soften the soil and lead to cracks in the foundation. In other words, gutter cleaning is a great preventive measure to take to avoid serious and expensive home issues.
Gutter cleaning might seem like a daunting or pricey task, but it’s necessary all the same. We evaluated multiple providers to come up with a list of the best gutter cleaning services for homeowners to ensure high-quality cleaning.
- BEST OVERALL: Window Genie
- RUNNER-UP: Men in Kilts
- BEST WITH LANDSCAPING: The Grounds Guys
- BEST FOR GUTTER REPAIR: The Brothers That Just Do Gutters
- BEST MULTISERVICE: Window Gang
- BEST FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING: Shine Window Cleaning
- BEST FOR NICHE CLEANING: Fish Window Cleaning
Photo: istockphoto.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Gutter Cleaning Services
When searching for the right gutter cleaning service for their gutter system, many homeowners don’t know where to start and what features to consider. However, blindly choosing a gutter cleaning service is ill-advised.
It’s important to consider features such as the experience and credentials of the gutter cleaning professionals, their location and availability, any seasonal promotions or discounts, whether they do regular maintenance appointments or scheduled appointments, and any additional services they might offer that you could benefit from.
Trained and Insured Professionals
While there are no set qualifications or certifications for gutter cleaners, some companies require their employees to receive a certain amount of training before allowing them to work. It’s important to be aware of the level of training and experience these professionals have.
Additionally, homeowners should check if companies have their own training policies in place. Such gutter cleaning services are more trustworthy and credible, as they hold their workers to a higher standard. Before investing in any company to take care of such an important and dangerous project, it’s crucial for homeowners to research the experts they’re trusting with their home.
Location and Availability
Homeowners should vet gutter cleaning services in their location not just out of convenience, but also so the professionals understand the climate and needs specific to that area. Hiring a team of gutter cleaning experts who are not local or have to travel far can lead to extra fees and other concerns.
Another consideration homeowners should keep in mind is the availability of gutter cleaning services in their area. For instance, if a service is booked up for weeks at a time, it might be smart to schedule a local team months in advance for regular cleanings so the homeowner can count on consistent service.
Seasonal Promotions or Discounts
Gutter cleaning can be an expensive maintenance task to check off your list. Thankfully, many gutter cleaning services offer seasonal promotions or discounts to their clients. Homeowners can take advantage of these perks by regularly checking local services in ads or via email alerts.
Additionally, homeowners can ask neighbors for referrals to potentially get a referral discount, or check with the company to see whether they’ll offer a volume discount if several homeowners schedule service with the company on the same day. Also, many roofing and window cleaning companies do gutter cleaning, and homeowners can save some money by booking two-in-one.
Regular or Scheduled Appointments
Gutter systems typically require two regular cleanings per year, especially if they’re in an area that experiences seasons. However, there are other factors that influence a gutter cleaning schedule, like the number of trees surrounding the house and the specific climate.
Homeowners should determine their gutter system’s cleaning needs to develop the right cleaning schedule for them. Then, they can schedule regular cleanings throughout the year to ensure proper maintenance.
Additional Services
As mentioned above, some window cleaning and roofing companies offer their services along with gutter cleaning. Homeowners might want to have these cleanings done at the same time as other services so they can save money.
Additionally, a lot of gutter cleaning services include other gutter-related services as well, like adding gutter guards and making repairs. Combining various services into one can be a smart decision for homeowners looking for efficient, quality work.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Service Area | Booking Method | Recurring Annual Appointments Offered | Trained and Insured Professionals | Additional Services | |
| Window Genie | U.S. (Nationwide) | By phone | Unknown | Yes | Window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing |
| Men in Kilts | U.S. and Canada | By phone | Yes | Yes | Window cleaning, house washing, pressure washing |
| The Grounds Guys | U.S. and Canada | By phone | Unknown | Trained, unknown if insured | Landscaping, snow removal, outdoor lights, irrigation |
| The Brothers That Just Do Gutters | U.S. (Nationwide) | By phone | Yes | Unknown | Gutter guards, gutter installation, heat tape |
| Window Gang | Eastern and southeastern U.S. | Online and by phone | Unknown | Yes | Window cleaning, pressure washing, chimney sweep |
| Shine Window Cleaning | Eastern and midwestern U.S. | By phone | Yes | Yes | Window cleaning, home detailing, outdoor and holiday lighting |
| Fish Window Cleaning | U.S. (Nationwide) | By phone | Unknown | Trained, unknown if insured> | Awning cleaning, window cleaning, light fixture cleaning |
Our Top Picks
To compile a list of the best options on the market, we vetted several gutter cleaning services and considered various features, from the training requirements for each professional team to their availability and convenience of scheduling. Here are our top picks for gutter cleaning services and companies.
Photo: windowgenie.com
Why It Made the Cut: We chose Window Genie as the best overall gutter cleaning company because of its additional services and available discounts.
In addition to gutter cleaning, Window Genie also specializes in window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, and more. If clients do opt for these services, the company also offers multiservice discounts to those who want to invest in more than just gutter cleaning.
The company is also dedicated to customer satisfaction, which is why its team of field technicians are fully trained, insured, bonded, and have passed a background check. While there is no information about scheduling regular or annual appointments on the company’s website, all estimates are free, and their services come at an affordable price.
Specs
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Booking: By phone
- Recurring annual appointments offered: Unknown
- Trained and insured professionals: Yes
- Additional services: Window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing
Pros
- Window film installation, tinting, and cleaning offered
- Concrete and paver sealing services offered
- Multiservice discounts offered
Cons
- No information about scheduling regular or annual appointments
Photo: meninkilts.com
Why It Made the Cut: Men in Kilts has a team of highly trained professionals and an array of different services and uses eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning solutions.
Men in Kilts is a great choice for gutter cleaning and other cleaning and home improvement services. While the company doesn’t offer discounts for bundled services, they do provide both interior and exterior window cleaning, gutter cleaning, house washing, and pressure washing to all its clients, both residential and commercial.
Prices vary and are unique to the home or building’s needs, and each project is priced with integrity so homeowners can guarantee they’re getting the best bang for their buck. Not only that, but the team of highly trained and insured professionals wears kilts while getting the work done right. This decision started as a friendly visual on an otherwise faceless window cleaning company and grew to be popular among locals.
The services of Men in Kilts are also backed by their “Kilt Clean Guarantee,” which promises 100 percent satisfaction or a thorough reclean at no additional charge.
Specs
- Service area: U.S. and Canada
- Booking: By phone
- Recurring annual appointments offered: Yes
- Trained and insured professionals: Yes
- Additional services: Window cleaning, house washing, pressure washing
Pros
- Pressure washing, house cleaning, and window cleaning also offered
- Professionally trained professionals
- Technicians use eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products
Cons
- No discounts for bundled services
Photo: groundsguys.com
Why It Made the Cut: The Grounds Guys doubles as a full-service landscaping company with outdoor lights setup.
The Grounds Guys is a dedicated team of landscaping professionals offering both residential and commercial services. The company is built on a family tradition of caring and prioritizes client satisfaction above all. In fact, the Grounds Guys say they follow the value of C.A.R.E.— Customers First, Attitude, Respect, and Enjoy life in the process. The company also boasts clean, branded vehicles; professional uniformed workers; timely responses; safe and reliable equipment; and status and quality reports delivered in a timely manner.
As for gutter cleaning services, The Grounds Guys employs landscaping and gutter cleaning teams who are both professional and dependable to ensure their clients’ homes are kept as beautiful and healthy as possible. However, it’s important to note the professionals tend to specialize in landscaping, not gutter issues or repairs.
Specs
- Service area: U.S. and Canada
- Booking: By phone
- Recurring annual appointments offered: Unknown
- Trained and insured professionals: Trained, unknown if insured
- Additional services: Landscaping, snow removal, outdoor lights, irrigation
Pros
- Full-service landscaping company
- Outdoor lights setup service offered
- Yard status and quality reports delivered to homeowners
Cons
- Professionals tend to specialize in landscaping, so they may not be as knowledgeable about any gutter issues or needed repairs
Photo: brothersgutters.com
Why It Made the Cut: The Brothers That Just Do Gutters specializes in gutters and gutters only, meaning it employs experts in gutter cleaning and servicing.
Much like its name, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters is a gutter repair company that focuses on many types of gutter services, including gutter cleaning, though it offers no other exterior cleaning services. It offers gutter guards and specialty gutter installation, as well as snow remediation installation services for those homes in colder climates.
The Brothers That Just Do Gutters is a community-minded, client-focused gutter contractor that understands the importance of investing in employees. The company seeks to provide its clients with a 5-star experience and shares both positive and negative reviews to understand where they can improve while maintaining transparency with their prospects.
Specs
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Booking: By phone
- Recurring annual appointments offered: Yes
- Trained and insured professionals: Unknown
- Additional services: Gutter guards, gutter installation, heat tape
Pros
- Gutter repair services offered
- Gutter guards and specialty gutter installation available
- Snow remediation installation services like snow guards and heat tape installation offered
Cons
- No other exterior cleaning services offered
Photo: windowgang.com
Why It Made the Cut: Window Gang is our pick for multiservice cleaning, as the company offers window cleaning and chimney sweep services in addition to gutter cleaning, with quick and convenient scheduling.
Window Gang is a multiservice cleaning company that provides professional window cleaning, chimney sweeping, dryer vent cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and other services. The company is transparent about its safety and cleaning practices, and its founder is constantly developing new chemical blends to safely clean homes.
Window Gang is also committed to offering environmentally friendly, first-class services, which is why the company requires extensive training and employs a staff that is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. To schedule an appointment, homeowners can easily use the company’s online booking system at their convenience. However, keep in mind this company mainly operates in the eastern and southeastern U.S.
Specs
- Service area: Eastern and southeastern U.S.
- Booking: Online and by phone
- Recurring annual appointments offered: Unknown
- Trained and insured professionals: Yes
- Additional services: Window cleaning, pressure washing, chimney sweep
Pros
- Quick, convenient scheduling via online booking
- Window cleaning and chimney sweep services also offered
- Transparency about safety and cleaning practices
Cons
- Locations are mainly in the eastern and southeastern U.S.
Photo: shine-windowcleaning.com
Why It Made the Cut: We chose Shine Window Cleaning as the best pick for outdoor lighting: the company has a varied service catalog and wonderful reputation for transparency.
Shine Window Cleaning is a great gutter cleaning service that also offers full-home holiday light setup, maintenance, and removal—a unique perk for homeowners—and other specialty services like ceiling fan cleaning.
The company is also extremely transparent about its pricing estimates, which are available on its website. Keep in mind its locations are limited to the eastern and midwestern U.S. It was recently ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 500 franchises within the United States.
Specs
- Service area: Eastern and midwestern U.S.
- Booking: By phone
- Recurring annual appointments offered: Yes
- Trained and insured professionals: Yes
- Additional services: Window cleaning, home detailing, outdoor and holiday lighting
Pros
- Full-home holiday light setup, maintenance, and removal
- Transparent pricing estimates available on website
- Specialty services like ceiling fan cleaning
Cons
- Locations limited to eastern and midwestern U.S.
Photo: fishwindowcleaning.com
Why It Made the Cut: Fish Window Cleaning offers awning, outdoor light fixture, and chandelier cleaning in addition to gutter cleaning for clients with niche cleaning needs.
Fish Window Cleaning is a great option for gutter cleaning and other niche cleaning services. The company’s technicians are highly trained in ladder safety and are committed to customer satisfaction. With over 40 years of experience, Fish Window Cleaning has over 275 franchise offices nationwide in 45 states.
Some of the additional cleaning services the company offers include interior and exterior window cleaning, storm windows, mirrors, ceiling fans, skylights, screens, chandeliers, and sill cleaning. While the website does not have extensive information about services offered, homeowners can contact the company directly for estimates and further information.
Specs
- Service area: U.S. (Nationwide)
- Booking: By phone
- Recurring annual appointments offered: Unknown
- Trained and insured professionals: Trained, unknown if insured
- Additional services: Awning cleaning, window cleaning, light fixture cleaning
Pros
- Awning, outdoor light fixture, and chandelier cleaning
- Technicians are extensively trained in ladder safety
- The company supports local charities
Cons
- Website does not have extensive information about services offered
Our Verdict
For homeowners looking to hire a gutter cleaning service with the best value, highly trained professionals, a variety of additional services, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, we recommend Window Genie and Men in Kilts. Both offer consumers high levels of professionalism, more than just gutter cleaning, and courteous service.
How We Chose the Best Gutter Cleaning Services
In the pursuit of putting this comprehensive list of the best gutter cleaning services together, we analyzed many companies based on several factors. A consistent part of our analysis across the board was trying to highlight additional services offered by companies that would make them a valuable partner to a homeowner and could work on other projects besides just gutter cleaning.
The additional services and resources our analysis found included holiday lighting, multiservice discounts, online booking, awning and chandelier cleaning, and full-service landscaping. Often, for professional niche cleaning (like awnings and chandeliers) and installing holiday lighting, it can be hard to find a trusted professional. As such, we aimed to create this guide to be an evergreen resource to homeowners looking for quality, reliable professionals in more than one area of cleaning and home maintenance.
Before You Hire Gutter Cleaning Services
It’s important to vet the professionals working on a home, and gutter cleaning services are no different. Ensuring the company that cleans your home’s gutters is professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy can make all the difference.
The most important question to ask a gutter cleaning service before hiring them is if they are licensed. Unlicensed gutter cleaners could hurt themselves, cause damage to a home, and make a mistake for which the customer is liable.
Speaking of liability, ensure the gutter cleaning company is insured with both liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects a homeowner and their property against accidental damage, and workers’ compensation protects the professional working on the home. For both licenses and insurance, it is within a homeowner’s right to ask for proof of these documents.
Other considerations to remember when hiring a professional gutter cleaning service are if the company has a satisfaction guarantee, if the company’s main focus is gutter cleaning or gutter maintenance, and if the company has a positive reputation within the community.
Cost of Hiring Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutter cleaning services costs will vary depending on the scope of the project, location, and amount of gutter footage needing to be cleaned, but the national average for gutter cleaning is about $0.80 per foot of gutter, with the highest costs falling around $2.15 per foot and the lowest costs coming in at $0.40 per foot.
The more stories a home has, the more it will cost to clean its gutters. Other factors that impact a gutter cleaning services quote include the season in which the job is done and how dirty or full the gutters are. Gutter cleaning services are in high demand during the spring and summer months, and a home with lots of foliage and very unclean gutters will most likely have a higher quote than a home without many falling leaves that’s just had its gutters cleaned a few months ago.
The Advantages of Using the Best Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutter cleaning, a necessary chore of homeownership, tends to be one of the more unsavory tasks. However, it’s absolutely necessary to keep a home in good condition and avoid potentially expensive and damaging issues down the road. While some homeowners may believe it’s more cost-effective to DIY gutter cleaning, it’s simply not the case—unless that homeowner is a gutter cleaning professional.
Hiring a gutter cleaning professional provides several benefits. Not only can a homeowner trust in the quality of the work done by a professional gutter cleaning company that has a satisfaction guarantee and years of experience, but the homeowner also saves the potential risk of getting hurt by trying to DIY the project.
Hiring a professional also saves money in the long run—their insurance can and will cover any accidental damages, and the routine maintenance will save a homeowner costly expenses such as a new roof or gutters should the unclean gutters cause significant damage.
- Regular maintenance saves money down the line.
- Hiring a pro lets you avoid injury that could be received doing it yourself.
- You can trust the quality work a professional does.
FAQs
While an important part of home maintenance, gutter cleaning knowledge isn’t naturally known by many. To find answers to the most frequently asked questions, discover the information below, from “How much do gutter cleaning services cost?” to “How many times a year should gutters be cleaned?”
Q. What do professional gutter cleaning services use to clean the gutters?
Gutter cleaners use a multitude of professional tools to clean more deeply and thoroughly than the average homeowner may be able to do. Often, industrial-strength vacuums and power washers are used in combination with each other—sometimes termed “wet/dry technology.”
Q. How many times a year should gutters be cleaned?
Generally, homeowners should clean gutters at least twice a year. However, it’s important to consider the foliage around a home. For houses that have lots of trees, cleaning as often as every 3 months is a smart idea.
Q. How much do gutter cleaning services charge?
HomeAdvisor’s national average for basic gutter cleaning services is $159, with a general range between $118 and $225. Single-story homes cost less than 2-story homes, with the former starting around $70 and the latter starting between $90 to $100.
Q. Do I have to book gutter cleaning services in advance?
Depending on the time frame and company a homeowner requests, it’s usually a good idea to book gutter cleaning services in advance. Most companies recommend booking in advance, especially in the late summer and fall months, to ensure a home’s gutters can be cleaned in time for poor weather.
Q. Do gutter cleaning services offer free inspection?
Usually the company a homeowner books for gutter cleaning services performs a complimentary inspection of the house and the project scope. During this inspection, the service may recommend the scope be widened to include additional important projects, which incurs an additional cost, but the inspection itself is free.
Sources: Forbes
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-gutter-cleaning-services/