Gutter Cleaning Prices UK (2026): Average Costs by Property Type
Keeping your gutters clean might not be glamorous, but it is one of the most important parts of home maintenance in the UK. Blocked gutters can quietly cause damp, rot and expensive repairs, often without you noticing until the damage has already spread. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: how much do gutter cleaning prices in the UK cost in 2026?
In this guide, we break down gutter cleaning prices in the UK for 2026, explain what affects the cost, compare DIY vs professional services, and help you decide what is right for your property. Prices vary depending on property type, access and condition, so this article focuses on realistic ranges rather than vague averages.
If you are also thinking about your window cleaning budget, you may find it useful to read our main price guide: Window Cleaning Prices UK (2026): Full Price Guide by Property Type.
If you are looking to book a professional, or simply want to understand fair pricing before getting quotes, this guide will give you a clear starting point.
How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost in the UK in 2026?
In 2026, most professional gutter cleaning services in the UK charge between £50 and £150 for standard residential properties. The exact price depends on the size of your home, the height of the gutters, how easy they are to access, and how blocked they are.
Below is a simple overview of typical price ranges by property type.
Average Gutter Cleaning Prices by Property Type (2026)
| Property Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1–2 Bed Flat (ground floor) | £40 – £60 |
| 2–3 Bed House (terraced / semi-detached) | £60 – £90 |
| 3–4 Bed Detached House | £90 – £150 |
| Townhouse (3 storey) | £100 – £180 |
| Bungalow | £60 – £100 |
| Small Commercial Property | £100 – £250 |
These are typical guide prices for 2026. Exact quotes can vary depending on access, condition and location.
If a quote is significantly lower than the ranges above, it may be a sign that corners are being cut or that the service is very basic. Similarly, higher prices can be justified where access is difficult or specialist equipment is required.
What Factors Affect Gutter Cleaning Prices?
There is no single fixed price for gutter cleaning because every property and every gutter system is slightly different. Below are the main factors that influence what you are likely to pay.
Property Height and Access
Height is one of the biggest pricing factors. A single-storey bungalow is far quicker and safer to clean than a three-storey townhouse or a property with awkward access.
Taller or hard-to-reach gutters often mean:
- Extra safety measures and more time on ladders or platforms;
- Specialist equipment such as gutter vacuum systems and poles;
- More labour time and sometimes more than one worker on site.
Degree of Blockage
Lightly soiled gutters with a small amount of debris can be cleared quickly. However, gutters that are full of moss, leaves, soil and standing water take much longer and are harder work.
Severe blockages may also require:
- Downpipes to be taken apart or cleared separately;
- Manual removal of compacted debris;
- Flushing with water to check the system is flowing properly.
Gutter Length, Layout and Extras
Larger homes simply have more guttering to clean. Properties with conservatories, extensions, porches or complex rooflines can increase the length and make gutters less straightforward to reach. This all adds time to the job.
Where You Live in the UK
Location also has an impact. Areas with higher operating costs, such as London and parts of the South East, typically see slightly higher gutter cleaning prices than rural regions. On the other hand, remote locations can sometimes cost more due to travel time.
What Is Included in a Professional Gutter Cleaning Service?
A decent gutter cleaning service should include more than just scooping out leaves. While exact details differ between companies, most professional services will cover the key areas below.
- Removal of debris from all accessible gutters;
- Clearing and testing of downpipes where possible;
- Checking water flow to ensure the system is draining correctly;
- Safe removal and disposal of waste;
- A quick visual inspection for obvious cracks, sagging or leaks.
Many exterior cleaning companies also offer window cleaning, using either traditional methods or modern pure water systems. If you want to understand the difference between these approaches, you can read our comparison of pure water vs traditional window cleaning, which explains how each method works and when it is most effective.
Modern gutter cleaning services often use vacuum systems and provide before-and-after photos, especially for higher gutters. This is usually a good sign that the company is organised and takes pride in showing the results.
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?
Most UK properties benefit from gutter cleaning once or twice per year. The ideal frequency depends largely on your surroundings and how much debris your gutters collect.
- Once per year – usually enough for modern properties with few nearby trees.
- Twice per year – recommended if you have overhanging trees, a lot of moss on the roof, or older guttering.
- After autumn – a very sensible time to book cleaning if your gutters collect a lot of leaves.
Skipping regular cleaning can lead to heavy blockages, overflows and eventually damage to fascias, soffits and walls. Routine maintenance is nearly always cheaper than repairs caused by long-term neglect.
DIY vs Professional Gutter Cleaning: Which Is Better?
It is perfectly understandable that some homeowners consider cleaning their own gutters to save money. However, it is important to weigh up safety, effectiveness and the true cost in both time and risk.
DIY vs Professional Gutter Cleaning
| Factor | DIY Gutter Cleaning | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost | £20–£40 for basic tools | £60–£150 depending on property |
| Safety | Higher risk, especially on ladders | Professionals are trained and insured |
| Effectiveness | Can miss blockages in downpipes | Thorough cleaning and testing |
| Equipment | Usually just a ladder and bucket | Vacuum systems, poles, safety gear |
| Time Required | Can take several hours | Often 30–90 minutes |
| Peace of Mind | You take on the risk yourself | Backed by experience and insurance |
DIY gutter cleaning can make sense on single-storey properties with very easy access and light debris. For most two-storey homes and above, or where you are unsure about working at height, hiring a professional is usually the safer and more cost-effective choice.
Pros and Cons of Professional Gutter Cleaning
Like any service, professional gutter cleaning has advantages and a few potential downsides. It is helpful to weigh these up before deciding what is best for your home.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
- Reduced risk of damage: clean gutters help prevent damp, rot and overflow issues.
- Improved safety: no need to climb ladders or work at height yourself.
- More thorough cleaning: downpipes and difficult areas are more likely to be cleared properly.
- Early problem spotting: professionals can often spot loose brackets, cracks or sagging sections.
- Time-saving: what might take you half a day can often be done in under an hour.
Possible Drawbacks
- Upfront cost: hiring a service costs more than doing it yourself in the short term.
- Variable quality: not all providers offer the same level of care or communication.
- Access limitations: some companies may not take on very awkward or extreme access jobs.
Choosing a reputable local professional with good reviews and clear communication usually keeps the drawbacks to a minimum while protecting your home in the long term.
Can Blocked Gutters Cause Serious Damage?
Yes, and this is one of the main reasons gutter cleaning is worth taking seriously. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and run down walls rather than through the drainage system. Over time, this can lead to:
- Damp patches and stains on internal walls;
- Rotting fascias, soffits and timber work;
- Mould growth inside the property;
- Damage to render and brickwork;
- In severe cases, foundation or structural issues.
Issues such as damp and mould are often linked to poor drainage and overflowing gutters. Organisations like the NHS highlight that mould and damp can worsen respiratory problems, especially for children, older people and those with existing health conditions.
Compared to the cost of repairing rotten woodwork, damp and damaged plaster, routine gutter cleaning is relatively inexpensive and simple.
How to Find a Reliable Gutter Cleaning Service
When you are ready to book gutter cleaning, it is worth taking a moment to choose the right provider. Look out for:
- Clear pricing without vague promises;
- Public liability insurance for peace of mind;
- Genuine reviews or recommendations from local customers;
- Suitable equipment for your property type and height;
- Good communication about what is included in the service.
Using a local directory of exterior cleaning professionals can make it easier to compare services and find reputable gutter cleaners in your area, rather than relying on guesswork or random social media posts. If you are based in Kent, you can start by browsing window cleaners in Medway and nearby areas, many of whom also offer gutter cleaning alongside regular window cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gutter Cleaning Prices
1. How much does gutter cleaning cost for a terraced house?
Most standard terraced houses in the UK fall in the region of £60 to £80, depending on access, height and how much debris is in the gutters.
2. Is gutter cleaning more expensive for older properties?
It can be. Older properties often have deeper gutters, more moss and leaves, and sometimes more fragile fittings. All of this can increase the time and care needed, which affects price.
3. Do gutter cleaners always clear the downpipes as well?
Reputable gutter cleaning services will normally clear and test downpipes as part of their standard service. It is always worth checking this is included when you get a quote.
4. Is it cheaper to book gutter cleaning regularly?
Yes. Regular maintenance tends to keep blockages lighter and the job quicker, which often means more favourable pricing. Leaving gutters for years usually leads to heavier blockages and higher costs.
5. Can gutter cleaning be done in winter?
Gutter cleaning can be carried out in winter, as long as the weather is safe enough to work at height. Many people choose winter or early spring to clear out debris from autumn and early storms.
6. Should I get my gutters cleaned before selling my house?
It is a sensible idea. Clean gutters help prevent visible staining and damp patches, and they send the message that the property has been looked after.
7. Are gutter cleaning prices negotiable?
Some companies may offer discounts for regular customers, neighbouring properties booked together, or when combining services like window and gutter cleaning. It does not hurt to ask politely.
8. How long does professional gutter cleaning usually take?
Most residential gutter cleaning jobs take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on property size, access and how blocked the gutters are.
Final Thoughts: Is Gutter Cleaning Worth the Cost?
In 2026, gutter cleaning remains one of the best value maintenance services for UK homeowners. The cost is relatively modest compared to the damage that blocked gutters can cause over time. A good professional service gives you safety, peace of mind and protection against damp and water damage.
If you are unsure what a fair price looks like for your property, use the guide ranges above as a benchmark and compare a couple of local quotes. Regular gutter cleaning, even just once a year, is a small step that can prevent much bigger repair bills later on.
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