You might see gutter cleaning as an extra expense, but it can be worth it. If you have a two-story house or your home is on a slope, hiring a professional is a safer option. It can save you time, energy, and potentially money in the long run.
Regular gutter cleaning helps prevent damage to your home’s roof, walls and foundation by protecting it from water leaks and damage. On average, gutter cleaning costs between $100 and $600, depending on various factors.
Gutter Cleaning Price List in Australia
Keeping your gutters clean is essential for preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity of your home. In Australia, the cost of gutter cleaning can vary widely depending on the size and type of your property, the complexity of the job, and your location. Here’s a comprehensive overview of gutter cleaning costs across different regions and services.
Cost Breakdown by Task
- Bird Nest Removal:
- Price: $25 to $35
- Removing bird nests from gutters is a common task that may be included in regular gutter cleaning or charged separately.
- Gutter Cleaning for a Single-Storey House/Building:
- Price: $40 to $150
- This is the most basic gutter cleaning service, suitable for single-storey homes. The price varies based on the size of the house and the amount of debris.
- Gutter Cleaning for a Two-Storey House:
- Price: $100 to $250
- Two-storey homes are more challenging to clean due to their height and may require additional safety measures, which can drive up the cost.
- Install Gutter Guards and Clean:
- Price: $100 to $500
- This service includes both the installation of gutter guards to prevent future debris buildup and thorough cleaning. The wide price range reflects variations in guard types and installation complexity.
- Gutter Cleaning Cost Per Metre:
- Price: Between $4 and $7
- For properties with long gutter runs, some services charge based on the length of the gutters.
- Gutter Cleaning Cost Per Hour:
- Price: $200 to $250
- Hourly rates are typically applied for more complex or extensive jobs that are not easily priced per metre or per task.
Regional Cost Variations
Costs can also vary significantly depending on your location within Australia. Here’s a breakdown of typical gutter cleaning costs by city and state:
- Melbourne: $180+
- In Melbourne, gutter cleaning costs start around $180 and can increase depending on the size and height of the property.
- Sydney: $205 to $500
- Sydney is one of the more expensive cities for gutter cleaning, with costs reaching up to $500 for larger or more complex jobs.
- Brisbane: $100 to $400
- Brisbane offers a relatively wide range of prices, reflecting both standard and more extensive cleaning services.
- Perth: $155 to $550
- Perth has a broad price range, with the highest costs typically associated with multi-storey homes or additional services.
- Adelaide: $245 and up
- In Adelaide, gutter cleaning starts at $245, with prices increasing based on the job’s complexity.
State/Territory Cost Overview
- New South Wales: $155 to $240
- Costs in NSW vary based on property size and type, with a range of $155 to $240.
- Victoria: $100 to $575
- Victoria shows a wide range of costs, influenced by the need for special equipment or high-rise buildings.
- Queensland: $150 to $195
- Queensland typically has moderate costs for gutter cleaning, with fewer extreme highs or lows.
- Australian Capital Territory: $120 to $170
- In the ACT, gutter cleaning is relatively affordable compared to other regions, with prices ranging from $120 to $170.
- Western Australia: $145 to $240
- Western Australia’s prices fall within a moderate range, depending on property specifics and service needs.
- South Australia: $110 to $150
- South Australia offers some of the more affordable rates for gutter cleaning.
Knowing these costs can help you budget well and make sure you’re getting a good deal for taking care of your gutters. To get the best results, think about getting quotes from a few different providers in your area and talking about your specific needs with them.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Gutter Cleaning
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for gutter cleaning. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Gutter Length and Home Size
The length of your gutters and the size of your home are major factors. For example, a typical single-storey house of about 130 square meters usually has 45 to 60 meters of gutters. For a two-storey house, you’ll need to account for the extra height and more downspouts, which increases the cost. Generally, the larger your home, the more expensive it will be to clean the gutters.
Roof Accessibility
How easy it is for cleaners to access your roof can impact the cost. If your house is on a slope or very close to other buildings, getting to your gutters might be more challenging and require additional equipment like ladders, bucket trucks, or scaffolding. This extra gear can add to the final price.
Roofing Type
The design and complexity of your roof also affect the cost. Roofs with dormers, gables, or steep pitches are more difficult to clean and may require more time and effort. A more complex roof design will generally mean higher cleaning costs.
Amount of Debris
The amount of debris in your gutters plays a big role in the cost. If your gutters are filled with bird nests, leaves, or other debris, the cleaning job will take longer. Regular cleaning can help keep costs down over time since professionals won’t have to deal with heavy build-up each visit.
Additional Services Related to Gutter Cleaning
Gutters are a crucial part of your home’s system to prevent debris and moisture from causing damage. Here are some additional services related to gutter cleaning to keep everything working properly:
Gutter Inspection
If it’s been a while since your gutters were cleaned, it might be a good idea to have a thorough inspection. During this service, the professional will check the gutters and surrounding areas for any issues that might need repair. Standalone inspections typically cost around $100, which includes about $75 per hour for labour and a $20 to $40 service call fee. Regular inspections help catch minor problems before they become major issues.
Downspout Installation
If your gutters are overflowing or not draining properly, your professional might suggest adding extra downspouts to help with the flow. Installing a new downspout usually costs $5 to $10 each. If you need to extend existing downspouts to move water further away from your home, it’s about $5 to $15 per extension. Burying these extensions will cost more, up to $25 per linear foot.
Downspout Cleaning
Downspouts can also get clogged with debris and pests, making them harder to clean than the gutters themselves. Cleaning each downspout generally costs $50 to $100. However, if you keep up with regular gutter maintenance twice a year, you might not need frequent downspout cleaning, as they typically clog only when gutters are clogged. Your professional will inspect downspouts as part of their routine gutter cleaning service.
How to Know When It’s Time to Clean Your Gutters?
Ideally, it would be best if you cleaned your gutters twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. If you’re unsure whether it’s time for a cleaning, look out for these signs:
- Pest Infestations: Debris-filled gutters can attract pests like cats, snakes, mice, and raccoons. If you’re seeing more unwanted visitors around your home, it might be time to schedule a gutter cleaning.
- Mould, Mildew, and Stains: When gutters are clogged, they become less effective at draining water, leading to rot and stains. This moisture can also cause mould and mildew to grow, which can spread to other parts of your home. If you notice these issues, your gutters probably need cleaning.
- Excessive Leaves: Some leaves in the gutters are normal, but if you see a large amount, it’s a clear sign that your gutters need a thorough cleaning.
- Plant Growth: Over time, debris in gutters can turn into soil, allowing plants to start growing. If you see plants or weeds in your gutters, they definitely need to be cleaned out.
- Unwanted Moisture: Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and potentially leak onto your roof. If you notice water trickling down the sides of your house when it shouldn’t be, your gutters are likely blocked and need cleaning.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Gutter Cleaning
Cleaning gutters yourself is possible but comes with some challenges. Here’s what you need to know:
DIY Cleaning:
- Safety Risks: Working on a ladder or roof can be dangerous. Professionals have extensive training and experience in handling these risks safely. They are also insured in case of accidents.
- Equipment Costs: You’ll need a good extension ladder, which costs between $100 and $500. A regular ladder isn’t safe for this job. Telescopic gutter cleaners are another option, but they tend to be pricier. You’ll also need gloves, a gutter scoop, and a bucket for debris.
Hiring a Professional:
- Higher Cost: Professional services cost more than doing it yourself, but they offer peace of mind that the job will be done correctly. Professionals also check for other potential issues with your roof.
- No Equipment Costs: If you have to buy a ladder and other tools, doing it yourself might not save you much money in the long run. Professionals come equipped with everything needed and ensure a thorough job.
In summary, while DIY cleaning can save money upfront, hiring a professional can be safer and more efficient, especially if you lack the necessary equipment and experience.
