How Much Does Gutter Cleaning Cost in Canada?

By Experts.ca EditorialUpdated May 28, 2026

In Canada, most homeowners pay roughly $100 to $350 to have their gutters cleaned, with the typical single-family home landing around $200 per visit. One quick note on terminology: what Americans call "gutters," Canadians almost always call eavestroughs — the two words mean the same thing, and you'll see them used interchangeably by contractors across the country.

The price you'll actually pay depends on the size of your home, how many storeys it has, how much debris has built up, and where you live. Below we break down realistic Canadian ranges, what drives the cost up or down, how often you should clean, whether to DIY, and what gutter guards cost if you want to reduce the chore altogether.

Average eavestrough cleaning cost by home size and storeys

Cost scales with the length of eavestrough (measured in linear feet) and how hard the system is to reach. A low single-storey bungalow is cheap and quick; a tall two- or three-storey home needs more ladder work, safety setup, and time. Typical Canadian ranges look like this:

  • Single-storey / bungalow (up to ~1,500 sq ft, ~150–180 linear ft): roughly $75–$200
  • Ranch or mid-size single-storey (~2,000 sq ft, ~180 linear ft): roughly $95–$225
  • Two-storey home (~2,500 sq ft, ~200 linear ft): roughly $125–$275
  • Three-storey or large home (3,000+ sq ft, 250+ linear ft): roughly $275–$400+
  • Heavily clogged or long-neglected systems: can reach $500 or more for the extra labour

Many companies also quote per linear foot: expect about $0.50–$1.00 per foot for a straightforward single-storey clean, rising to $1.00–$2.50 per foot for taller, harder-to-access homes. Pricing in major metros like Toronto and Vancouver tends to sit at the higher end of these ranges, and some GTA specialists quote noticeably above the national average.

What affects the price

Two homes the same size can be quoted very differently. The main factors that move the number:

  • Height and number of storeys — taller homes require longer ladders, more safety equipment, and slower work, which is the single biggest cost driver
  • Roof pitch and layout — steep roofs, narrow valleys, dormers, and complex rooflines add time and difficulty
  • Amount and type of debris — heavy leaf packs, shingle grit, pine needles, or nesting material need extra passes and downspout flushing
  • Access obstacles — landscaping, sloped lots, power lines, or fragile rooftop features can raise the fee
  • Existing gutter guards — guards may need to be lifted and reseated, which can add to labour
  • Add-on services — downspout flushing, minor repairs, fastener tightening, or a roof/window cleaning bundle change the total

Bundling eavestrough cleaning with window or siding washing, or booking in off-peak months, can earn a discount of roughly 10–20% with many providers.

How often should you clean your eavestroughs?

The standard recommendation across Canada is twice a year — once in spring and once in fall. Spring clears the seed pods and pollen that wash down after winter, while fall (the busiest season for cleaners) clears leaves before freeze-up.

If your property has lots of mature trees — especially maples, oaks, or evergreens that shed needles — you may need three or more cleanings a year. Homes with few trees can sometimes stretch to once a year, but skipping cleanings is risky. Clogged eavestroughs are a leading cause of ice dams, overflowing water that rots fascia and soffit, leaks into the roof, and pools against the foundation — all far more expensive to fix than a routine cleaning.

DIY vs. hiring a pro (and a word on safety)

Cleaning your own eavestroughs costs little more than the price of a sturdy ladder, gloves, a scoop, and a hose — so for a single-storey home with easy access, DIY is reasonable if you're comfortable on a ladder.

The calculus changes fast on taller homes. Ladder falls are among the most common serious home-maintenance injuries in Canada, and working at two or three storeys near power lines or on uneven ground is genuinely dangerous. Professionals also flush downspouts, spot loose fasteners or leaks, and can reach areas you can't safely. Weigh these points:

  • DIY pros: lowest out-of-pocket cost; do it on your own schedule; fine for low, accessible rooflines
  • DIY cons: real fall risk; you may miss hidden clogs or downspout blockages; no inspection or repair
  • Pro pros: thorough cleaning plus inspection, downspout flushing, and minor fixes; no ladder risk to you; faster
  • Pro cons: $100–$350+ per visit; you'll need to book ahead in the busy fall season

If you do DIY, use a stabilized ladder on firm ground, never overreach, work with a spotter, and stay well clear of overhead wires.

Gutter guards: cost and how to choose

If twice-yearly cleaning is a hassle, gutter guards (also called leaf guards or eavestrough covers) keep most debris out and can cut cleaning frequency to about once a year. They're an upsell, not a set-and-forget fix — but for tall homes or tree-heavy lots they can pay for themselves in reduced cleaning visits and water damage prevention.

Professionally installed gutter guards in Canada generally run $7–$15 per linear foot including labour, with budget snap-on guards near the low end and premium micro-mesh aluminum systems at the top. For a typical home with ~200 linear feet, total installed cost usually falls between roughly $1,400 and $2,200, though full-perimeter premium jobs can range from about $800 to $4,000 depending on guard type, storey count, and regional labour rates.

When choosing a system, consider these points:

  • Guard type: micro-mesh handles fine debris and pine needles best; perforated aluminum and reverse-curve are mid-range; plastic snap-in screens are cheapest but clog soonest
  • Material durability: aluminum and stainless steel outlast plastic, especially under snow load and ice
  • Warranty: premium systems often carry multi-year or lifetime workmanship warranties — read what's covered
  • Climate fit: in snowy regions, choose guards rated to handle ice and heavy snow without sagging
  • Installer reputation: get quotes from established local contractors and confirm the guard won't void your roof warranty

Even with guards installed, plan on the occasional inspection — no system is fully maintenance-free, and confirming your downspouts run clear is cheap insurance against water damage.

Find a vetted professional near you

Need eavestrough work done? Browse vetted roofing & exterior pros on Experts.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does gutter (eavestrough) cleaning cost in Canada?
Most Canadian homeowners pay about $100 to $350 per cleaning, with the typical single-family home around $200. Single-storey homes can be as low as $75, while large or heavily clogged systems can exceed $400–$500.
Why do two-storey homes cost more to clean?
Taller homes need longer ladders, more safety setup, and slower, more careful work. A two-storey home (around 200 linear feet) typically runs $125–$275, versus roughly $75–$200 for a single-storey bungalow.
How often should eavestroughs be cleaned?
Twice a year is the standard — once in spring and once in fall. Homes surrounded by mature or evergreen trees may need three or more cleanings a year to prevent clogs, ice dams, and overflow.
Should I clean my own gutters or hire a professional?
DIY is reasonable for a low single-storey home with easy access. For two- or three-storey homes, professionals are safer and more thorough — they flush downspouts and inspect for damage, avoiding the serious fall risk of working at height.
How much do gutter guards cost in Canada?
Professionally installed gutter guards generally run $7–$15 per linear foot, or roughly $1,400–$2,200 for a typical 200-foot home. Premium full-perimeter systems can range from about $800 to $4,000 depending on guard type and home size.