Gutter Cleaning Business Overview

A gutter cleaning business offers services to homeowners and companies to clean leaves and debris out of their gutters and downspouts to help prevent water damage to the structure. Some businesses clean clogged gutters only, and some offer it as part of a suite of services such as home improvement, power washing, or painting services.

Property owners hire these businesses to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that accumulates in gutters throughout the year. Without regular cleaning, clogged gutters can lead to foundation problems, basement flooding, and roof damage. Most gutter-cleaning businesses work with both homeowners and commercial property managers, offering one-time cleanings or establishing ongoing maintenance schedules. Many of these businesses operate year-round, though demand often increases during the fall and spring seasons when debris accumulation is highest.

Related: Checklist To Start A Business

How Do Gutter Cleaning Businesses Make Money?

Gutter cleaning companies earn their main income through cleaning services, with pricing typically based on several factors. Most companies charge between $1.00 and $2.50 per linear foot of guttering, while others set rates based on the square footage of the home or building. The height of the building, accessibility of the gutters, and amount of debris also influence pricing. For multi-story buildings or properties with challenging access, businesses often charge premium rates to account for additional equipment needs and safety requirements. Many companies set minimum service charges to ensure profitability on smaller jobs.

Additional revenue sources for gutter cleaning businesses include:

• Installation Services: Installing new gutter systems, downspouts, and gutter guards for residential and commercial properties
• Repair Work: Fixing leaks, reattaching loose gutters, replacing damaged sections, and repairing downspouts
• Additional Services: Providing related services such as roof cleaning, power washing, or minor roofing repairs
• Product Sales: Selling gutter guards, downspout extensions, and other gutter-related products to customers

Industry Statistics

Gutter services businesses operate under NAICS code 561790 – Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings. Here are some statistics that show what’s happening in the gutter services industry.

Gutter Services Industry Size & Growth: The gutter services industry generated $778.4 million in revenue last year. Over the past five years, the industry has shown steady growth with an average annual increase of 0.5%. Growth is expected to continue over the next five years, driven by increased awareness of property maintenance needs and extreme weather events requiring more frequent gutter services. (IBISWorld)

Number of Gutter Services Businesses: There are 4,929 gutter service businesses operating across the country. The industry remains highly fragmented, with no single company controlling a significant portion of the market. This creates opportunities for new businesses to establish themselves in local markets. Since most companies serve specific geographic areas, competition typically occurs at a local level rather than nationally. (IBISWorld)

Gutter Services Profit Margin: Profit margins in the gutter services industry generally range between 10% to 28% for established businesses. These margins can vary based on factors such as operating costs, service pricing, and local market conditions. (Aspire)

States with Most Gutter Services: The highest concentration of gutter service businesses can be found in states with large populations and frequent precipitation. States experiencing regular rainfall and seasonal changes, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest regions, have the greatest demand for these services. (U.S. Census Bureau)

Costs To Start a Gutter Cleaning Business

Starting a gutter cleaning business could range from $600 to $15,000. The lower end assumes you already own a vehicle and start with basic equipment, while the higher end includes purchasing a work van and more advanced equipment.

Here are the main costs to consider when starting a gutter cleaning business:

Basic Equipment: Starting a gutter cleaning business requires a sturdy extension ladder, basic hand tools like gutter scoops and buckets, and tarps for debris collection. Many successful businesses start with these fundamentals before expanding their tool collection.

Safety Equipment: Working at heights demands proper safety gear, including a safety harness, non-slip boots, safety glasses, and work gloves. This basic safety setup helps protect you while meeting industry standards.

Transportation: A vehicle that can transport your ladder and equipment is necessary. Many operators start by using their personal vehicle with a basic ladder rack attachment before investing in a dedicated work van.

Liability Insurance: Basic liability insurance coverage begins with a down payment for your policy. This coverage protects your and your client’s property while you build your business.

These estimates provide a general idea of startup costs, but actual expenses will vary. Contact local suppliers and insurance providers for specific pricing in your area.