Getting your gutter cleaned from leaves, dirt, and other debris is a task that every homeowner has to tackle at some point. It’s not fun or pretty, but it’s a reality we all face.
Some people elect to do it themselves, while others prefer to go the route of hiring seasoned professionals.
The underlying question for many property owners is “how long will the gutter cleaning process take?”
Will it require days to clean my gutter or just a few hours?
Size of your Gutter System
The biggest factor in knowing the time commitment for your gutter cleaning process is to first determine the size of your gutter system.
For example, what is the square footage of your home? This will give you a sense of how much gutter space will need to be cleaned.
How efficient are your gutter guards? Are the downspouts working properly as well?
Number of Levels on your Home
How many stories are in your home? Essentially, the more stories you have the more reason to call a gutter cleaning professional.
If you are living in two-story homes or a three-story home, the project could take between 2-4 hours. If it’s a single-story home, you may be able to do it yourself in under 1 hour.
If you have multiple stories, you will likely struggle to eliminate all debris when you try doing it yourself.
On the other hand, when you hire professionals you will ensure that your gutters get cleaned thoroughly no matter how many levels are on your home.
How Long Ago Did You Get Gutters Cleaned?
When was the last time your gutters got cleaned professionally? If it’s been a year or longer (gasp!) then it might take a while to get them back in good condition.
It’s recommended to get your gutters cleaned once in the spring and once during fall. Keeping up with this regimen will ensure faster, safer removal of debris. If completed twice a year, you shouldn’t expect about two hours of cleaning each time a professional comes out.
Cleaning gutters twice a year will also alleviate water damage that can accumulate over time, especially during winter and spring.
Tools Used to Clean Your Gutters
Many of the same tools used for general landscaping are also used to achieve clean gutters. This includes the typical garden hose with attachments, dry vacuums, buckets, a leaf blower, and a pressure washer.
Upon inspection of your gutters, you may uncover mold buildup, mildew, rust, clogs, or potentially even rodents. Depending on your gutter lengths, you may find more or fewer obstructions to your gutter system. This runoff can invade your patios and tarnish the exterior of your home.
Other tools used are sealant and fasteners. And for safety purposes, use garden gloves and a secure, safe ladder.
The gutter-cleaning costs associated with acquiring the right tools and accessories won’t be prohibitive, but you still may want to call on seasoned professionals to do the job for you instead of doing it yourself.
How Long Will They Last?
If you keep your gutters well-maintained, by hiring a professional to clean them out twice a year, you could theoretically see them last upwards of 30 to 40 years. Yes, it’s possible!
For more information see: How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
