How long does it take to clean gutters?
Short answer. A professional crew usually cleans the gutters on a typical one-story house in about an hour or two, and a two-story house in roughly two to four hours. A homeowner working alone with one ladder should plan on a half day or more, especially when downspouts are clogged or debris has been sitting for a season.
What drives the time
- Linear feet and corners. Every ladder move takes time. A house with many short runs and corners takes longer than a simple rectangle.
- Height and access. Two-story eaves, steep yards and walkout basements need taller ladders and more careful setups, which is most of the time on many North Georgia lots.
- Debris load. Light, dry leaves scoop quickly. A season of wet, packed oak leaves and pine needles turns into heavy sludge.
- Downspouts. A clogged downspout or elbow can take as long as a whole run. Underground drain lines take longer still and sometimes need a plumber's snake.
- Gutter guards. Brushing off mesh is quick. Lifting snap-in screens or pulling foam inserts to clean underneath adds time.
- Haul-off. Bagging and removing debris from beds and walkways is part of a proper job.
A sensible DIY sequence
- Lay a tarp below the work area.
- Scoop debris starting at the downspout end so you can watch the outlet.
- Flush each run with a hose, then run water down each downspout.
- Look over hangers, seams and slope while you are up there.
Cut the time next season
Cleaning on schedule, in late fall after leaf drop and again in spring after pollen and tassels, keeps debris dry and light. Trimming limbs back from the roof reduces the load at the source. See our Georgia roof maintenance checklist and trees and your roof.