Clogged gutters can quickly lead to overflow, sagging gutters, leaky roofs, and even basement flooding. So when should you clean gutters? According to experts, the answer is usually twice a year: spring and fall.
That said, I can attest that it depends on your home, your trees, and your weather. We clean ours twice a month most of the year because of the types of trees in our neighborhood.
And heed this warning: Waiting until you see a problem puts your home at risk.
Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Gutters
“There are many signs homeowners can look out for when it comes to knowing when to clean gutters," shared Chris Counahan, President of Leaf Home. He elaborated with these tips:
- Water is overflowing while it's rainy.
- You can see debris or leaves visibly piling up. Are grasses or tiny trees sprouting up there? You waited too long.
- Gutters appear to be sagging. This could be caused by the weight of the buildup.
Have your gutters been blocked for awhile? There are a few other watch-outs:
- When gutters are neglected, water flow gets blocked, which leads to water damage around the fascia board and even inside the home.
- Sagging gutters can pull away from the roofline, damaging gutter joints and causing gutter striping on siding.
- Mold growth, pest infiltration, and carpenter ants are all possible side effects of clogged gutters.
How Often Should You Have Your Gutters Cleaned?
“While I recommend cleaning gutters at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, more than a quarter (27%) of homeowners wait until a problem arises," notes Counahan. "This can leave the home vulnerable to costly damage. The goal should always be to prevent buildup, not respond after it has already caused issues.”
Spring cleaning removes leaves and debris from winter storms, while fall cleaning clears out fallen leaves before ice dams and heavy rain arrive.
Homes surrounded by tall trees, especially oaks and pines, may require more frequent cleaning.
If you notice a lot of leaves or tree debris in your driveway or on your patio after a storm, your gutters are probably compromised, too.
In areas with seamless gutters, gutter screens, or leaf relief gutter guards, maintenance may be less frequent but not eliminated. Gutter guards help block large debris, but smaller particles can still accumulate and gutter damage can still occur.
Seasonal Risks That Affect Gutters
Different seasons, different threats. If you stay aware year-round, you can stay a step ahead and avoid issues.
- Winter: Snow and ice can cause ice dams that block water flow and weigh down gutters. If water backs up under shingles, leaky roofs and internal water damage may follow.
- Spring: Melting snow mixed with heavy rain can overwhelm gutters clogged with leftover leaves and debris. Water overflow may pool around foundations, and that leads to basement flooding.
- Summer: Thunderstorms often drop branches, leaves, and dirt into gutters. If not cleared, this buildup can dry out and harden, making it harder to clean later.
- Fall: Leaves are the biggest culprit. Once wet, they form thick mats that trap water against the fascia board and cause sagging gutters.
“Despite 40% of homeowners facing water damage from clogged gutters, only 16% are prioritizing upgrades to handle heavy rain, which is a problem," notes Counahan. Homeowners: remember to look after your gutters.
DIY Gutter Cleaning: Remember These Tips
Some homeowners prefer DIY gutter cleaning, while others hire gutter cleaning services or professional gutter cleaning for safety and convenience. If you choose to handle it yourself, the right tools make the job easier and safer.
- Extension Ladder with Ladder Stabilizer: Keeps you steady while reaching high gutters.
- Gutter Scoop or Garden Trowel: For removing leaves and debris by hand.
- Garden Hose or Pressure Washer: To flush the rain gutter and check for water overflow.
- Leaf Blower or High-Pressure Hose: Quick clearing of dry debris.
- Plumber’s Snake or Pressure Hose: Useful for stubborn clogs in downspouts.
- Gutter Sealant: To patch small leaks in gutter joints.
Hiring handyman services can save time and reduce risks, so know your limits; a cleaning doesn't cost too much money.
FAQ
What happens if I don’t clean my gutters?
Oh, yikes, no. Neglecting gutter maintenance can cause water overflow, gutter damage, basement flooding, and even leaky roofs. Over time, the fascia board can rot, mold growth may spread in your walls, and garden beds near the foundation can wash out.
Are gutter guards worth the investment?
This is a controversial topic in our neighborhood. Some folks love them, swear by them, will never own a home without them. Others struggle, and from what I gather, those homeowners have a lot more tree debris to contend with. Heavy leaves and debris still require a bit of maintenance to keep the guards clear, but having the guards does make cleaning easier.
If you have an area that's hard to reach, you may want to compromise and get guards where it'll do the most good, but still plan to manually clean other areas of the home.
