How to Clean your Gutters

Cleaning them may be a dirty job, but clogged gutters can make a soggy mess of the inside of your home.

Messy, gummed-up gutters can be a whole lot more than just an eyesore. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris, rainwater can't flow away from the house where it’s supposed to. That means you could end up with expensive problems like…

Damage to your foundation.

Water that’s not flowing through your gutters is leaking into your walls. Say hello to wood rot, erosion, and problems with walls and ceilings.

Gutter dislocation.

Your gutters were designed to move water, not hold heavy, wet gunk. Under enough pressure, they’ll break off and dangle from your roof.

Roof restoration.

When water is absorbed by your roof’s fascia, it buckles and bends, leading to costly repairs.

Bug infestation.

Mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pesky pests lay eggs by the thousands in just about any amount of standing water.  

So just when and how often should you clean your gutters? And should you DYI it or hire a pro?

Here’s the scoop. 

Spring and fall are the best times to clean gutters. But if there are lots of trees close to your house, you’ll need to get up there more often. If you have cold winters, a good late-fall cleaning can help prevent expensive roof damage caused by ice jams. And if you get a lot of heavy storms or even hurricanes, check your gutters regularly to make sure blockages aren’t forming.

Speaking of fall…don’t.

Gutter cleaning can be perfectly safe if you’re careful. That means using a sturdy, stable, quality extension ladder—not a step ladder. Have someone hold the ladder while you climb.

Inspect the gutters before you start to make sure animals or insects haven’t made your gutter their home. And wear eye protection and gloves.

Rather keep your feet planted on the ground? Call a pro.

Hiring someone who can do the job right is always a smart option. Professionals know the techniques and equipment to use to prevent potential issues.

If you suspect animals have gotten into your gutters – think chirping or rustling sounds – then it’s time to bring in a professional who can help get them out. Also, water pooling in your yard or driveway is a sign that your gutters are already leaking.

Gutter cleaning is an incredibly important home maintenance job. Stay on it, and you’ll save time, money and aggravation.

At Frontdoor, we know you love getting things done around the house. Staying in control of your to-do list is easier when you can keep the small things from turning into bigger—and more expensive—ones. We’re here to make it easier to prevent problems instead of reacting to them. We help you gain the peace of mind that comes with staying on top of your home’s health.

Want to learn more about gutter maintenance, roof repairs, or anything else about keeping your house in great shape? Download the app if you haven’t already, and chat with a helpful, friendly Frontdoor expert.

Frontdoor assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.