Gutter cleaning might not seem that important at first glance. In fact, some homeowners believe that rain and meltwater actually act as a self-cleaning system to remove debris from gutters, but this is not the case. Most small debris settles in the bottom of the gutters, allowing rain and meltwater to flow over top, while large debris is typically too heavy for the flow of water to have much of an effect. 

If your home's gutter system isn't regularly cleaned, debris can build up, causing clogs, water damage, and other issues. Luckily, it isn't a difficult job. Use this guide to find out how often you should clean your gutters.

Cleaning gutters is a necessary home maintenance job that should be completed regularly to keep the gutter system and your house in good condition. If you're having trouble finding the motivation to clean your home's gutters, consider these reasons why this chore is so important.

• Damage prevention is the primary reason to clean gutters. Leaves, sticks, and other debris can build up to the point of creating a clog. When this occurs, rain and meltwater flow over the edges of the gutters where it can seep under the shingles, into the fascia, through the walls, and may even leak through the foundation.
• Infestation prevention is another great reason to keep gutters clean. Insects, rodents, and birds may otherwise see the bed of leaves, sticks, mud, and grass as an ideal environment to build a nest. Depending on the pest, this can then lead to a direct infestation of the home.
• Extend the lifespan of the gutter system by cleaning the gutters on a regular schedule. If debris is allowed to build up indefinitely, it can get to the point where the weight pulls the gutter system away from the roof and walls. Additionally, regular gutter cleaning helps prevent clogs, ice dams, and pest infestations, which may otherwise damage the gutter system.

Deciding when and how often to clean gutters is the first step to creating a maintenance schedule for ongoing upkeep. However, there are a few factors to consider when estimating gutter cleaning frequency, including the proximity of trees and other foliage, seasonal weather cycles, and whether you have a gutter protection system or not.

• Most homeowners will need to clean the gutters about once or twice a year
• If there are any tall trees or other foliage around the home, you may need to clean the gutters four or more times a year to keep them free of debris. 
• If you have a gutter protection system that keeps the bulk of debris out of the gutters, then you may only need to clean the gutter system once a year.

Generally, the best time to clean the gutters is fall or early winter, depending on the local climate. If you live in an area that gets snow, try to clean the gutters before the first snowfall to reduce the risk of ice dams. You may also want to do a second cleaning in spring or early summer to remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris that may have fallen during the winter.

Before setting a cleaning schedule, check the condition of the gutters. If the gutter system is damaged, bent, or bowing, it's recommended to repair the gutters as soon as possible.

Setting a schedule for gutter cleaning is the surest method for keeping them in good condition for years to come, but if you just moved in or haven't set a maintenance schedule, there are several signs you can look for that indicate it's time to clean your gutters.

• Overflowing gutters are typically a result of a clog, like bundled-up sticks or bunches of wet leaves. Cleaning the gutters will remove the clog and prevent rain or meltwater from overflowing.
• Water stains and damage to the roof, siding, yard, and foundation can occur when the gutters are too full for water to drain properly. If this situation is not resolved, the cumulative water damage can create serious problems with the exterior wall, roof, and foundation.
• Broken, warped, or hanging gutters can be a sign that the gutters need cleaning and repair. Debris in the gutter system can build up to the point where the accumulated weight pulls the gutter system away from the roofing or exterior walls.
• Pest activity around the gutters, like mosquitos, rodents, or birds, may indicate that there is a nest or a buildup of nesting material, like damp leaves, that needs to be removed.
• Plant growth in the gutters can occur when debris has been left untouched for an extended period. If you spot plant growth, it's time to clean your gutters.
• Clogged downspouts need to be handled by cleaning the gutter system, otherwise, the water will not freely drain when it rains or snows, causing it to overflow from the gutters above.
• Visible debris buildup in the gutters is the clearest sign that the gutters need to be cleaned. Plan a day to tackle the gutter cleaning or hire a gutter cleaning company to complete the work.

Source: How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters? Better Homes & Gardens (October 1, 2024) Timothy Dale