Gutters that aren’t regularly cleaned can become blocked with leaves, twigs, sticks and other debris. This can cause overflowing gutters which can lead to water damaging your roof, siding or even the foundation of your house. It can also cause leaks in the basement or crawl spaces leading to mold growth and further damage. Regularly cleaning your gutters helps prevent these issues from occurring by keeping them free of clogs so they can do their job properly, directing rainwater away from your home.

Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year, but ideally more often if you have a lot of trees near your home. It’s best to clean gutters in the fall before the winter snow and ice arrives, and then again in late spring or early summer when leaves and debris start falling from the trees again. This will help keep your gutters clear and prevent any blockages or water damage.

Gutter cleaning is generally a Spring or Fall chore, though it can be done at other times of the year if necessary. In Spring, after the worst of the winter weather has passed, homeowners should clear away any remaining debris from gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to a home’s roof and eaves. In Fall, before the first hard freeze, it’s important to check gutters for leaves and other debris that might have accumulated over the summer and to clear them away so that snow and ice can safely drain off of the roof.

Not cleaning your gutters regularly can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Damage to your home’s roof and walls
• Mold and mildew growth
• Rotten fascia boards and eaves
• Insect infestation
• Stains on your home’s exterior finish
• Clogged drains that can cause water damage to your home’s interior

The most difficult part of cleaning gutters is getting up to the roof. Many people find it difficult or dangerous to climb up onto a roof, especially if they do not have the right equipment or experience.