Gutters protect homes from water damage but must be kept clean to work correctly. If a gutter is full of debris, it can clog and overflow, allowing rainwater to accumulate closer to the house, leading to wood rot and foundation leaks.

Most professionals agree it’s best to clean gutters twice a year, in spring and fall. But the exact schedule depends on your location and local weather conditions.

Spring

Gutters are terrific for channeling water away from your home, but clogged gutters can cause problems like roof leaks and rot. Gutter cleaning is crucial to ensure they are working correctly. The best times to do so are in the fall and spring, depending on your location and if any recent windy storms have kicked up debris.

In the fall, leaves and twigs accumulate, quickly clogging gutters. It can lead to overflow and water damage if not addressed in time. It’s also recommended to get your gutters cleaned in the spring before summer rains arrive, as these can exacerbate any issues with water flow. The spring season is also ideal for removing bird or squirrel nests, which can jam your gutters. These nests typically contain twigs, grass, and small branches, which can clog your gutters and prevent water from flowing correctly. These problems can be controlled with a regular gutter cleaning schedule.

Summer

Gutters collect and channel rainwater away. Clogging causes overflow, leaks, and rot. Regular gutter washing is crucial to ensure that your gutter system operates correctly.

Your gutters should be cleaned twice yearly: in early spring and fall. Early spring cleaning helps to prepare for the heavy rains of spring, while fall cleaning removes last autumn’s leaves that can clog gutters over the winter.

A final summer check also helps to prevent clogs from storms and other environmental factors. In addition, checking gutters before the harsh winter weather can help to avoid serious problems and costly repairs later on.

Fall

Gutters, or eavestroughs as they’re sometimes called, are designed to channel water away from your home. That’s why it’s essential to keep your gutters clean and clear. Clogged gutters can cause many problems, including roof damage, wood rot, foundation issues, and toxic mold growth.

Cleaning your gutters is necessary for homeownership and should be done regularly. Depending on the climate and surrounding vegetation, homeowners may need to clean their gutters 2 to 4 times yearly.

The best time to clean your gutters is early fall before snow falls. Removing debris from gutters in October and November is easiest after most leaves have fallen. However, cleaning your eavestroughs regularly is essential to prevent standing water that can freeze in the winter and cause leaks through your home’s roof.

Winter

If your house is surrounded by trees that shed leaves, seeds, and other debris throughout the year, you must frequently clean your gutters. Regular inspections can help identify and prevent problems like blockages and damage.

Typically, it would help if you cleaned your gutters twice yearly in spring and late fall before winter. In the spring, you must clean away the leaves and other debris that have filled your gutters from the previous autumn season. And in the fall, you will need to clear your eavestroughs before winter arrives to avoid problems with tree needles and ice dams.

If you have a gutter cover system or other protective barrier that can nab some debris, you may only need to clean your gutters annually. However, getting up on a ladder (wearing rubber or work gloves to protect your hands) and cleaning the remaining debris to prevent clogs and damage is still a good idea.