It is generally advisable for a homeowner to clean their gutters two times a year, once in late spring and again in early autumn.
That said, the frequency with which you need to clean your gutter system will depend on a variety of factors such as the number of trees around the home and the weather.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
If the house is surrounded by a significant number of trees, then the gutters probably should be cleaned three to five times a year.
If there are no trees on the property, then typically you will only have to clean the gutters once to twice a year.
The type of trees in your area is also important. If you live near pine trees or any trees that have needles, it is likely necessary to clean it three to four times a year.
If the tree drops flowers in the spring, you will likely need to clean the gutters from the falling blossoms in the spring.
Weather also plays a huge consideration. Heavy rain can damage the gutter system.
High winds with lots of rain will clog gutters faster than the typical rain.
If the area has a lot of storms, then you will want to clean gutters more often.
Always good idea – Another rule of thumb is to inspect the gutters after you have a heavy rainstorm to see if everything is operating properly, no damage and it is all clean and clear.
Factors Influencing Your Gutter Cleaning Schedule
The following factors determine the frequency with which you should clean your gutters.
1. Seasonal Weather Cycles
Spring Cleaning (May – July)
Spring can be rainy. Spring also has the highest pollen, leaves, and debris flying around either.
These can quickly get into your gutter, causing log jams.
As a result, homeowners should do a clean out once toward the end of spring to allow the water to run smoothly.
Summer Cleaning (August – September)
The summer months can certainly be dry and sweltering, but they can also bring storms.
This type of season is applicable for probably more southern states and regions that receive storms in summer.
These storms often bring violent winds, which will get a lot of debris into the gutters, and that can prevent water from draining through your gutters effectively.
We advise you clean your gutters sometime around Labor Day (first Monday in September).
Fall Cleaning (October – November)
Autumn is probably the most important time to clean your gutters.
Most trees are losing their leaves, and the fallen leaves are going to clog your gutters.
If all the trees are close to the house, It is advisable for a person to clean the gutters at least three times during autumn.
- Early fall
- Mid fall
- Late fall
Winter Cleaning
When the winter months start setting in, debris happens.
As winter starts to get close, this debris may clog up the gutter system, preventing the water from flowing.
This is a bad situation because it gets colder than zero in the winter months and this may cause the water in the gutters to freeze.
If this happens, the ice can damage your roof or gutters, leading to breaks or leaks in the system.
As a Result – Making sure you have clean gutters and the debris is removed from the gutters should be a priority. However, cleaning them in the middle of winter is not the best time to do so.
The cold frost and snow can create a danger with an injury and fall due to slips and falls.
2. Trees and Foliage near Your Roof
If you have few or no trees on your property, you don’t have to worry about cleaning your gutters often.
That’s because there wouldn’t be as many leaves and sticks falling into the gutters.
Everything you have just read reinforces the fact that most debris that clogs up gutters comes from trees.
Thus, if you have a lot of trees surrounding your property, you will have to clean the gutters more often.
The other thing to consider is that some types of trees lose more leaves and flowers than others.
For Example – If you have oak trees hanging over your roof, you will probably need to clean your gutters at least twice a year and don’t forget to check the downspouts.
And if you have pine trees, you will want to clean them quarterly.
3. Whether You Have Installed a Good Gutter Protection System (Gutter Screens or Guards)
Gutter guards are normally placed along your gutter in panels that are 3 – 6 feet long. Consequently, there is usually a small gap in between the panels and over time, they get bigger and bigger.
Therefore, the gaps allow debris to enter in your drain system. This could create more problems.
You should definitely inspect and clean your gutters and drain system, at least two times a year in the spring and the fall, or as soon as you notice water not to be draining properly.
This is especially true for homes that are near forests or trees. Pay particular attention to, in between panels, and attempt to adjust if possible.
4. The Type of Roof You Currently Have
Larger roofs gather more debris, which usually falls into a roof drainage system which will clog.
Valley gutters are another roof design element to watch out for.
These are generally valleys where two roofs meet, and are very common because we often add onto properties.
Watch out – valley gutters can easily gather a lot of dirt and debris. As such, gutter valleys need to be cleaned regularly to prevent any clogging.
Signs Its Time to Clean Your Gutters
Growth of Plant
If you see plant matter beginning to grow in your gutter system, it is safe to say you have gone too long without cleaning them.
Plants require soil, leaves, and other debris to grow.
Water spilling over the side
If you happen to observe water spilling over the edges of your gutters in a waterfall manner, that is a sign indicating clogged gutters that require cleaning.
Signs of staining and mildew
The presence of staining or mildew can indicate stagnant water in your gutter system.
If excessive water accumulates in your gutters, they may back up and overflow when it rains, causing significant and sometimes irreversible damage to your home.
As you’re aware, stagnant/over flowed water can cause staining and increased mildew when it splashes onto your walls or roof.
What you should remember is that your gutters may back up and overflow before you see the obvious stains below the gutters or smell the smell of mold.
Debris and visible leaves
Your gutter system will inevitably collect debris from a number of sources, including rain and wind.
This is one of the primary reasons you should have your gutters cleaned a few times every year.
Leaves and other debris block and clog gutters, and also charm, attract, and promote pest nests and budding plants.
Leaking roof
That means you have a clogged gutter.
When there is a clogged gutter, the rainwater has nowhere to drain away that gutter. Eventually there will be a build up on the roof which will seep into your home.
Long before you find a leak in your roof, your gutters should be cleaned out.
The roof is going to cost a fraction of what it would cost to replace a roof.
Sagging gutters
When gutters are clogged too much, they can start to sag, become detached, or pull away, perhaps from the roof seam or wall.
This can happen with there are enough leaves, debris and water to weigh them down.
If gutters are experiencing sagging, it likely means they need more than just a cleaning.
Your gutters may need repairs or replacement, depending on the level of damage sustained.
What Is The Importance Of Having Your Gutters Cleaned?
Maintain Your Gutters
Debris and water build-up can add enough weight to your gutters causing them to sag, pull away from your home, or become completely detached.
Cleaning your gutters regularly will help you extend the life of your gutters.
Increases the Lifespan of Your Roof
Cleaning out your gutters is key to maintaining your roof and prolonging its lifespan.
In addition to broken tiles, clogged gutters can be the main reason for your roof leaking.
Heads Up! Water won’t escape, and therefore, it will build up on your roof and then leak some place in the roof creating a ceiling collapse and these repairs can be expensive.
Gets rid of pests
Gutters are a perfect area for pests such as rodents, birds, and bugs, many of which can spread germs and diseases, to nest and rest.
Clearing the gutters of leaves, twigs, and debris prevents and deters these and any other wildlife from coming in.
Reduce Your Chances of Having a Cracked Foundation
If your gutters are in a state of disrepair, water will course erratically and puddle around the base of your home.
This can cause the dirt around your house to become looser causing the foundation to shift and crack.
Avoid Water Damage
If your gutters and downspouts are full of leaves and debris, the rainwater may not drain properly.
When water spills over from the gutters, it can cause water damage inside and outside your home, according to CFL Seamless Gutters. The water falling over the gutter can also rot and cause the wooden fascia boards surrounding your roof to deteriorate.
The excess water can also wash down into the window frames.
Saves You Money
This helps avoid unexpected expense and work down the road.
Taking preventative measures now, may lessen the chance you may have to repair or replace your roof and reduce future expenses.
Final Thoughts
Being a homeowner, you need to keep your home maintained regularly to avoid damage.
If you want your gutters to work properly and eliminate excess water from your house, then it’s really vital to make sure to clean them regularly.
If cleaning your gutters is not for you, you can also hire gutter cleaning services to handle the task.