Regular gutter cleaning is essential for maintaining your home's safety and structural integrity. Most homeowners should clean their gutters at least twice a year, typically in spring and autumn.
Gutter maintenance is essential for protecting your home from water damage and expensive repairs – and blocked or poorly flowing gutters can store up big problems for the future.
So, how often should you clean your gutters to keep them in optimal condition? In this guide, we’ll discuss when to clean your gutters, the best times of year to carry out maintenance, and the signs that indicate your gutters might need replacing.
Every week, month or year?
The general recommendation is to clean your gutters around once a year or twice if you live near trees. How often you clean them depends on the following factors:
- Location
If your home is surrounded by trees, it’s best to clean your gutters quarterly every year. This is because leaves and twigs can clog gutters quickly, even in the summer months.
- Weather conditions
Homes in areas with heavy rainfall should have their gutters checked at least every three to four months to prevent the buildup of debris.
- Roof pitch
A flatter roof may collect more debris, leading to more frequent gutter clogs. Therefore, if your house has a flat roof, we recommend cleaning your gutters quarterly.
- Wildlife
Houses in areas with active wildlife may also require more frequent checks due to small animals, such as birds and squirrels, sometimes building nests in gutters.
A general cleaning schedule of twice a year should be sufficient for most homes, but we recommend taking these factors into consideration and adjusting your maintenance plan accordingly.
Why do your gutters need a clean?
Gutters require regular cleaning to ensure they’re kept unclogged, allowing rainwater to flow smoothly off your property. This protects your home from potential serious damage, as blocked gutters can cause the following issues:
- Water overflow
When leaves and debris block the water flow, it can spill over the sides and pool around your house, risking structural damage.
- Ice forming
During the winter months, trapped water can freeze and cause gutters to expand and break.
- Pest infestations
Clogged gutters can attract insects, rodents, and birds looking for a spot to nest.
- Roof damage
Water that overflows or remains in clogged gutters can seep under your roof shingles, causing rot and leaks.
- Damp
Damaged or blocked gutters are likely to leak and overtime this can lead to the build up of damp on your interior and exterior walls. A telltale sign of leaking gutters is a wet patch on the outside of a property under a leaking gutter.
Consistently cleaning your gutters helps to keep these issues at bay, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Best time of year to clean gutters
While a basic schedule of twice-a-year cleaning works well, it’s worth factoring in the weather.
Why it’s important to clean your gutters before winter
Late autumn is the best time to clean your gutters to remove leaves that have fallen.
Cleaning in spring is also a good idea because you’ll remove any leftover debris from winter storms. Starting the summer with clean gutters helps to ensure effective drainage during heavy spring and summer rain. If debris builds up, you might find birds nesting in your gutters. The easiest way to prevent this is to keep them clear in the first place. If you spot signs of nesting, check the RSPB website for advice.
How to clean your gutters
Working at height can be dangerous without the correct training and equipment – so it’s worth seeking advice from a professional. They can clean out your gutter as well as advise you on whether parts of it need to be repaired or replaced.
You can also buy telescopic gutter cleaners which allow you to remove debris from the ground.
For more information on gutter cleaning, check out our guide: How to clean your gutters.
How to clean gutters without a ladder
If using a ladder isn’t an option, there are extension tools designed to help you clean gutters from the ground.
Gutter cleaning kits can attach to leaf blowers or hoses, providing a safer way to remove debris. We recommend wearing protective goggles to avoid any debris flying into your eyes while using these tools.
Signs your gutters need some care
As well as scheduled cleaning, it’s important to inspect your gutters regularly. Here are some signs that your gutters may need extra attention:
- Visible debris
If you can see leaves and twigs in your gutter, this is a simple indicator that it needs to be cleared.
- Overflowing water
Water spilling over the edge of your gutter is a clear sign of blockage.
- Sagging gutters
Sagging may signify a buildup of heavy debris, or improper installation.
- Stains and watermarks
Watermarks on the side or foundation of your home can signal water overflow from blocked gutters.
- Pests
Insects and animals hanging around your gutters can indicate an excess buildup, giving pests a place to nest.
Spotting these signs early can help you avoid bigger, more expensive repairs later on. But, if you notice persistent issues like sagging or rust, it may be time to consider more than just cleaning. Learn more about signs that indicate it might be time for a replacement in our guttering repair guide.
While twice-a-year gutter cleaning works for most, consider your home’s environment and adjust your schedule as needed. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your gutters.
For a long-lasting solution, with minimal maintenance requirements, speak to your local guttering company about Eurocell’s range of guttering products.