fbpx
NED STEVENS GUTTER CLEANING IS NOW NED'S HOME. LEARN MORE!

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

BY Feb, 17 2022
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Follow By Email Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
Man on top of latter cleaning gutters

If you are a homeowner, and you have gutters bravely protecting your home from the perils of foundation damage, mold, or worse, then you probably are wondering how often you should clean your gutters, in order to preserve their lifespan.

Gutters should be cleaned six times throughout the year, with at least three cleanings during the fall season. Location and weather both impact the ideal number of cleanings, as well as your general approach to gutter protection services.

 

Location

Keep in mind that gutters are meant to funnel debris and other harmful elements away from your house. Houses in locations that are more prone to natural events are more likely to have gutter cleaning on their radar. However, each location can provide different challenges.

For example, a house in Southern California may be more concerned about the damage done to their gutters during the summer season, which is known for the Santa Ana Winds phenomenon.

Meanwhile, a house in Connecticut might be looking at the onset of fall, and know that trees drop leaves at a more rapid rate, thus increasing the chances of ending up in the gutter.

These are all valid, so while seasonality is the primary driver for how often to clean your gutters, your location should be something you consider too.

Seasonality

End of Winter Gutter Cleaning (Feb – April)

Although this applies more to cold-weather states, it is important to remember that just because it hasn’t rained, or hasn’t been windy, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t address your gutters.

The end of winter can produce what is called “late-clinging leaves and branches,” which are leftover debris from winter that funnels into your gutters as ice melts.

It is advised that you clean your gutters at least once, as you near the end of winter. You should also use this time to reinforce your gutters, after the storm season. This can include resealing your gutters or reinforcing them to the roof. 

Spring Gutter Cleaning (May – July)

Spring, the time of year where everything is fresh, new, and ripe. Spring is also a time when the most pollen, wayfaring leaves, and more may be floating about. These can easily end up in your gutter, creating logjams.

It is advised that you clean your gutters once towards the end of spring.

Read More: Do You Need a Gutter Apron for Your House?

Summer Gutter Cleaning (August – September)

This season may be more relevant to southern states, and regions that experience summer thunderstorms. With these storms come violent winds, which rips leaves off the trees, and slams them into your roof and gutters. 

Summer can bring drought-like conditions, which may seem like a counter-intuitive time to check your gutters. Make sure they are clear of debris so when rain does fall, your home won’t be overwhelmed. For extra water security, install rainwater diverters and rain barrels to collect as much water as possible.

It is recommended that you clean your gutters sometime around Labor Day, which is the first Monday in September. 

Fall Gutter Cleaning (October – November)

Fall is the time of year celebrating the beautiful color in the changing leaves. That euphoria is often short-lived because after the leaves change, they are quickly shed from the tree to blow about in the wind.

Fall is perhaps the most critical time when it comes to cleaning your gutters. Although it may feel excessive, the rate at which trees are shedding their leaves can fool you, until you’re up in the gutters digging caked leaves out of your gutter.

It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least three times during fall.

  1. Early Fall
  2. Middle Fall
  3. Late Fall

Ideally, you are finalizing your “Late Fall” clean up prior to the first snow, and as a way to rid your roof of the final fall leaves.

Gutter Cleaning Season to Avoid: Middle of Winter (December – January)

This article has given great advice on when good times to clean your gutters are. However, keep in mind that the middle of winter is not the best time to clean your gutters. Between the snow and ice, it can create a very precarious situation, that can result in injury or worse.

If you clean your gutters yourself, don’t risk it by doing it while snow is on the roof. However, if you find yourself in an unavoidable situation, contact Ned Stevens to do your gutter cleaning. We have the expertise and know-how to assist in cleaning your gutters any time during the season, winter included.  


RELATED POSTS

Gutter End Caps: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Applications

by Dec, 14 2023
Reading Time:

3 minutes


Gutter end caps are a tiny, but absolutely crucial, part of the gutter system on your home. They may be hard to notice, but it will be very easy to tell if they are not there or not functioning well. Let’s discuss what rain gutter end caps are, what their advantages are, and how to […]

What is Gutter Sludge? 4 Causes and Prevention

by Nov, 13 2023
Reading Time:

4 minutes


Gutters are undoubtedly the underdog of our homes. As important as they are, even the most experienced property owners often overlook gutters. Your gutter system plays a crucial role in channeling rainwater away from your home, preventing water damage, leaks, and other problems. When you don’t clean your gutters, something called gutter sludge may start […]

What is a Gutter Apron and Do You Need It?

by Oct, 19 2023
Reading Time:

3 minutes


Are you wondering what a gutter apron is? Let’s discuss their function, how they compare to drip edges, and ways to take care of your gutters. Do You Need a Gutter Apron? No, our professionals do not recommend installing gutter aprons. Although gutter aprons are intended to direct water down to the roof edges and […]

BROWSE POSTS

Search Results:

SEARCH TERM:
CATEGORY:
DATE:
LOAD MORE POSTS...

GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY!

* Required. By checking box, I agree to be contacted.   

* By submitting this information, I give Ned Stevens permission to email, call, or text me at the number I have provided using automated technology. Message frequency may vary and data rates may apply. I fully understand that I can opt out of receiving messages by responding "STOP" at any time. Help at 888-616-3307.