How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Man cleaning leaves from gutter

Regular gutter cleaning is essential for keeping your home safe from costly water damage. Twice a year cleaning is adequate for my gutters, but your frequency will depend on factors surrounding your home.

How often to clean gutters depends on several factors, such as your climate, nearby trees, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. If your home is susceptible to these elements, I recommend more frequent checks, possibly every three months or even more in some cases. 

When gutters are clogged, water can’t flow properly, leading to issues ranging from sagging gutters and leaks to more severe issues, such as foundation and roof damage. Regular gutter cleaning is worth the effort to avoid costly repairs and keep your home protected. 

Gutter cleaning is a DIY task that most people can complete in a few hours. However, if you don’t like getting messy, are afraid of heights, or simply want the job done quickly, Home Gnome can connect you with a local gutter cleaning expert.

Factors That Affect Gutter Cleaning

A man in gloves is cleaning a blocked rain gutter attached to the asbestos roof by removing fallen leaves, debris, dirt and moss to avoid roof gutter problems and water damage.
Photo Credit: Lex20 / iStock / License

According to the experts at All Season Gutters in Central Pennsylvania, you should get your gutters cleaned at least twice throughout the year.

While twice-yearly cleaning is a good baseline, certain conditions can make more frequent cleaning necessary to safeguard your home’s structure and avoid costly water damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping.

Heavy Tree Cover

Properties with heavy tree cover require extra attention because leaves, acorns, and pine needles can clog your gutters more frequently.

“Some trees may not be that much of an issue, while others drop heaps of leaves and debris into your gutters throughout the year,” says the experts at All Season Gutters. “Pine trees usually shed heavy, and your gutters may fill with pine cones.” 

In addition, wildlife is more abundant in forested areas areas. Birds and small animals often see gutters as the perfect spot to nest, leading to more frequent cleanings.

Below is an overview of common trees that typically cause the most issues with gutters.

Tree TypeHow They Affect Gutters
PineSmall needles can easily slip through most gutter guards
Accumulate quickly
Form dense clogs and lodge in downspouts
OakShed a significant amount of leaves during the fall
Acorns can cause severe blockages, especially in downspouts
Large, broad leaves build up quickly
MapleSmall leaves and seeds, known as “helicopters,” can quickly fill gutters and downspouts
  • My Tip: I recommend checking your gutters every three months to clear out fallen pine needles, leaves, and other debris to prevent clogs. If you have gutter guards installed on your home, don’t assume you have to clean your gutters less. Pine needles are known to infiltrate them and cause issues.

Harsh winters

If you live in an area with heavy snow and bone-chilling temperatures, I suggest adding another gutter cleaning before the first snow hits in early winter. 

If you have buildup in your gutters heading into winter, the cooler conditions are prone to create ice dams and freeze downspouts more quickly. Adding another gutter cleaning before winter will help prevent these winter-related gutter issues. 

Read More: Learn about dealing with ice dams with our guide, 3 Methods to Remove Ice Dams From Your Home’s Gutters.

Windy Regions

I’ve seen firsthand how strong winds can blow twigs, leaves, and other debris into gutters, even in areas without many trees. After a heavy wind event, I suggest checking your gutters to ensure nothing is blocking the flow of water.

Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rains can wash extra debris from your roof or nearby trees into your gutters, leading to clogs. I suggest always checking your gutters after severe storms to make sure water flows properly.

Gutter Flow Capacity

The design of your gutters plays a big role in how often they need cleaning. Some gutters are wide and deep, allowing more water and debris to flow through without clogging. Others are narrow and shallow, which means they can fill up quickly and are more likely to get blocked.

If your gutters are narrow and shallow, it’s smart to clean them more regularly to keep water flowing smoothly.

My Tip: If your gutters are too small and you want to replace them, follow our DIY guide, How to Install or Replace Gutters, or contact a gutter installation professional near you.

Best Times of the Year to Clean Gutters

How often you clean your gutters depends on the factors above. However, as a general rule, a thorough cleaning twice a year provides a solid baseline. All Season Gutters, states that fall and spring are the best times of the year to clean your gutters. Here’s why:

  • Fall: This season is ideal for clearing out fallen leaves and excess foliage that accumulates during the year. By removing this buildup before winter, you help prevent clogs that could lead to freezing, cracking, or other cold-weather issues.
  • Spring: Late spring is another good time for gutter cleaning. A thorough cleaning at this point prepares your gutters for the upcoming rainy season.  

Read More: Is your home gutterless? Read why it’s important to have gutters on your home

FAQ About Gutter Cleaning

Can I walk on the roof to clean my gutters?

We strongly discourage walking on the roof. Leaning or reaching over the roof’s edge to access the gutter increases the risk of falling. The safest method for accessing the gutters is by using an extension ladder or hiring a professional to access hard-to-reach gutters. 

Is it OK to lean my ladder on the gutter?

Leaning a ladder against a gutter is not safe. It is vital to ensure your ladder is positioned against a secure resting point strong enough to support the weight.

Read More: Learn how to do it safely with our guide about How to Clean Gutters Safely Using a Ladder

What are the signs that my gutters need cleaning?

These are the signs you need to check your gutters:

  • Rainwater spills over the edges of the gutters during storms.
  • Gutters starting to sag or detaching from the roofline.
  • Water leaks appear on the roof, siding, or pavement.
  • Stains on your home’s siding from gutter water runoff.
  • Standing water around your home’s foundation due to poor drainage.
  • Signs of animals, birds, or pests nesting in the gutters.
  • Plants or weeds sprouting within the gutters.

Find a Gutter Pro Near You

Keeping your gutters clean is about more than just appearance. It’s about protecting your home from water damage, along with preventing pests from making a home in your gutters. 

For most homes, I recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year. However, other factors may increase your cleaning schedule. If you don’t want to clean your gutters yourself, HomeGnome can connect you with a local gutter professional who can do the job for you.

Main Photo Credit: VisualProduction / Adobe Stock

Cecilia Acevedo

Cecilia is a writer and mom of two, with years of hands-on experience creating spaces that work well for both kids and adults. Known for her special touch in nurseries, she also enjoys designing inviting, practical rooms throughout the home. Follow along for simple tips to make your home feel warm, organized, and ready for real life.