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How Often is Gutter Cleaning Needed?

Erika Fields • November 9, 2022

Gutters help keep your house safe and secure. It’s a simple process. Funneling water from your roof and away from the sides and foundation of your home or business prevents damage. Gutters can keep issues like mold and rot from entering your home as an unwanted guest.


But
gutters can only do their job when they’re clean and clear of debris and blockages. A blocked gutter or clogged downspout can easily lead to water spilling over the sides and onto your building. That’s the very same problem gutters are made to solve.


How often should you clean your gutters? And when is the best time to clean them? Let’s take a closer look, starting with signs that a
gutter cleaning can’t wait.


How Can You Tell if Your Gutters Need Cleaning ASAP?

We want to highlight a few signs that gutters need immediate cleaning or potential replacement. If you notice these issues, it’s in your best interests to have your gutters cleaned sooner rather than later:

  • Bulging, sagging, or separated gutters, as well as gutters that have visibly separated from your home
  • Water flowing over the sides of gutters, onto your home or business
  • Plants growing out of your gutters
  • Visible staining, mold, or mildew around and below your gutters
  • Standing water is visible around your foundation
  • Animals and insects taking up residence in your gutters


If you see these problems, don’t let them continue to build momentum. Hire a professional gutter cleaning company. They can assess the issue and recommend the best solution to keep your gutters and downspouts in good working order.


How Often Should I Clean my Gutters?

Experts recommend cleaning gutters 1-2 times a year. Finding the right frequency depends on your home or business’s location and other factors. If you’re located near several trees or a wooded area, for example, more frequent cleanings can definitely pay off.


A regular gutter cleaning schedule helps identify problems early on. That can stop a simple clogged gutter from turning into a full replacement job, for example.


When Should I Clean my Gutters?

When you clean your gutter system can be just as important as the frequency of the process. Ideally, you want your gutters ready to protect your home when the heaviest rainfalls and storms arrive.


Summer and winter tend to
bring the most severe weather, Better Homes & Gardens reminds us. That means a spring-fall cleaning schedule can keep gutters working well when they’re needed most.


Can I Clean My Gutters Myself?

Yes, plenty of people clean their own gutters. However, the work is risky because you have to work well above the ground. Proper safety equipment is especially important. So is having the right tools to clean a gutter effectively without causing damage.


Gutter cleaning isn’t a quick or particularly fun chore, either. It can take several hours and involve an awful lot of muck and mess. While wearing gloves helps, you’ll likely be sweaty, tired, and very dirty by the time the job is done.


Hiring a professional helps you keep your gutters clean and safe. Putting an expert on the job can also help you identify emerging issues and extend the life of your gutter system. 


Let our trained, experienced, and insured technicians take on this dirty job. Get a Hassle-Free Estimate today!

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We are a licensed and insured professional gutter company with years of experience. We can easily answer any questions or concerns you may have about your home's gutter system.

By Erika Fields February 17, 2025
Neglecting even small gutter issues can snowball into major problems , costing thousands of dollars in repairs. In this blog, we’ll cover the 5 most common gutter mistakes and how to avoid them—saving you time, stress, and money! 🚨 Mistake #1: Ignoring Small Leaks & Cracks 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: A tiny leak or crack in your gutter might not seem like a big deal, but over time, water can seep into your home’s foundation, cause roof rot, and lead to mold growth . Even small cracks can expand quickly, especially during freezing temperatures. ✅ How to Avoid It: Regularly inspect your gutters for small cracks, leaks, or holes. Use gutter sealant for minor cracks before they worsen. If damage is severe, call a professional for repairs or replacement . 🍂 Mistake #2: Not Cleaning Gutters Regularly 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: Leaves, twigs, and debris clog gutters , preventing water from flowing properly. This leads to overflowing water , which can damage your siding, roof, and landscaping. ✅ How to Avoid It: Clean your gutters at least twice a year —in the spring and fall . If you have a lot of trees near your home, consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance. Schedule a professional cleaning if you can’t safely reach your gutters. 🏠 Mistake #3: Improper Gutter Slope & Drainage 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: If your gutters are not sloped correctly , water won’t drain properly and will pool in sections of the gutter , increasing the risk of leaks, rust, and overflow. ✅ How to Avoid It: Make sure gutters slope downward at least ¼ inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Check that downspouts extend at least 3–4 feet away from your foundation. If water is pooling in your gutters, adjust the slope or call a professional to inspect your system. 🌧️ Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Size Gutters 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: Not all gutters are one-size-fits-all ! If your gutters are too small for your roof size and local rainfall levels, they won’t handle heavy downpours , causing overflow and water damage . ✅ How to Avoid It: For most homes, 5-inch gutters work well, but larger homes or areas with heavy rainfall may need 6-inch gutters . Consult a professional to determine the best gutter size for your home. 🐦 Mistake #5: Ignoring Pest & Rodent Infestations 🔍 Why It’s a Problem: Clogged or damaged gutters create the perfect environment for pests like mosquitoes, birds, squirrels, and rodents . These critters can build nests, clog drainage systems, and even damage your gutters . ✅ How to Avoid It: Check for signs of nests or standing water in your gutters. Trim overhanging branches to reduce leaves and animal access. Install gutter guards to keep pests out. 📢 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late! Gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water damage—but only if they are properly maintained . Don’t let these common mistakes put your home at risk! 🎉 Get a FREE Gutter Inspection Today! At Gorilla Gutters , we help homeowners avoid costly repairs by keeping gutters clean, functional, and efficient . 📞 Call us now to schedule your FREE gutter inspection! 💻 Visit us at www.theguttergorilla.com 💬 Have questions about your gutters? Drop them in the comments!  #GutterTips #HomeMaintenance #ProtectYourHome #AvoidCostlyRepairs #CharlestonSC
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