How often should you clean your gutters?
Clean gutters twice a year — spring and fall — and more often under heavy tree cover (Angi). Overflowing gutters are a leading cause of wet basements, rotted fascia, and foundation problems, so this cheap chore prevents expensive damage. Signs they're overdue: water sheeting over the edge in rain, sagging sections, or plants growing in them.
Why twice a year, and when
Fall (after the leaves drop) is the most important cleaning — packed leaves cause ice dams and overflow. A spring cleaning clears seeds, blossoms, and winter debris before heavy rain. Under lots of trees, add a mid-season check. Gutter guards reduce but don't eliminate the need.
When to call a professional
- • Multi-story or steep-access gutters — hire a pro rather than risk a ladder fall.
Common questions
- What happens if I skip it?
- Overflow drives water against the foundation (wet basement), rots the fascia and soffit, and in winter feeds ice dams that push water under the roof edge.
- Do gutter guards mean I never clean them?
- No — they cut the frequency but fine debris still accumulates. Check them periodically.
Sources
- Clean gutters twice a year (spring and fall); more often under heavy tree cover. Tier 3 (industry estimate)estimate · has commercial bias
Angi · verified 2026-07-26