How often to clean gutters
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year: once in late spring and once in late fall after most of the leaves are down. Homes under pines or big oaks often need it three or four times a year.
How often to clean gutters
Checklist
- Clean gutters and downspoutsLate spring
- Clean gutters and downspoutsLate fall, after leaves drop
- Flush downspouts with a hose to confirm they flowEach cleaning
- Check that downspouts discharge away from the foundationEach cleaning
- Look for sagging sections and loose hangersEach cleaning
Get reminders for these automatically: upnextmaint.com/get
Signs you are overdue
Water spilling over the front edge in a rainstorm, plants growing in the gutter, sagging sections, or water stains on the siding or foundation below.
Ladder safety
Set the ladder on firm, level ground, keep three points of contact, and don't lean out past the rails. On a two-story house, or a steep or wet roof, this is a reasonable job to hire out.
What you'll need
- Gutter scoopFaster and gentler than a trowel
- Ladder stabilizer / standoffKeeps the ladder off the gutter
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Questions
Do gutter guards mean I never have to clean gutters?
No. They cut down how often, but guards still collect debris on top and need an occasional check and cleaning.
Related guides
General guidance for typical homes. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions and local codes, and hire a pro for anything you're not comfortable doing.