Gutters protect our homes from water damage, but they require regular maintenance to function properly. Keeping gutters clean throughout the year can prevent issues such as foundation damage, basement flooding, and exterior deterioration. When it comes time to do seasonal work around your home and yard, keep these 14 ways to keep your gutters clean through each season in mind.
Spring Gutter Cleaning Tasks
Winter weather can damage gutters and leave behind debris. Once spring rolls around, add these tasks to your to-do list:
Check for Post-Winter Damage and Make Replacements Early
Snow can take a toll on even well-maintained gutters. As snow melts and refreezes, it can expand within cracks or openings, leading to gaps between connectors, loosened hangers, and small cracks.
Inspect your gutters thoroughly during spring cleaning, looking for any signs of damage. Address any issues promptly, as incoming heavy spring rains can exacerbate existing problems.
Trim Overhanging Trees To Reduce Debris
One of the most effective ways to minimize gutter debris is by trimming nearby trees and foliage. Gutters can clog quickly with seeds, leaves, and branches. Maple trees, for instance, release numerous “helicopter” seed pods that can rapidly fill gutters. Pollen, when it comes in contact with moisture, can become corrosive. Branches could fall and damage the gutter.
Trim overhanging branches early in the spring to help keep this debris out of your drainage system and protect it from damage.
Install Gutter Guards
High-quality gutter guards help reduce debris accumulation and minimize the need for frequent cleaning. Typically made of metal or plastic mesh, the covers prevent large debris from entering the system while allowing water to flow through.
Spring is an ideal time to install gutter guards, as gutters are usually clean and in good condition after winter maintenance.
Tips for Cleaning Gutters in the Summer
While summer gutter care isn’t usually required, it can be necessary depending on the region or surrounding vegetation. Here are some tips for maintaining gutters during the warmer months:
Work Early and Take Breaks
Summer heat can make gutter cleaning challenging and potentially dangerous. The proximity to the roof means working in even higher temperatures, as shingles absorb and radiate additional heat from the sun.
To stay safe, clean gutters early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Taking frequent breaks and staying hydrated will help you avoid overheating. If the heat becomes too intense, stop for the day and resume work early the next morning.
Use the Right Gear
Gutter cleaning can be messy and hazardous, so have the proper safety equipment on hand and take appropriate safety measures. Wear gloves, eye protection, a face mask, and long-sleeve clothing when cleaning gutters.
This protective gear is especially important in summer, as gutters can contain dangerous materials, such as animal droppings, dead insects, or even small animal carcasses. The summer heat accelerates decomposition, making these materials even more hazardous to handle. If the task seems too risky or unpleasant, it’s best to contact a professional gutter cleaning service.
Check for Pests
Pests may infest gutters in summer. Stinging insects, including bees, wasps, and hornets, are particularly active during late spring and early summer and often build nests in the sheltered environment gutters provide.
Other creatures, such as birds, wood-boring insects, and even small mammals, can also make homes in gutters. If you spot pests, it’s safest to contact a professional pest control service rather than attempting removal while on a ladder.
Gutter guards can prevent pests from getting into your drainage system in the first place.
Flush Your Gutters
Flushing your gutters at the beginning of summer removes residual pollen from late spring blooms, allowing water to flow freely before summer storms arrive. You can flush your gutters with a garden hose. Pay close attention to downspouts and check them for obstructions.
Tips for Cleaning Gutters in the Fall
Fall is typically when gutters accumulate the most debris due to falling leaves and increased wind activity. Follow these tips for effective fall gutter maintenance:
Get a Good Scoop
Wet, sticky leaves can form a dense mass inside gutters, making removal challenging. A good gutter-cleaning scoop is an invaluable tool for clearing this heavy debris.
Most gutter scoops are designed to fit “K” style gutters and resemble hand trowels. These specialized tools are long enough to reach into gutters without causing damage. In a pinch, a child’s sandbox shovel or a standard hand trowel can serve as alternatives.
Work Toward the Middle and Away From the Downspout
When cleaning, working from one downspout and going directly across to the other can push debris into the downspout. Instead, start at one downspout and work your way to the center of the gutter. Then, move to the other downspout and start making your way to the center again.
Check Your Downspouts and Flush Before Winter
Downspouts are particularly prone to clogging, which can lead to serious issues during winter. When water overflows due to clogged downspouts, it can freeze along the sides of gutters or create ice dams.
Before winter sets in, check and flush downspouts with a garden hose. If water doesn’t flow freely due to a blockage, you likely need to use a plumber’s snake or seek professional help.
Tighten Spikes
The weight of accumulated debris can strain gutter attachments over time. This is especially a problem in areas with heavy snowfall or abundant fall foliage. Loose spikes cause gutters to sag or pull away from the house, potentially leading to damage or complete detachment under the weight of winter snow and ice.
During fall cleaning, check all gutter spikes and fasteners. Tighten any loose hardware and replace any damaged or missing pieces.
Tips for Cleaning Gutters in the Winter
Ideally, gutters shouldn’t require cleaning or maintenance during winter if properly cared for in other seasons. However, ice and snow buildup can sometimes necessitate winter gutter work. These tips will help you address winter gutter issues:
Use Proper Ladder Safety and Have a Spotter
Winter gutter maintenance is particularly hazardous due to slippery conditions, so safety should be the top priority. Use a sturdy, extendable ladder and place it on a stable, ice-free surface. Wear appropriate winter clothing and footwear with good traction.
Work with a spotter who can hold the ladder and call for help if needed. If working alone, inform someone inside the house about the task. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times and avoid overreaching. If the job seems too risky, call a professional gutter service.
Check for Clogs and Know When To Clean
While winter cleaning should be unnecessary with proper maintenance, it’s still important to monitor gutters for signs of problems. Ice dams are a common winter issue and form when drainage systems aren’t working properly. These appear as large, frozen masses of ice, snow, and debris along the gutter line and can lead to roof leaks, sagging gutters, and even gutter collapse.
If ice dams form despite fall cleaning, there may be other contributing factors, such as poor attic ventilation. In such cases, consult with a roofing or gutter professional to address the underlying issues.
Remove Ice Dams
If ice dams do form, remove them carefully. While some online guides suggest using boiling water to melt and remove ice dams, this method can be dangerous and potentially cause burns or falls. A safer approach is to use a roof rake to gently remove snow and ice from the roof edge.
For persistent ice buildup, apply a de-icing product designed for roofs. Use these products sparingly, as repeated applications can damage gutters and roofing materials. In severe cases or when unsure about the best approach, hire a professional ice dam removal service.
Final Thoughts About Keeping Gutters Clean
Maintaining clean gutters throughout the year protects homes from water damage and preserves structural integrity. By following these seasonal maintenance tips, homeowners can keep their gutter systems functioning effectively year-round, preventing costly repairs and extending the life span of their drainage systems.
FAQs About Seasonal Gutter Maintenance
How often should I clean my gutters?
It’s generally recommended to clean gutters at least twice a year—once in late spring after trees have shed their blooms and seeds, and again in late fall after leaves have fallen. This prevents you from having to do additional cleaning when your gutters inevitably refill.
What's the best way to clean gutters?
Using a gutter scoop or trowel to remove debris is effective. A gutter brush can help dislodge stuck-on materials. Using a leaf blower or gardening vac can also make the job easier.
How do I prevent gutter clogs?
Installing gutter guards or covers can prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the gutters in the first place. Trimming overhanging tree branches also helps reduce buildup.
How can I effectively maintain my gutters during the winter?
The best way to maintain your gutters during the winter is to perform preventative maintenance in other seasons. You can use a roof rake to remove snow from your eaves and help prevent ice dam formation. Keep in mind that gutter maintenance during the winter is risky, so it’s better to work with a professional gutter cleaning and maintenance service if there is a problem that requires immediate attention.
How can I tell if my gutters need to be replaced?
Severe cracking, peeling paint, and lots of rust spots are some signs your gutters are failing and should be replaced. If you notice any water damage on the exterior of your home, it’s also best to check and see if your gutter system is working properly.
