Find top rated gutters & downspouts cleaners in your area

You’ll want to clean gutters once or twice a year—in early spring and again in fall—to keep water flowing and avoid pricey leaks. Homes tucked beneath tall trees or hit with heavy debris may need two to four visits instead. Staying on schedule protects your roof, siding, and foundation from costly water damage.

Even with gutter guards, plan on an occasional cleaning—just not as often as homes without guards. Installing gutter guards blocks leaves, but grit and shingle granules still slip through and pile up over time. A quick sweep keeps water moving and stops overflow that can damage your roof or foundation.

Watch for overflowing water, slow or silent downspouts, sagging sections, or debris peeking over the gutter edge. You might also spot water stains, weeds, or an increasing number of ants in certain areas. Any of these red flags means it’s time to call a gutter cleaning pro for service before minor clogs turn into major leaks.

Skip cleanings for too long and gutters overflow, sending water under shingles, down siding, and toward the foundation. The result can be mold, rotted fascia, basement leaks, and repair bills that dwarf the price of a quick cleaning. It can also mean that future cleanings will be more expensive as it will take pros longer to deep clean gutters that are full of heavy debris. Staying on schedule saves money and headaches.

Plan on gutter cleaning service to take an average of one hour for an average single-story home and two to three hours for taller houses. Add extra time if gutter guards need to come off or clogs are packed in. Pros work methodically, clearing every linear foot so water can flow freely again.