Clogged gutters can erode the ground around your foundation and quietly rot the boards behind your roofline. This free one-page checklist shows you what to look for from the ground, when to clean, and when it’s time to call a pro.
What is on the fall gutter checklist?
The checklist covers four things you can check from the ground, when to clean your gutters (at least twice a year, in late spring and late fall), a simple DIY-or-call-a-pro guide for each warning sign, and the hidden damage signs that mean water is getting behind your gutters.
- 4 checks from the ground: debris on top of gutter guards, leaves poking out, water streaks down the front, and a wet spot under the gutter line after rain.
- When to clean: at least twice a year, in late spring and late fall.
- DIY or call a pro: a simple guide for each warning sign.
- Hidden damage signs: soft, stained or peeling fascia and soffit, sagging gutters and soil washing out at the foundation.
When to check, and when to call a pro
| When | What to check | DIY or call a pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Late fall (after the leaves drop) | Debris sitting on top of gutter guards, or leaves poking out of gutters without guards | Clear it from the ground with an extension tool, or call a pro for a ladder job |
| Late spring (after seeds and blossoms) | Same as fall, plus downspouts draining freely at the bottom | DIY from the ground if safe; a pro for second-story or steep roofs |
| During or right after a heavy rain | Water overshooting the gutters or streaking down the front of the gutters or fascia | Call a pro: likely a clog, a bad slope or a failing hanger |
| After a big rain, once things dry | A wet spot left on the ground under the gutter line, especially at the corners | Call a pro: water is not being carried away from the house |
| Anytime | Soft, stained, peeling or rotting fascia or soffit; gutters pulling away from the house | Call a pro: possible hidden rot behind the gutter |
No email required. Print it and stick it on the fridge.
Watch: the 5-minute fall gutter check
Midwest Roofing CEO Madison Plemmons walks through the checklist on a real Missouri home.
Want the full story, including why gutters matter for your foundation and whether gutter guards are worth it? Read the Fall Gutter Guide.
Checked a box? We’ll check it for free.
Every Midwest Roofing visit starts with a free 360° inspection and digital analysis. We look at your gutters, fascia, soffit and roof, and show you exactly what we found. If everything looks good, we’ll tell you that too.
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More homeowner resources
- Fall Gutter Guide: What Every Missouri Homeowner Should Check Before Winter
- How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
- Can Clogged Gutters Cause Roof Leaks? 6 Warning Signs
- ShingleCare+ annual roof maintenance: we handle it every year for $99.
More free guides in our Homeowner Resource Center: a seasonal roof calendar, roof warning signs and ladder safety.
Sources
Gutter and drainage guidance on this page comes from these sources:
- Building America Solution Center (U.S. Department of Energy), Gutters and Downspouts: how gutters and downspouts move roof water away from the foundation
- U.S. Department of Energy, Stormwater: Gutters and Downspouts: why water should drain away from the house
- GAF, How Fascia Repair Can Benefit the Health of Your Home: signs of fascia damage behind the gutter line