Clean your gutters at least twice a year: once in late spring after seeds and blossoms fall, and once in late fall after the leaves are down. Homes with lots of overhanging trees need it more often, and gutter guards cut the work but don’t remove it.
In the video below, Madison Plemmons, CEO of Midwest Roofing, explains why, and whether gutter guards change that.
Want the short version? Get our free fall gutter checklist, a one-page list of what to check from the ground.
How often should you clean your gutters?
Twice a year for most Missouri homes: in late spring after seeds and blossoms fall, and in late fall after the leaves are down. Cleaning right after each drop keeps water flowing to your downspouts and away from your foundation.
Treat twice a year as the minimum. The more trees hang over your roof, the more often your gutters need a check.
Do gutter guards mean you never have to clean your gutters?
No. Gutter guards help, but they don’t make a home maintenance free. On a property with a lot of trees, debris still builds up on top of the guards.
What gutter guards do is keep leaves out of the gutter itself. That makes maintenance much easier. On the wooded home in our video, guards let us clean the gutters about twice a year instead of two or three times each season.
Gutter cleaning schedule at a glance
| Situation | What comes down | How often to clean |
|---|---|---|
| Most homes | Seeds and blossoms in spring, leaves in fall | Twice a year: late spring and late fall |
| Lots of trees over the roof | More debris all year | More often than twice a year; check after big storms |
| Gutter guards installed | Debris builds up on top of the guards | About twice a year, clearing the tops of the guards |
Why it matters
Clogged gutters can’t move water away from your home. Water that backs up and overflows can damage fascia, soak the eaves, and pool near your foundation. A simple cleaning schedule protects your roof and the rest of your home’s exterior. Learn more in Can clogged gutters cause roof leaks? 6 warning signs.
Not sure what your gutters and roof need?
Every project with Midwest Roofing starts with a free 360° inspection and digital analysis. We’ll show you what we see on your roof and gutters, so you can decide what’s right for your home. Schedule your free 360° inspection and digital analysis.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center: Gutters and Downspouts
- Midwest Roofing Fall Gutter Guide
More free guides: roof warning signs with photos, a seasonal roof calendar and ladder safety. See them all in our Homeowner Resource Center.
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