What happens if you don't clean out your gutters?

If you don't clean your gutters, water overflows, causing foundation damage, roof leaks, and siding rot as water pools around your home's base, erodes soil, and seeps into walls, leading to mold and structural issues, while the added weight of debris and water can cause gutters to sag, pull away from the house, or even fall off, resulting in expensive repairs.

What happens if you leave leaves in the gutter?

A buildup of leaves in your gutter system can trap water, which can then seep under shingles and into the roof structure. Over time, this moisture can cause rot, deterioration of shingles, and even structural roof damage on your property.

Whose responsibility is it to clean gutters?

Nothing in the law mentions cleaning gutters specifically, but... the responsibility for cleaning gutters generally falls to the landlord as they are in charge of maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, which includes things like drains, gutters, and external pipes.

Can clogged gutters cause damage?

Clogged gutters can cause mold, foundation damage, basement flooding, roof leakage, wall and ceiling damage, and more. All of which can be expensive (not to mention time-consuming!) to fix.

What happens if you don't clean your gutters before winter?

If you don't arrange gutter cleaning before winter, often, debris like twigs and leaves accumulate and clog them. This can lead to a whole host of problems, from water damage to your roof and foundation to pest infestations and even the formation of dangerous ice dams.

What happens if you don't clean your gutters?

How long can you go without cleaning gutters?

Standard for Most Homes: Twice Annually

For many homes, cleaning your gutters every six months is enough. Spring cleanings remove leftover winter debris, while fall cleanings clear leaves before winter storms and freezing temperatures.

What is the average cost of gutter cleaning?

Gutter cleaning costs typically range from $100 to $300 for an average home, depending heavily on house size, height (stories), and debris level, often priced per linear foot ($0.80 - $2.00+) or as a flat fee with minimums ($100+). Single-story homes are cheaper ($70-$200), while two-story homes cost more ($150-$300+), with complex roofs, heavy debris, and hard-to-reach areas adding significant costs.
 

How often should a gutter be cleaned?

You should clean your gutters at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, to handle seasonal debris, but homes with many overhanging trees or in stormy climates might need cleaning quarterly (every 3-4 months) to prevent clogs, leaks, and foundation damage.
 

What is the little known trick for cleaning gutters?

A little-known gutter trick involves using a modified leaf blower or garden hose with an extension wand (like a bent PVC pipe or specialized attachment) to blow or blast debris out from the ground, significantly reducing ladder use; another hack is using a kitchen spatula or paint roller on an extension pole for scooping, while a simple solution for dripping is adding a nylon rope inside the downspout to guide water.
 

How much should I charge someone to clean out their gutters?

You should charge $1 to $2.50 per linear foot, with single-story homes often ranging from $75-$200 and two-story homes $150-$300+, but always set a minimum fee (like $100-$150) and increase prices for heavy debris, complex roofs, or extra services like downspout clearing, factoring in labor, equipment, and location. 

Should I tip the guy who cleans my gutters?

Tipping gutter cleaners isn't expected; however, it's a thoughtful way to acknowledge exceptional service. A standard tip ranges from $10 to $20 per worker, but you can adjust this based on the difficulty or duration of the job. Offering cold drinks, snacks, or coffee is a practical and appreciated alternative to cash.

How do professionals clean house gutters?

Professionals clean gutters by first inspecting, then removing large debris by hand or with specialized tools (scoops, blowers, high-reach vacuums), followed by flushing with water to clear smaller particles and check downspout flow, and finally, cleaning up the site and performing minor repairs, often using ladders with safety gear or ground-based vacuum systems for multi-story homes. 

What happens if I don't clean out my gutters?

Your home's foundation is especially vulnerable when gutters aren't doing their job. Consistent water runoff can lead to erosion, basement leaks, and even cracks in the foundation. If left unchecked, structural shifting and settling can occur, requiring often complicated and expensive repairs.

Is gutter damage covered by insurance?

Your homeowners insurance may cover damage to your gutters caused by fire, tornadoes, hurricanes, storm damage, and other weather-related situations, but there are always exceptions. If your gutters are loose and fall due to a windstorm, your policy may not cover the damage if you did not properly secure the gutters.

What happens if you don't clean up the leaves in your yard?

If you don't clean up leaves, they can smother your lawn by blocking sunlight, trapping moisture, and creating ideal conditions for pests, mold, and fungal diseases like snow mold, leading to dead grass patches in spring, but leaving some leaves (shredded) offers benefits like soil enrichment and crucial habitat for pollinators and wildlife, so the key is balancing removal with beneficial reuse.
 

What is the downside to gutter guards?

Gutter guards aren't maintenance-free; they can still clog with small debris (pine needles, shingle grit), cause water to overflow in heavy rain if not perfectly pitched, add weight leading to sagging gutters or fascia damage, and create ice dam problems in winter by trapping snow/ice, making them harder to clean or even impossible for some pros, while also adding significant upfront costs. 

What is a secret gutter?

A high performing GRP continuous abutment soaker or secret gutter typically used with flat interlocking tiles, which provides a secondary line of defence against wind-driven rain at wall abutments.

What month should you clean gutters?

The best months to clean gutters are typically late fall (November) to remove all the autumn leaves before winter, and early spring (March/April) to clear out winter debris and prepare for spring rains. More frequent cleaning (up to 3-4 times a year) is needed for homes with many trees, especially after storms, while some areas with heavy debris (like pine needles) might need quarterly cleaning, often recommended in October, March, and June/July. 

Is professional gutter cleaning worth it?

Yes, professional gutter cleaning is generally considered worth it because it saves you time, eliminates significant safety risks (falls from ladders), prevents costly water damage to your foundation and roof, keeps pests and mold out, and often identifies minor issues before they become major repairs, offering long-term value over DIY for many homeowners. While DIY saves money upfront, professionals use specialized equipment, expertise, and insurance, making the service efficient and reliable for protecting your home's integrity. 

Is it better to vacuum or hand clean gutters?

If you're looking for a quick DIY fix, hand-cleaning might get you by, but it comes with risks and limitations. If you want a safe, thorough, and mess-free solution, vacuum gutter cleaning is the clear winner. It not only protects your home but also gives you peace of mind, especially heading into storm season.

How much should you charge someone to clean their gutters?

You should charge $1 to $2.50 per linear foot, with single-story homes often ranging from $75-$200 and two-story homes $150-$300+, but always set a minimum fee (like $100-$150) and increase prices for heavy debris, complex roofs, or extra services like downspout clearing, factoring in labor, equipment, and location. 

What are the signs of dirty gutters?

Here are some of the most common signs your gutters need attention!

• Water Spilling Over the Sides. ...
• Sagging or Detached Gutters. ...
• Plants Growing in the Gutters. ...
• Stains on Your Siding. ...
• Pest Activity Near the Roofline. ...
• Pools of Water Near the Foundation. ...
• It's Been a While.

How long does gutter cleaning take?

On average, it takes between 2 to 3 hours to clean gutters DIY for an average home size of 1,800 sq. ft. However, hiring professional gutter cleaning services, can reduce this time to 30min to 1 hour for average size homes, and up to 2-3 hours, for houses over 5,000 sq. ft.