Get matched with top gutter cleaning pros in Flossmoor, IL

It’s best to schedule regular gutter cleanings before there’s a major issue, but sometimes life gets in the way. Luckily, a few telltale signs will let you know when to clean your gutters ASAP:

• You notice built-up debris in your gutters.

• Your gutters overflow with water when it rains.

• Water doesn’t readily flow from your downspouts.

• Your gutters are damaged or visibly leaking.

• You notice evidence of leaking along your roof, siding, yard, or pavement.

• Your gutters have pulled away from your roofing or exterior walls.

• You see water damage on your soffits or fascia.

• You have weeds growing in your gutters.

• You start to see ants or other insects around your gutters or in your home.

• You suddenly have issues with leaks in your crawl space or basement.

Although having gutter guards and hoods dramatically reduces the number of times you will have to clean out your gutters, it doesn't necessarily mean that you won't ever have to clean your gutters. Experts recommend cleaning your gutters at least once every two years, even with gutter guards and hoods installed. If you don’t want to clean them yourself, you can hire a gutter cleaning company near you to complete the job.

Downspouts channel water from your roof and gutters into the ground following a specific route so water doesn’t accumulate around your house’s foundation. Without a downspout, the standing water will wash away material and disrupt the soil, leading to foundation erosion. The standing water will also form ice around your house during cold weather, causing a safety hazard.

Yes, gutters can still get clogged even with gutter guards installed. While guards significantly reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutters, they are not 100% effective.

Small debris such as pine needles, seedlings, algae, small leaves, and pebbles can pass through the guard's screen or mesh and accumulate over time. Clogs can also form if the guards themselves are not cleaned and become overwhelmed with debris on top, preventing water from entering the gutter.

If this buildup is neglected, it can lead to clogs, water leaks, mold growth, and even plants sprouting from the gutters. The primary benefit of gutter guards is not the complete elimination of maintenance, but a dramatic reduction in how often you need to perform it, often from several times a year to just once a year or less.