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Failing to clean your gutters can lead to serious and costly damage. When leaves and other debris cause blockages, water cannot drain properly and will overflow. This can lead to water pooling around your home’s foundation, causing basement flooding and structural damage. The overflow can also damage your roof, siding, and fascia boards, with the constant moisture promoting mold, mildew, and rot. The weight of wet debris can cause gutters to sag or break, while stagnant water creates a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes and rodents. Additionally, runoff can damage landscaping or freeze on driveways and patios, causing cracks. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to clean your gutters at least once or twice a year.

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.

It’s recommended that you clean your gutters after a severe storm, however, regular storms don’t raise the same concerns. Look for signs your gutter might need cleaning after a harsh storm. Do you see broken branches and excessive leaves all over your yard? Chances are your gutters caught quite some debris. Also, ensure a few drying days before cleaning your gutters. Dry debris is much easier to clean.

If you don't want to install gutter guards, the most common and inexpensive alternative is regular gutter cleaning, either annually, biannually, or as soon as they start to fill up. Using a leaf blower attachment can make this process easier. Other products designed to reduce cleanings include gutter screens (made of wire mesh, nylon, or foam), which are typically less expensive than a full gutter guard installation. You can also find guards and inserts designed specifically to protect your downspouts or opt for a whole gutter system like LeafGuard, which integrates the gutter and guard into a single product.