Clogged gutters don’t look great, and they can quietly wreck your home from the top down. When debris builds up, water has nowhere to go, and that leads to problems. Regularly cleaning your gutters might not be the most glamorous chore, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your home. Here’s why it matters and what to watch for.
Why Cleaning Your Gutters Is Worth the Effort
Cleaning your gutters keeps rainwater moving away from your house instead of backing up and causing damage. When gutters get clogged with leaves, dirt, and other junk, the water has nowhere to go. It spills over the sides, runs down your siding, and pools around your foundation. Over time, that water can lead to leaks, mold, and even cracked foundations.
In winter, blocked gutters lead to ice dams, which can ruin shingles and cause water to get inside your home. It doesn’t take much for gutters to stop doing their job. Just a few handfuls of wet leaves or a bird’s nest in the wrong spot is enough to block the flow. The longer they stay clogged, the worse the damage gets to your roof, as well as your walls, landscaping, and basement. Cleaning your gutters takes a little time, but it helps protect your roof, walls, and the ground your home sits on.
How to Clean Them Without Overthinking It
Start by grabbing a ladder that’s tall enough to reach your gutters safely. Make sure it’s on stable ground and don’t lean too far while working. Use gloves and either your hands or a small scoop to pull out anything that doesn’t belong, leaves, twigs, roof grit, you name it. Once the debris is out, use a garden hose to flush the gutters. This helps clear out leftover dirt and shows whether water is flowing freely. If water isn’t draining down the spout, there’s probably a clog. Tap the sides of the downspout or feed a small plumbing snake through until it clears.
While you’re up there, look at how the gutters are holding up. Sagging sections, rust spots, or gaps where water leaks out are all signs that some repairs are needed. Tighten loose brackets and make sure downspouts are still aimed away from your home’s foundation. You don’t need fancy gear or a pro to do this. Just take your time, be careful on the ladder, and clean a little at a time.
When to Clean and How Often
Aiming to clean your gutters twice a year is a good rule for most homes,. Once in the spring after winter snow and ice, and once in the fall after the leaves come down. If your home sits under a lot of trees or gets hit by frequent storms, you might need to check more often. Even if things look fine from the ground, it doesn’t take much to clog a gutter.
Regular cleaning keeps everything flowing and gives you peace of mind when heavy rain hits. Cleaning your gutters might not be your favorite task, but it’s one that keeps your home protected year-round.
Encompass Home Inspection Service offers home inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Southern New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Contact us to schedule our services.