If you own or manage a home, it’s easy to forget about your gutters. But ignoring them can lead to big problems. Blocked gutters can cause water to leak into your basement, rot your roof, or crack your foundation. They can also bring bugs and pests. The good news? Most of this can be stopped with regular cleaning.
Why Gutters Are Important
Gutters help move rainwater away from your home. They:
- Keep water off your roof
- Stop water from pooling around your foundation
- Protect your yard
- Help prevent flooding in your basement
- Keep your siding, windows, and doors dry
When gutters get filled with leaves, dirt, and other junk, they stop working right. That’s when trouble starts.
What Can Go Wrong?
Here are some common problems blocked gutters can cause:
1. Foundation Cracks
Water overflows and gathers around your home. This makes the ground wet and puts pressure on your foundation. Over time, cracks can form.
2. Roof Leaks and Wood Rot
If water can’t drain, it backs up onto your roof. This causes wood to rot and leaks to form. I once had to fix a ceiling leak because I skipped cleaning my gutters.
3. Basement Flooding
Water that doesn’t drain right can get into your basement. This can cause mold and damage to floors and furniture.
- Pests
Wet leaves and standing water attract bugs, mice, and birds. These animals might move into your home.
5. Ice Dams
In cold places like Regina, clogged gutters freeze in winter. This creates ice dams that push water under your roof and into your house.
Easy Gutter Cleaning Plan by Season
Spring
- Clean out winter debris
- Check for rust or sagging
- Make sure downspouts drain water away from your home
- Look for nests and cut back tree branches
Summer
- Check for damage
- Test for leaks
- Make sure gutters are tight and clean
Fall
- Clean out leaves and dirt
- Do this before winter to avoid ice problems
- The best time to hire a pro is late fall
Winter
- Use a roof rake to remove snow
- Watch for icicles and leaks
- Check your attic for signs of water
Why You Should Hire a Pro
Cleaning gutters can be dangerous. Ladders are risky, and roofs are slippery. I know people who got hurt trying to do it themselves.
Professional cleaners, like Planet Window Cleaning, know how to do it safely. They use the right tools, wear safety gear, and spot small problems before they get worse.
What a Pro Cleaning Includes:
- Removing leaves and junk
- Checking water flow
- Looking for holes or rust
- Small repairs or tips on fixes
- Cleaning up afterward
Make sure any company you hire is insured. Ask how long the job takes and if they show before-and-after photos.
How Often Should You Clean Gutters?
- At least twice a year: Spring and fall
- More often, if you have lots of trees, heavy snow, or a steep roof
If you see water spilling over, plants in your gutters, or animals nearby, it’s time to clean them out!
Helpful Places to Check
Final Thoughts
Gutters might not seem like a big deal, but keeping them clean protects your whole house. I used to ignore mine and paid the price. Now, I stick to a plan and hire pros when needed.
As the seasons change, ask yourself: Are my gutters ready?
If not, don’t wait—get them cleaned before it’s too late.
