While you may not need to do this often, cleaning your gutters before winter weather arrives is crucial, our pros warn.
Failure to do this can result in clogs, leaks, and even damage to your home's foundation.
Why you should clean your gutters before November 1st
“Gutters are often the last thing on a homeowner’s mind when considering fall home maintenance,” says David Rosser, an expert at LeafGuard, a Great Day Improvements brand. “It’s just a water collection mechanism, and if it doesn’t work, it’s not a big problem, right?”
'Incorrect! Gutters are responsible for protecting the two most important elements of your home – the roof that keeps you dry and the foundation on which your home sits. So you could argue that the gutters are the most important part of your home.
“Without properly functioning gutters, your home is at risk.” Cleaning your gutters before November 1 will ensure you start the season well, free of dirt and debris.”
Sara Aparacio, cleaner and home expert at Homeaglow, agrees, adding that since October is peak season for leaf fall, the accumulated debris can clog downspouts and trap water and gutters aren't cleaned before the first heavy rains or early frosts.
“This leads to flooding, which can lead to roof leaks, siding board rot, and even damage to the home’s foundations because water collects at the base of your home,” she says.
“As November progresses, temperatures begin to drop, meaning trapped water can freeze, causing gutter seams to expand and crack or create dangerous ice dams.”
“This is why it is important to clean your gutters before November 1st” and why now is the best time to clean your gutters.
Here's how to do it right
You don't need a ladder to clean your gutters efficiently.
(Image credit: Future / PSL FINANCE LTD (ML Whyte))
To avoid gutter cleaning mistakes, Sara recommends this gutter cleaning device from Amazon, the #1 new release. She says, “It's extendable, so there's no need for a ladder,” she explains. The reason I recommend it is because it is affordable and its extendable design allows gutters to be cleaned safely from the ground.
“In addition, it is ergonomic and lightweight, meaning it is great for longer cleaning sessions and is not difficult to handle.” It features a pivoting brush that reaches into the gutters from multiple angles, ensuring thorough cleaning without the need to constantly reposition.”
Alternatively, says Megan Doser, owner and CEO of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, if you have a leaf blower, you can purchase a gutter cleaning attachment, such as the gutter cleaning kit available on Amazon, and clean everything from the ground level, “but this only works if your gutters are no higher than 12-15 feet.”
Or: “A telescopic gutter cleaning rod, also available on Amazon, always works, regardless of the height of the roof and how full the gutters are.” “You just walk around the house, stick out the wand and flush.”
Importantly, adds Andre Kazimierski, co-owner and president of HomeHero Roofing, “It's also better to clear the gutters a few times in the fall” as more leaves fall. Being proactive will keep your gutters in top condition.”
What to buy
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Easily clear your gutters from the ground with this handy tool Sara recommends. Easy to use and easy to store, it has a telescopic pole that extends from 60cm to more than 2.40m.
Black+Decker gutter cleaning attachment
This mounting system is suitable for most blowers and is used to remove leaves and debris from gutters while standing on the ground.
This gutter guard is made from stainless steel micro-braid for unmatched strength and durability. It is also resistant to rust and deformation.
This gutter shovel can also be used for snow removal on roofs. Thanks to its compact shovel design, you can easily remove wet leaves, pine needles, dirt and debris from any gutter or roof edge.
This roof rake is sturdy and built to last and features an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip.
Chomp! The best gutter cleaner in the world
This biodegradable gutter cleaner cleans all types of gutters, siding and siding, quickly removing dirt, debris and stains.
Meet our experts
David is an expert at LeafGuard, a Great Day Improvements brand founded in 1993.
Sara has been a professional cleaner for over five years and prides herself on providing a friendly and thorough cleaning service every time. She is also one of the cleaning experts at Homeaglow.
Megan is the owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, a family-owned business that has served the Denver area since 1978. With a strong background in plumbing and HVAC systems, Megan leads the company with the same core values on which it was built: integrity, responsibility and treating every customer like family.
Andre is co-owner and president of HomeHero Roofing, a fast-growing residential roofing company based in Downers Grove, Illinois.
To prevent gutters from becoming clogged in the future, regular maintenance is essential.