Fall Gutter Cleaning: DIY or Call a Pro?

Clogged gutters do not just overflow. Water that cannot drain spills over the edge, soaks the fascia, and can end up against your foundation. Fall is when it all comes to a head, because leaves and seed pods arrive in bulk right before the wet weather does.

When to clean

Wait until most of the leaves have come down, then clean before the first hard freeze. If you have large trees close to the house, a second quick pass after the last leaves fall is often worth the effort.

A safe DIY routine

• Use a sturdy ladder on level ground, and never lean it against the gutter itself.
• Keep your body centered between the rails, and move the ladder instead of reaching.
• Scoop debris out with a gutter scoop or gloved hand into a bucket rather than dropping it below.
• Flush each downspout with a hose and watch that water flows freely at the bottom.
• Look for standing water, which can mean the gutter is no longer sloped toward the downspout.

Signs it is time to call someone

A single-story house with easy access is a reasonable DIY job. A two-story home, a steep roof, or a tight space is different. Falls from ladders are a serious risk, and the savings are rarely worth it.

• Gutters overflow even after they have been cleaned.
• A section is pulling away from the fascia or sagging between hangers.
• You see rust, cracked seams, or daylight at the joints.
• Downspouts stay clogged or drain right beside the foundation.
• Water stains or peeling paint show up on the fascia or siding below.

Test the system in the rain

After cleaning, watch the gutters during the next real rain. Water should stay inside the trough and leave through the downspouts. Anything that spills, drips at a seam, or lands close to the house is worth fixing before winter.

Gutters that need more than a cleaning

Gerkin Construction repairs and installs gutters across Lawrence and Orange Counties. If your gutters keep overflowing or pulling away, we can look at why, and tell you whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense.