You don’t have to hire a pro every time your gutters need attention. With the right tools and safety precautions, you can get the job done yourself.
✔ Clean Gutters at Least Twice a Year
The best times to clean your gutters are:
In the spring, after pollen and seed pods have fallen
In the fall, after the leaves have dropped
If your property has lots of trees, especially pines or maples, you may need to clean more frequently.
✔ Use a Sturdy Ladder and Protective Gear
Use a stable, extendable ladder with someone spotting you. Wear gloves to protect your hands from debris, insects, and sharp metal edges. Consider wearing eye protection—pests like bees or birds sometimes nest in gutter debris.
✔ Remove Debris by Hand or Scoop
Use a plastic gutter scoop or small trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and sludge. Place the debris into a bucket or drop cloth below.
✔ Flush Gutters with a Hose
After clearing the debris, run water through the gutters using a garden hose. This helps:
Check for proper flow
Spot leaks or sagging sections
Ensure water drains freely through the downspouts
✔ Check Downspouts and Extensions
Blocked downspouts are a common issue. Use your hose to flush them, or disassemble and clean if water doesn’t flow. Make sure downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from your foundation.
Signs Your Gutters Need Repairs
Sometimes, a cleaning isn’t enough. Look for these warning signs that your gutters may need to be repaired—or even replaced.
❌ Sagging or Pulling Away from the House
This often means the gutters are clogged with heavy debris or the fasteners have failed. Left unchecked, they could collapse entirely.
❌ Water Overflowing During Rainstorms
Water should flow smoothly through your gutters and out the downspouts. If it spills over the sides, you likely have a blockage or improper slope.
❌ Water Pooling Around the Foundation
If you notice soggy soil, moss, or puddles near your foundation, your gutters aren’t doing their job. Over time, this can lead to cracked foundations or flooded basements.
❌ Mildew or Staining on Siding
Persistent moisture can lead to mildew, algae, or rot on your siding. Stains often indicate that water is running behind or over the gutters instead of through them.
Upgrade Options for Long-Term Gutter Health
If you’re tired of cleaning every season, consider investing in gutter guards or leaf filters to reduce debris buildup. Other upgrades include:
Seamless gutters, which are less prone to leaks
Heated gutter cables to prevent ice dams in winter
Downspout extensions or splash blocks to direct water further away
These solutions can extend the life of your gutters and provide peace of mind during stormy or snowy seasons.
Don’t Forget: HVAC Systems Need Seasonal Maintenance Too
While you’re tackling your gutter checklist, take a moment to think about another critical system in your home—your HVAC system. Just like clogged gutters, a neglected HVAC system can cause damage, drive up energy costs, and reduce your indoor comfort.
Proper HVAC maintenance ensures:
Efficient airflow and drainage, reducing moisture buildup indoors
Better indoor air quality with clean filters and vents
Lower energy bills by keeping your furnace or AC running smoothly
Longer equipment lifespan, avoiding costly mid-season breakdowns
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer seasonal tune-ups, filter replacements, air quality upgrades, and duct inspections to keep your home running efficiently inside and out.
Protect Your Home from the Top Down
From the roofline to your vents, home maintenance matters. By cleaning your gutters and servicing your HVAC system seasonally, you’re taking a smart, preventative approach to home care.
Let Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning be your trusted partner for comfort, cleanliness, and year-round peace of mind.
📞 Call us today at 763.536.0667 or visit MarshHeating.com to schedule your seasonal HVAC inspection.