While it might not be something you have to do often, clearing your gutters before the winter weather sets in is crucial, warn our pros.
In fact, neglecting to do so can lead to blockages, leaks, and even damage to your home’s foundations.
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Why You Should Clean Your Gutters Before November 1
‘Gutters are often the last thing a homeowner thinks of when they consider fall home maintenance,’ says David Rosser, expert at LeafGuard, a Great Day Improvements brand. ‘It’s just a water-catching mechanism, and if it’s not working, it’s not that big of a deal, right?
‘Wrong! Gutters are responsible for protecting the two most important elements of your home – the roof that keeps you dry, and the foundation your home sits on. So you could argue the gutters are the most important part of your home.
‘Without properly functioning gutters, your home is at risk. Cleaning gutters before November 1 ensures you start the season out right, without debris and buildup.’
Sara Aparacio, cleaner and home expert at Homeaglow, agrees, adding that, as October is peak leaf-fall season, if gutters aren’t cleaned before the first heavy rains or early frosts, the accumulated debris can clog downspouts and trap water.
‘This leads to overflow, which can cause roof leaks, fascia board rot, and even damage to house foundations due to the pooling water around the base of your home,’ she says.
‘As November progresses, temperatures begin to drop, meaning trapped water can freeze, expanding and cracking gutter seams, or creating dangerous ice dams.
‘Therefore, this is why it’s crucial to clean gutters before the 1st of November,’ and why now is the best time to clean gutters.
How to Do It Properly
You don’t need a ladder to clean your gutters efficiently.
(Image credit: Future / PSL FINANCE LTD (M L Whyte))
To avoid any gutter cleaning mistakes, Sara recommends this Gutter Cleaning Tool from Amazon, which is the number one new release. She says, ‘It’s extendable, meaning there’s no requirement for a ladder,’ she explains. The reason I recommend this is due to its affordability and because it allows you to clean gutters safely from the ground, as it’s extendable.
‘Furthermore, it’s ergonomic and lightweight, meaning that it’s great for longer cleaning sessions, and won’t be difficult to handle. It has a swivel brush that reaches into gutters from multiple angles, ensuring a thorough clean without needing to reposition constantly.’
Alternatively, says Megan Doser, the owner and CEO at Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, if you have a leaf blower, you can buy a gutter cleaning attachment, such as the Gutter Cleaning Kit available at Amazon, and clean everything from the ground, ‘but it only works if your gutters are not higher than 12-15 feet.’
Or, ‘A telescoping gutter cleaning wand, also available at Amazon, is something that always works, regardless of the roof height and how packed the gutters are. You just walk around the house, extend the wand, and rinse.’
Importantly, adds Andre Kazimierski, co-owner and president at HomeHero Roofing, ‘It’s also better to clear out your gutters a few times throughout the fall,’ as more leaves fall. Being proactive keeps your gutters in the best shape.’
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Number 1 new release
Clean your gutters from the ground with ease with this handy tool that Sara recommends, which is easy to use and easy to store, with a telescoping pole that extends from two to over eight feet.
Fits most blowers
Black+Decker Gutter Clean Attachment
This attachment system is designed to fit most blowers, to clean leaves and debris from gutters while standing on ground.
Easy to install
This gutter guard is engineered with stainless steel micro-mesh for unmatched strength and durability. It’s also resistant to rust and warping.
Versatile
This gutter scoop can be used for rooftop snow removal, too, with a compact shovel design to easily pull out wet leaves, pine needles, dirt and debris from any gutter or roof edge.
Extends up to 20 ft
This roof rake is sturdy and designed to last, with an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip.
Non-toxic formula
Chomp! World’s Best Gutter Cleaner
This biodegradable gutter cleaner cleans all types of gutters, siding and exterior trim, quickly removing dirt, debris, and stains.
Meet Our Experts
David Rosser
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Expert at LeafGuard
David is an expert at LeafGuard, a Great Day Improvements brand, which was founded in 1993.
Sara Arapacio
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Cleaner and home expert at Homeaglow
Sara has been a professional cleaner for over five years, and prides herself on delivering a friendly and thorough cleaning service every time. She’s also one of Homeaglow’s resident cleaning experts.
Megan Doser
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Owner and CEO at Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric
Megan is the owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, a family-founded company that has been serving the Denver area since 1978. With a strong background in plumbing and HVAC systems, Megan leads the company with the same core values it was built on – integrity, accountability, and treating every customer like family.
Andre Kazimierski
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Co-owner and president at HomeHero Roofing
Andre is the co-owner and president of HomeHero Roofing, a fast-growing residential roofing company based in Downers Grove, Illinois.
To prevent gutters from clogging in the future, regular maintenance is key.
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