Should You Clean Your Gutters Before or After Leaves Fall?

For many, fall is arguably the best time of the year. It’s also the best time to get real about your gutters. Between the falling leaves and higher chance of rain, you want to make sure your gutters are in prime working condition before and after those leaves drop.

But the question remains: Should you clean your gutters before or after the leaves fall? Let’s find out.

The Truth About Your Gutters and Fall

You might think those falling leaves are the biggest culprit of clogged gutters. But it’s not the leaves creating clogs. It’s muck—the sludge that bonds leaves, twigs, and plants together. 

If you’re a homeowner who has a penchant for neglecting your gutters, you likely have muck lurking in them. Muck is a combination of organic debris, nests, pests, and roof dust—and it can get really smelly over time. Now, let’s address the elephant in the room:

Should You Clean Gutters After the Last Leaf Falls?

When it comes to autumn gutter cleaning, timing is everything—and nature’s clock doesn’t wait. Leaves tend to clump together and freeze, leading to blockages and gutter cracks. Because of this, gutter experts agree that waiting until the last leaves have fallen is a mistake.

Be proactive about your gutter care, cleaning them when about 70% of the leaves have fallen. This way, you’ll stay ahead of potential clogs and damage, ensuring a smooth transition from fall to winter.

Fall Gutter Cleaning Factors

Here are some key things to consider when deciding when to give those gutters a fall cleaning:

Leaves Piling Up

Watch for falling leaves. If you notice leaves piling up in excess, it’s time to give a professional gutter cleaning and repair company a call.

Seedlings

Leaves and muck aren’t the only issues. When mixed with dirt, seedlings can create a greenhouse in your gutter system. If you spot any plants growing in your gutters, give us a call.

Water Overflowing

Overflowing water is never a good thing. Excess water can cause a slew of problems, ranging from unsightly water stains to structural damage.

Leaks

Leaky gutters can lead to big problems. If you see any cracks or leaks springing from your gutter system, address the issue by calling us.

Water Not Flowing From Downspouts

Your gutter system is designed to channel water away from your home. If water isn’t flowing from your downspouts, chances are your soil is unstable and sopping wet.

Water Damage

Water damage comes in many forms. Any amount of water can wreak havoc on your home, which is why it’s so important to clean clogs and fix gutter damage right away.

5 Tips for Fall Gutter Cleaning

Fall gutter cleaning doesn’t have to be stressful. Check out these helpful tips to make fall gutter cleaning a walk in the park.

1. Monitor Your Gutter System

Instead of putting your gutter system on the back burner, be aware of it. Make gutter cleaning and maintenance a priority on your to-do list as a homeowner.

2. Assess Your Area

Always assess your surroundings and make changes as necessary. For example, you know all those leaves will eventually end up on your roof and in your gutters.

3. Pay Attention to Weather

Keep your eyes and ears open for any weather changes coming your way. Severe weather may warrant a call to Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island.

4. Be Mindful of the Busy Season

Fall is the busiest season for gutter services. Stay on top of your gutter cleaning by calling ahead.

5. Get on a Schedule

The easiest way to clean your gutters is by signing up for a cleaning schedule. Gutters should be cleaned six times a year, and we make it easy. Check out our gutter cleaning service plans for headache-free gutter cleaning.

Why Choose Gutter Cleaning of Long Island

Fall is right around the corner, so put the ladder down and leave gutter cleaning to the experts. Since 1998, we’ve been keeping Long Island’s gutters clean and functional. Don’t wait until the last leaf falls. Schedule a gutter cleaning service with us today. 

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