Gutter Cleaning and Gutter Guards

Why gutter cleaning matters here

Homes in Clark County and the Portland metro are often surrounded by Douglas firs, maples, oaks, and other trees. Needles and leaves pile up in gutters through the fall, moss and shingle granules wash down off the roof all year, and then the winter rains arrive. A clogged gutter cannot carry water, so it overflows onto siding and the foundation, soaks the fascia boards, and in some cases backs water up under the roof edge. Wet debris is also heavy, which strains hangers and can make gutters sag.

How often should gutters be cleaned?

For most homes in our area, at least twice a year is a good starting point: once in late fall after the leaves have dropped, and again in spring. Homes under tall trees often need more frequent cleaning. Signs it is time include:

• water spilling over the gutter edge during rain,
• plants or moss growing in the gutters,
• gutters that sag or pull away from the fascia,
• downspouts that barely flow, or gurgle during rain,
• streaks or stains on the siding below the gutters.

What gutter cleaning includes

Our gutter cleaning focuses on getting water flowing freely again:

• removing leaves, needles, moss, and built-up sludge from the gutters,
• clearing downspouts so water can drain,
• checking that water runs toward the downspouts, and
• pointing out problems we notice along the way, such as loose hangers, leaking seams, or damaged roof edges, so you can decide what to do about them.

If repairs are needed, see gutter repair. Gutter cleaning means ladder work at the roof edge, often on wet surfaces, and many homeowners would rather not do it themselves.

Gutter guards

Gutter guards cover the top of the gutter to keep leaves and larger debris out while letting water in. Common styles include:

• Screens, which keep out leaves and larger debris.
• Fine mesh (micro-mesh), which blocks smaller debris, including many needles.
• Surface-tension (reverse-curve) covers, which guide water around a curved edge into the gutter while debris slides off.
• Inserts such as foam or brush types that sit inside the gutter.

Each style has trade-offs. In the Northwest, fir needles and fine debris can lodge in some guard types, and moss and roof grit still need to be cleared from time to time. A good guard reduces how often gutters need cleaning and helps prevent major clogs. No guard is completely maintenance-free. The right choice depends on the trees around your home, your roof, and the condition of your existing gutters.

Gutter cleaning and guards FAQ