What Happens If You Don't Clean Your Gutters?

Closeup of house rain gutter clogged with colorful leaves falling from trees in fall. Concept of home maintenace and repair — Credit: JJ Gouin / Getty Images

Key Points

Clogged gutters can cause serious problems, from foundation damage and roof rot to flooding.
Clean gutters twice a year—typically in spring and fall—to prevent ice dams and wood rot.
Use gloves, a scoop, and a stable ladder to clear debris, flush downspouts, and inspect for rust or loose sections.

Cleaning and maintaining your gutters can feel like work, but it sure beats the alternative. When these all-important features get clogged with debris, it can trigger a whole host of negative side effects. Not only will these issues create daily headaches and take up your time, but they can also cost a lot of money.

So what really happens if you don't regularly clean your gutters? We spoke to the experts about why staying on top of gutter maintenance is so important—and how you can ensure that yours never get clogged.

Andy Bell, CEO of Ace Handyman Services, Inc.
James Hartkorn, sales manager at Thrasher Foundation Repair

What Happens If Your Gutters Get Clogged

A clogged gutter is bad news. "Your gutters are the one thing standing between your house and a whole lot of water going exactly where it shouldn’t," says James Harlton, sales manager at Thrasher Foundation Repair. "Water stops flowing down the system and finds the path of least resistance."

In essence, gutters keep water flowing off the roofline and away from your foundation or other parts of your home. A defective gutter can lead to all sorts of less-than-ideal scenarios.

Foundation Damage

Water overflowing from your gutter can erode soil and even damage your home's foundation. "I’ve seen gutters so backed up that the water poured over the edge like a waterfall," says Harlton. "If it’s like that long enough, you’ll start seeing settlement cracks or water seeping into your basement."

Ice Dams

Cold weather and clogged gutters don't mix. If there's debris in your gutters during the winter and temperatures start to drop, it will all freeze into one solid piece. "That ice creates a dam that prevents water from flowing freely," says Harlton.

The result? Since water can't go through your gutters, it will start to go under your shingles and into your attic.

Wood Rot

If gutters are clogged for too long, then the fascia wood on your roof will start to rot. "[This] affects the structural integrity of the gutters themselves," adds Harlton. "At that point, the gutter will literally pull away from the home."

Flooding and Staining

When water can't pass through your gutters, it can instead end up staining your siding—or it can make its way to other parts of your home. "Overflowing gutters may even lead to basement, window well, or crawlspace flooding," says Andy Bell, CEO of Ace Handyman Services, Inc.

Benefits of Cleaning Gutters

While cleaning gutters is far from a walk in the park, there are some inherent benefits. For one, none of the above issues will be a concern. "[There will be] no water or structural damage to your home," says Harlton. "75 percent of homeownership is fighting water."

Reduced pests: A clogged gutter can be a cozy home for rodents, mosquitoes, and more.
Effective downspouts: If gutters are clean, then your downspouts will work better. "Most clogs start at the downspout opening," notes Harlton. "Making sure there are no clogs or obstructions reduces pressure on those choke points."
Extended lifespan: Clogged gutters cause all sorts of structural damage, so cleaning them can extend the lifespan of your roof and even the gutter system itself.

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When to Clean Gutters

Both experts suggest cleaning your gutters twice a year: in spring and in fall. However, your mileage may vary depending on your environment: "Homes with mature trees [nearby] or frequent storms may need more," notes Bell.

During fall, wait until all the leaves have fallen before cleaning. If there are a lot of trees near your home, then you may need to do this twice. "You won’t have to clean your gutters a whole lot in the winter," adds Harlton. "You just want to make sure that there isn’t any debris in there before the freeze-thaw cycle starts."

Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning

It's pretty easy to tell when your gutters need to be cleaned. "The biggest sign is water pouring and overflowing when it rains," says Harlton. "If it rained when you weren’t home, then giant water pools next to your foundation are good indicators that your gutters are probably overflowing."

Clogged gutters will also sag in the middle—you may even notice plants starting to grow in them.

How to Clean Gutters

You can always call a professional to clean your gutters. However, if you feel comfortable getting up on a ladder—and are safe in your approach—then you can do it yourself, too.

"Make sure [the ladder] is stable and on a flat surface," says Harlton. He recommends not climbing above the second-to-last step, not overreaching, and using an extension ladder if you have a two-story home. Also, adding a stabilizer can help. Have a friend with you just in case.

Follow these steps for cleaner gutters:

Put gloves on and use a gutter scoop to remove the debris by hand.
Scrub away grime and dirt using a scrub brush.
Check your downspouts. Clean out any blockages with a trowel. "Ensure downspouts flow freely by flushing with a hose before flushing the gutter runs," says Bell.
Inspect your gutters for any potential damage. This includes loose sections, rust, or holes. "Catching these issues early can prevent expensive repairs down the line," says Harlton.