Gutters are a roofing system component. When they clog, water doesn’t just spill—it can back up under edges, stain fascia, rot wood, and overload downspouts.
In the Bay Area, the right cleaning schedule depends on tree cover, roof design, and storm exposure.
Simple schedule (use this as a baseline)
- Light tree cover: clean at least twice per year
- Moderate tree cover: 3–4 times per year
- Heavy tree cover / roof valleys: every 6–8 weeks during leaf season
- After major storms: quick check for clogs and overflow
Signs your gutters are overdue
- Overflow during heavy rain
- Plants growing in the gutter
- Stains or rot at fascia
- Downspouts that “burp” water at the top
- Water pooling near the foundation
Don’t forget the roof valleys
Valleys concentrate debris and water. Keeping them clean reduces leak risk and protects gutters from sudden dumps of leaves and grit.
DIY tips (safe + effective)
- Use stable ladder setup and avoid reaching too far
- Flush gutters after scooping to confirm flow
- Verify downspouts run clear to the bottom
- Check for loose hangers and poor slope
Gutter guards: worth it?
Some guards help in the right situation, but the wrong type can trap debris and make cleaning harder. See our guide to gutter guards in the Bay Area.
Next step
If you’re seeing overflow or rot, the issue may be sizing or drainage—not just debris. Use our gutter sizing guide, explore gutters & drainage, or request an inspection.