How Often Should You Clean Your Eavestroughs?
Eavestroughs are easy to forget until they overflow. Then the water finds your fascia, your foundation, or your basement. A clogged gutter is a small problem that creates expensive ones.
Clean your eavestroughs at least twice a year in Ontario, more if you have trees nearby. Here is why the timing matters, what clogs cause, and when to bring in a pro.
How Often to Clean Eavestroughs
Twice a year is the baseline for most Ontario homes: once in late spring after the seeds and blossoms drop, and once in late fall after the leaves come down. That fall cleaning matters most, because clogged gutters going into winter lead straight to ice dams.
Clean More Often If
- You have mature trees overhanging the roof. Three or four times a year.
- You get heavy spring seed drop, like maple keys.
- You have had ice dams or overflow before.
- Your area gets frequent storms that drop debris.
What Clogged Eavestroughs Cause
When gutters clog, water has nowhere to go, so it spills over the edge and finds the parts of your home it should be protecting.
Fascia and Soffit Rot
Overflowing water runs down the fascia board and into the soffit, causing rot. That is one of the most common causes of fascia damage. See our guides on fascia vs soffit and fascia replacement cost.
Ice Dams
Clogged gutters in winter trap water and ice at the roof edge, which builds ice dams that force water under your shingles. Our guide on ice dams in Ontario covers this in detail.
Foundation and Basement Damage
Water that overflows pools against the foundation instead of draining away. Over time that leads to cracks, leaks, and a wet basement. Properly working eavestroughs direct water away from the house.
Siding Damage
Constant overflow down the wall can drive water behind the siding. See our guide on water damage behind vinyl siding.
Signs Your Eavestroughs Need Cleaning
- Water spilling over the edge during rain.
- Sagging gutters pulling from the fascia.
- Plants or grass growing in the gutter.
- Stains or streaks down the exterior wall.
- Pooling water near the foundation.
Should You Clean Them Yourself?
You can clean ground floor gutters with a ladder and care, but working at height has real risks, especially on two and three storey homes. A professional cleaning is fast, safe, and includes a check of the fascia, soffit, and downspouts while they are up there. We offer this through our gutter cleaning service, and we handle repairs through our eavestroughs, fascia and soffits service.
Eavestrough Cleaning FAQ
How often should I clean my eavestroughs?
At least twice a year in Ontario, in late spring and late fall. Clean more often, three or four times a year, if you have mature trees over the roof.
What happens if I never clean my gutters?
Clogged gutters overflow and cause fascia and soffit rot, ice dams, foundation and basement water damage, and can drive water behind your siding.
When is the most important time to clean gutters?
Late fall, after the leaves drop. Clean gutters going into winter prevent ice dams and the roof leaks they cause.
Can clogged gutters cause a leaky basement?
Yes. Overflowing water pools against the foundation instead of draining away, which over time leads to cracks, leaks, and a wet basement.
Should I hire a professional to clean my eavestroughs?
For two and three storey homes, yes. Working at height is risky, and a pro also inspects the fascia, soffit, and downspouts while cleaning.
The Bottom Line
Clean your eavestroughs at least twice a year, more with trees nearby, and never skip the fall cleaning. Clogged gutters cause fascia rot, ice dams, and foundation damage, all far more expensive than a cleaning. When the gutters are high or sagging, bring in a pro.
Gutters overflowing or sagging?
Peace of Mind Exteriors cleans and repairs eavestroughs across Oakville and the Golden Horseshoe. Call (905) 484-7785 or request a free quote.