Gutters are one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of your home’s defense system. They quietly collect and direct rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation, protecting your property from costly water damage. But gutters don’t stay clean or functional on their own. Leaves, debris, weather, and time can all cause problems that reduce their effectiveness.
That’s why regular checks throughout the year are so important. But when, exactly, should you be inspecting your gutters? Here are six times of year when giving your gutter system a little attention can make all the difference.
1. Early Spring (After the Snow Melts)
As winter thaws and the snow begins to melt, your gutters are often among the first parts of your home to face the consequences of a rough winter. Ice, snow buildup, and strong winds can damage brackets, loosen joints, or create blockages you may not notice until spring rain begins to fall.
Why it matters:
This is the perfect time to assess any winter damage. You’ll want to make sure your gutters are ready to handle spring showers without overflowing or backing up.
What to do:
Clear out debris and inspect the system for sagging sections or cracks caused by ice dams. If anything looks off or feels beyond your skill set, a professional gutter technician can help identify and fix hidden issues early.
2. Late Spring (Before Heavy Rainfall)
After the initial thaw and early rains, late spring often brings heavier, more consistent rainfall. Even if your gutters survived the winter, they may have collected more debris during early spring storms, or tree pollen and seeds may have started to accumulate.
Why it matters:
This check ensures your gutters are fully clear and capable of handling the heavier rains ahead without overflow or water pooling near your foundation.
What to do:
Flush the system with a hose to test the water flow. Watch for slow drainage or leaks at the seams and joints. This is also a good time to confirm that your downspouts are pointed away from your home and draining properly.
3. Mid-Summer (Storm Season Check-In)
Summer brings intense storms, high winds, and occasionally even hail. These weather events can do a number on your gutters—even if they seemed fine earlier in the year.
Why it matters:
High winds can pull gutters loose, while sudden downpours will put your system to the test. A mid-summer check can prevent surprise flooding or overflow during extreme weather.
What to do:
Look for signs of stress: loose brackets, sagging lines, or water stains on your siding. Be on the lookout for plant growth in the gutters—yes, it happens—especially in humid or rainy climates.
4. Early Fall (Leaf Season Prep)
This is one of the most important times to check your gutters. As trees begin to shed their leaves, your gutters are at high risk for clogs and blockages.
Why it matters:
Clogged gutters in the fall can quickly lead to overflow and damage during early autumn rains. Worse, those leaves can stay packed in all winter if not removed, causing ice buildup and more serious damage later.
What to do:
Clean out any early leaf buildup and check that your gutter guards (if you have them) are in good condition. If your home is surrounded by trees, consider scheduling multiple cleanings during peak leaf fall.
5. Late Fall (Post-Leaf Cleanout)
Once most of the leaves have fallen, it’s time for one final cleanout before winter. This ensures your system is clear and ready to handle melting snow and ice.
Why it matters:
Any organic material left in the gutters will hold moisture, freeze, and potentially crack or damage your gutter system. It also adds extra weight that can loosen brackets or cause sections to collapse under snow.
What to do:
Do a full sweep of all debris and double-check for clogs in downspouts. Inspect for cracks or joints that may be weakening as temperatures drop.
6. After Major Weather Events (Anytime of Year)
Heavy winds, hailstorms, or unusually intense rainfall can all compromise your gutters—even outside of your usual maintenance schedule.
Why it matters:
A quick post-storm inspection can help catch and correct damage before it turns into a bigger problem. This includes not just leaks and debris but also hidden damage that can weaken the structure of your gutter system.
What to do:
Walk around your home and look for obvious damage like separated seams, dripping corners, or water overflowing from areas that were previously fine. If you’re unsure, calling a professional gutter technician can help you assess whether a repair or replacement is needed.
Gutter issues rarely happen overnight—they build up over time. That’s why having a schedule for checking your gutters throughout the year is so important. A few simple inspections and cleanings can go a long way in protecting your home from water damage and extending the life of your gutter system.
So whether you’re climbing the ladder yourself or working with a gutter pro, make these six times a regular part of your home maintenance routine. Your home—and your future self—will thank you.