As winter rolls in here in the Willamette Valley, it’s time to prepare our homes for the colder, wetter months. One crucial task that often slips through the cracks is gutter cleaning. From our experience at Stutzman & Kropf, putting off gutter cleaning can turn into more trouble than most homeowners expect. While it might seem like a minor chore, neglecting your gutters can set you up for some costly headaches down the line.
Here’s what can happen if you leave those gutters clogged over the winter—and some simple steps you can take to keep your home safe, dry, and damage-free this season.
Risks of Neglecting Gutter Cleaning Before Winter
1. Water Damage to Your Roof and Siding
When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, they can’t direct water away from your home. Instead, water builds up and overflows, often spilling down the sides of your home and seeping into the edges of your roofline.
If left unchecked, this standing water can lead to roof leaks, wood rot, and siding damage. Clogged gutters are like an open invitation for wood rot and mold, which thrive on moisture. Eventually, this kind of damage will show up as cracks, peeling paint, or even interior leaks—all of which can lead to more extensive (and expensive) repairs. For tips on roof maintenance to keep your home winter-ready, check out our article on Preparing for Storm Season: Essential Roof Maintenance Tips.
2. Foundation Problems
Another serious issue caused by clogged gutters is damage to your home’s foundation. When gutters overflow, water isn’t directed far enough away from your home. Instead, it often ends up pooling around the foundation, leading to soil erosion and instability that can cause your foundation to crack or shift.
For homes with basements, this is especially concerning. Water pooling around the foundation is a leading cause of basement flooding during heavy rains. Once water starts seeping into your foundation, repairs become not only expensive but also disruptive. To learn more about protecting your home from debris and gutter blockages, our guide on Maximizing Your Gutters Before Oregon’s Rainy Season offers additional insights.
3. Mold Growth and Indoor Air Quality Issues
Gutters clogged with wet, decaying debris are the perfect breeding ground for mold. If water sits too long in a gutter or downspout, mold and mildew start to thrive. Not only does mold growth outside damage your gutters and siding, but the dampness can eventually find its way indoors. This moisture can seep into your walls, creating conditions that support mold growth in areas like your attic, basement, or interior walls.
Once mold takes hold indoors, it’s a whole new level of concern. Besides damaging walls and wood, mold can also impact indoor air quality, posing health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues or allergies. If you’re dealing with tree debris that clogs gutters frequently, check out our article on The Impact of Tree Debris on Your Roof and How to Manage It for ways to keep those gutters clear.
Simple Steps to Clean Your Gutters Before Winter Storms
Ready to tackle gutter cleaning? Here are some basic steps we recommend:
Safety First
Before starting, make sure you have the right equipment. Wear gloves, sturdy shoes, and use a stable ladder. Gutter cleaning can be a dirty job, so protective gear like goggles and a mask might be helpful too.
Gather Tools and Equipment
To clean your gutters, you’ll need a small scoop or trowel, a bucket or garbage bag for debris, and a hose with a spray nozzle. For tall homes, an extension pole with a gutter cleaning attachment can help reach high spots safely.
Clear Out Debris
Starting at one end of the gutter, use your scoop to remove leaves, twigs, and any other buildup. Work your way along, depositing debris into your bucket as you go. Be careful not to push debris into the downspouts, as that can lead to even tougher clogs.
Flush with Water
Once the debris is cleared, use your hose to flush out the gutters. This step helps check that downspouts are flowing correctly. If you notice water backing up, there’s likely a blockage. Try using the hose to blast the blockage through, or consider using a plumber’s snake if it’s stubborn.
Consider Gutter Guards or Professional Help
For homeowners in the Willamette Valley who struggle with heavy debris from nearby trees or high roofs, installing gutter guards might be worth it. Gutter guards help keep out large debris, reducing the frequency of cleaning. And if your roof or gutters are hard to reach—or you want peace of mind—hiring a professional for gutter maintenance can save you time and ensure the job gets done thoroughly.
Keep Your Home Protected This Winter
Clogged gutters might seem like a minor nuisance, but they can lead to serious problems if not addressed before winter storms hit. By clearing out your gutters now, you’re taking an important step to protect your roof, siding, foundation, and indoor air quality, which can save you from costly repairs down the road.
If you have questions about other aspects of winterizing your home’s exterior, like roof maintenance or siding care, Stutzman & Kropf is always here to help Willamette Valley homeowners keep their homes safe and sound all year long.