How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters in Toronto?
For most homes in Toronto and the GTA the answer is twice a year: once in late spring after the trees drop their seeds and flowers, and once in late fall after the leaves are down. Homes under large maples, oaks or pines often need a third cleaning.
A schedule that works for the GTA
- Late April – May: clears maple keys, blossoms, pollen and shingle grit washed down over the winter.
- Mid November – early December: after the last leaves fall and before the gutters freeze. This is the most important cleaning of the year.
- Extra cleaning in summer if you have pine trees or see water spilling over the edge during rain.
Signs your gutters need cleaning now
- Water pours over the front edge during a rainstorm.
- Plants or moss growing out of the gutter.
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia or sagging in the middle.
- Stains on siding or brick under the gutter, or wet spots in the basement.
- Large icicles along the roof edge in winter.
Why skipping it costs more
A full gutter is heavy. The weight pulls hangers loose, water overflows next to the foundation, and in winter the trapped water freezes into ice dams that push water under the shingles. A cleaning costs far less than fascia, soffit or basement repairs.
Don't want to get on a ladder? We clean, flush and check every downspout, and send you photos of the result.
More guides: Signs of a clogged downspout · Ice dams & winter gutters · Fixing leaking gutter seams · Choosing gutter size: 5", 6" or 7"