"How often?" is one of the most common questions we get. The answer isn't one-size-fits-all; it depends on your property's location and environment.
General Rule of Thumb
For most suburban homes, twice a year is the standard recommendation:
- Late Autumn: After the leaves have fallen to clear the buildup before winter rains.
- Late Spring: To clear out any debris and prepare for the summer storm (and bushfire) season.
Factors That Increase Frequency
You may need to clean your gutters every 3-4 months if:
- You have overhanging trees: Pine trees (pine needles cause blockages very quickly) and Eucalyptus trees (which drop leaves and bark year-round) are major culprits.
- You live in a bushfire prone area: Keeping gutters fuel-free is a safety necessity, not just maintenance.
- You have had recent storms: Strong winds can blow significant debris onto your roof and into your gutters in a single day.
Signs You Need a Clean Immediately
- Water spilling over the sides of gutters during rain.
- Plants growing in your gutters.
- Sagging gutters.
- Staining on your siding or fascia boards.
Gutter Guards
Installing high-quality gutter guards (leaf mesh) can significantly reduce the frequency of cleaning, but they don't eliminate the need entirely. Silt and fine debris can still accumulate, so an annual flush is still recommended.