From late October to mid-November is when Greater Toronto Area sheds the most leaves. If there are several large trees around the house, eavestroughs (also called gutters, in English) quickly fill with leaves, seeds, and sand washed down by Roofing.
Many think the gutter is clogged “Meaning that during rainwater overflows from the edges”, but the real problem is in winter: a clogged gutter fills with water that freezes into an ice dam, causing meltwater to back up under the eaves, resulting in stains on the ceiling and corners; the gutter gets deformed or falls off under ice pressure; water spilling over the edges seeps along the foundation into the basement. SoClean once after the last fall leaves before winter, One of the most worthwhile maintenance tasks for a Toronto house.
How to tell if the gutter is clogged
You don’t need to climb; watch outside while it rains for a few minutes to tell:
- Water overflowing from the gutter edge, Like a small waterfall, not just flowing from the downspout.
- No water or just a trickle at the downspout outlet, Indicates clogging either at the top or inside the downspout.
- Inside the gutterGrass or small saplings growing, Indicates a lot of dirt buildup inside.
- GutterSagging and separating from the eaves, Or persistent dripping at joints.
- On exterior walls above windowsStreaks of water, Soil near the foundation is washed out forming a pit.
- The side of the basement facing the outside wallDampness after rain。
For two or three-story houses, you can use your phone to take zoomed-in photos from the ground to see if the gutters are full of leaves.
DIY or hire? Consider these three points first
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|
| One-story bungalow with low eaves and flat ground | If you have a ladder and are brave, you can clean it yourself |
| Two-storey detached or semi-detached houses with level ground, sturdy extension ladder, and someone to assist. | If experienced, you can do it yourself; if you haven’t climbed a high ladder before, it’s better to hire someone. |
| Three-story, Roofing is very steep, with steps/slopes/glass roofs under the eaves. | Please call a professional. |
| Gutter is loose, deformed, leaking at joints, or the downspout needs replacing. | Hire a professional (they can do repairs too). |
| Electrical wires near the eaves | Always hire a professional; don't attempt this yourself |
Every fall, people fall from ladders. Saving a bit of money isn't worth the risk of injury. If unsure, Better to hire a pro. What's the approximate price? Can I check it out first? How much does it cost to replace and install Eavestrough Cleaning?。
Tools needed for DIY cleaning
- Telescoping or extension ladder, The height should be at least 3 feet (about 1 meters) above the eaves for easy access. Avoid leaning a folding ladder against the house.
- Ladder stabilizer (standoff / stabilizer): Rest the ladder against the wall, not pressing on the gutter; aluminum gutters deform easily under pressure.
- Thick gloves: Sharp metal edges, broken glass, bird droppings in the gutter.
- Small scraper or plastic scoop: Special gutter scoops are inexpensive; you can also use an old plastic bowl. Don’t scrape hard with metal scrapers as they can damage the coating.
- Bucket with hook attachment., Or lay a large plastic sheet on the ground to catch debris.
- Add a sprayer to the garden hose.: Give it a final flush and check if the downspout is clear.
- Protective goggles.
Cleaning steps
1. First, check the weather and ground conditions.
Pick oneDry, no windDuring daytime. Leaves inside gutters are much lighter when dry and less prone to odor; avoid ladder use on wet, slippery, or frosty mornings.
2. Ladder setup: remember “Four to one ratio”
Distance from ladder base to the wall should be about one-quarter of ladder height (climbing 16 feet, base about 4 feet away). Place feet on firm, level ground; if on soft grass, use a wooden board. Lock all ladder hinges before climbing.
Maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down laddersThree-point contactUse two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand; hang tools on your waist or use a bucket—don't hold items while climbing. Keep your body inside the ladder rails; if you can't reach, climb down and reposition the ladder—that's when accidents happen most.
3. Start cleaning at the downspout end.
Start by clearing near the downspout so the water has somewhere to drain. Clean within arm’s reach, scooping leaves and mud into a bucket or onto a tarp.
4. Flush and inspect
After scooping everything out, rinse from the end farthest from the downspout. Check two things:
- Can water flow smoothly from the gutter to the downspout?. If water pools in one section, it means the slope is wrong or the gutter is sagging. Adjusting hangers usually requires a professional.
- Is a strong flow of water coming out of the downspout?. If not, something is stuck inside the downspout.
5. Clear out the downspout
Start checking from the bottom outlet upwards; remove anything you can reach. Then flush down from the top with a hose. If still clogged, flush upward from the bottom or detach the lower section to clean. If the downspout elbow is stubbornly blocked, call a professional.
6. Check the downspout outlet
Downspout water should drain toAt least one or two meters away from the house, Where the ground slopes outward, you can add an extension pipe or a splash block. Water directly at the foundation is a common cause of basement leaks.
Each city has its own rules about whether downspouts can connect to the sewer and if they need to be disconnected. Follow your city's requirements before making any changes.
Collect leaves before disposal
Leaves and branches cleaned out are usually collected in Greater Toronto Area citiesPaper yard waste bagsInside, collected on designated days; plastic bags usually aren't collected. For exact days and whether you can use your garbage bin, refer to your city's collection schedule. If your yard has too many leaves and you’re too busy, you can also hire someone to do “Leaf Cleanup” for the whole yard.
Should you install a gutter guard?
Screens can block large leaves and reduce cleaning frequency but aren't a permanent fix:
- Tiny seeds, pine needles, and Roofing sand grains can still get in, Check once every one or two years。
- Cheap plastic screens deform or get crushed by snow; fine metal screens work better but cost more.
- After installing guards, ice may form on the mesh in winter, causing rainwater to slide over instead of draining properly.
If there are many pine or maple trees near the house, gutter guards are recommended; if few trees, cleaning once each fall is enough.
Check these spots while cleaning
Since you’re already on the ladder, take a look around:
- At the eavesRoof tilesCheck for lifted or broken sections, and large sand deposits inside (signs of tile aging).
- Check the fascia boards and soffit under the eaves.Blackened, rotten or loose——Often caused by prolonged leaks damaging the gutter.
- Check if seals around vents and chimneys have cracked.
Take photos of problems and save them, then contact Roofing Send the quotes directly to the technician to get a more accurate estimate.
After winter arrives
Cleaning the gutters reduces the chance of ice dams in winter. But if Roofing lacks insulation or ventilation, icicles and ice dams may still form on the eaves — don’t use a hammer to break the ice; see how to handle it properly. What to do about icicles and ice dams at the eaves. Pre-winter Other tasks, see Toronto Pre-winter Home Inspection Checklist。
If you don’t want to climb ladders yourself, post a job request with your house’s number of floors, approximate gutter length, whether you want leaves cleared too, and local pros will quote you. Compare before choosing.
FAQ
How many times a year should gutters be cleaned?
Usually twice a year: Once each spring(To flush away sand and seeds accumulated over winter), Once after all leaves have fallen in the fall. If there are many large trees around the house, gutter cleaning may be needed twice in the fall: once at the end of October, and again in mid-November.
Can gutters still be cleaned in December?
As long as the gutter isn’t frozen, the weather is dry, and the ladder is stable, cleaning can be done. If frozen, don’t scrape hard; ice fused to the gutter can deform it. Wait for thawing first.
Can you patch leaking gutters and dripping joints yourself?
Small leaks at joints can be sealed from inside with gutter sealant during dry weather. For rusted, punctured, sagging sections, or loose hangers, a technician will need to adjust the slope or replace that section.
How much does it cost to hire a pro to clean gutters?
The price depends on the number of floors, total gutter length, severity of clogging, and whether downspouts need clearing. You can check Eavestrough Cleaning and replacement price guides, Send another request and get quotes from several professionals for comparison.
What to watch for when hiring someone to clean?
Check clearlyDoes the cleaning include downspout unclogging? Is debris removal included? Are before-and-after photos provided?. It’s safer to hire a company with Insurance liability insurance; if the ladder scratches the siding or someone is injured, the homeowner won’t be liable.