How often should I clean gutters in the Pacific Northwest?

Twice a year minimum — once in late fall after the leaves drop (mid-November) and once in spring (late March). Homes surrounded by Douglas fir, cedar, or big-leaf maple need a third mid-fall cleaning, typically late October. Skipping cleanings is the #1 cause of preventable siding and foundation damage we see.

Do I need downspout extensions on my gutters?

Yes — every downspout should discharge water at least 4–6 feet from the foundation, and ideally into a splash block or buried drain. The single cheapest crawlspace-moisture fix in the PNW is $15 flexible downspout extensions on every corner. It takes an hour and prevents the majority of foundation damp problems.