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.

Exterior & Weatherproofing · Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and Downspouts — real answers.

Cleaning frequency, guards, downspout extensions, ice.

All questions in this topic

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.

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