If you’ve ever looked up at your gutters during a storm and seen water spilling over the edge, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get is: “How often should I clean my gutters?”
The short answer? At least twice a year.
But that’s just the baseline. Depending on where you live—whether it’s Sedona with its pine needles and steep lots or Cottonwood’s flatter terrain and falling leaves—you may need to clean more often.
Here’s what every homeowner should know about gutter cleaning in Arizona, how to spot trouble early, and how to build a cleaning schedule that works for your climate.
Why Clean Gutters Matter (Even in the Desert)
It might not rain much here, but when it does, it pours—and usually all at once.
Gutters and downspouts are designed to move rainwater off your roof and away from your home. If they’re clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, they stop doing that. And that’s when the problems start:
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Water backs up under shingles
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Fascia boards rot from overflow
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Standing water attracts pests and mold
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Erosion damages your landscaping or foundation
Even if it’s been dry for months, all it takes is one strong monsoon to turn a clogged gutter into a costly repair.
The Twice-a-Year Rule (And When That’s Not Enough)
As a general rule, clean your gutters at least twice a year:
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Once in late spring, before monsoon season starts
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Once in late fall, after the leaves have dropped
This keeps your gutter system clear ahead of Arizona’s two major debris cycles: storms and fall foliage.
But not all homes are created equal—and some need more attention than others.
How to Determine How Often to Clean Your Gutters
1. Trees Around the Roofline
Got a lot of trees? Then you’ve got a lot of potential clogs.
If leaves and debris are dropping year-round (thanks, pines), or if you’re in a neighborhood with older landscaping, you may need to clean your gutters three or four times a year.
Homes in Cottonwood often have slower drainage due to flat lots. That means even a small clog can lead to standing water—which sits, soaks, and slowly causes damage.
2. Your Roof and Gutter Design
Low-slope roofs collect more debris on top. And if your gutters weren’t sloped correctly or installed with the proper hanger spacing, they’re more likely to sag, overflow, or clog at the corners.
If you’ve got a system that’s harder to clean—like older box gutters or complex rooflines—it’s even more important to stay ahead of problems.
3. Gutter Guards Help (But Don’t Skip Cleanings)
We install a lot of gutter guards to reduce how often homeowners need to clean—but even the best systems still need maintenance.
Dust, grit, and smaller debris can build up under the screen or along the edges, and a clogged guard is still a clog.
Check protected systems once a year, minimum.
Signs Your Gutters Are Clogged (Or Close to It)
Wondering if it’s time to clean your gutters? Watch for these red flags:
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Water overflowing during light rain
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Sagging sections or pulling away from the fascia
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Drips from seams or corners
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Visible debris buildup
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Birds or rodents nesting in or near the roof
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Mold growth around gutter joints or siding
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Pooled water near the foundation
These are all signs that your system is clogged, improperly draining, or just overdue for a cleaning.
The Gutter Cleaning Process (What It Involves)
If you’re comfortable on a ladder and your roof isn’t too steep, you can clean your gutters yourself. Here’s what that looks like:
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Remove leaves and debris by hand or with a scoop
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Rinse the system using a garden hose
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Check that water flows freely through each downspout
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Inspect for leaks, sag, or rust
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Make sure runoff is moving away from the house
You should also check for clogs at the elbow of the downspout or anywhere water seems to be backing up.
When to Hire a Professional Gutter Cleaning Service
Some jobs are better left to the pros—especially if:
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You’ve got a second-story roof
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The gutters are clogged and overflowing
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You’ve noticed signs of leaks or water damage
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The last cleaning was more than a year ago
A professional crew will inspect your gutters, remove debris safely, check for drainage issues, and help prevent water damage to your home’s foundation, siding, and landscaping.
In Sedona, we often find that homes with sloped lots or buried drainage lines need extra care. In Cottonwood, we usually deal with slow pooling and flat roof edges. Either way—we’ve seen it all.
Common Gutter Maintenance Mistakes
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Waiting until water damage is visible
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Ignoring warning signs like sagging or overflow
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Thinking one cleaning per year is enough
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Assuming gutter guards mean “no maintenance”
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Forgetting to inspect downspouts and extensions
Even a well-installed gutter system needs attention. Skipping cleanings is one of the fastest ways to rack up unnecessary repair bills.
The Bottom Line: Keep the Gutters Clear, Keep the Water Moving
Clean your gutters twice a year at minimum. If you live under trees, deal with frequent wind, or notice overflow during storms, you may need to clean them more often.
Not sure where to start? That’s what we’re here for.
Schedule a gutter inspection with On The Edge and we’ll let you know how your system’s doing—plus recommend a cleaning plan that fits your home, your lot, and your roof.
