The usual advice to clean gutters twice a year, in spring and fall, comes from parts of the country with rain spread across the year. Southern California is different. In Covina, the long-term average is about 18 inches of precipitation a year, concentrated from December through March. So the question isn't just how often, but when. Here's how to work out the right schedule for your home.
The short answer
Most Southern California homes need at least one thorough gutter cleaning a year, timed in fall before the first major storm. Homes under large trees, especially pines, oaks and palms, often need a second cleaning in mid-winter. Homes near brush or open hillsides should also clear dry debris before the late-summer and fall fire season.
Why timing matters more than frequency here
Gutters only carry water when it rains. In a climate with a long dry season, debris can sit in gutters for months without causing any harm, then cause an overflow the first time a storm hits. A cleaning in spring, after the rains have ended, does little for your home until the next winter. A cleaning just before the rains does the most good.
Wind is the wild card. Santa Ana winds, which typically blow in fall and winter, can strip leaves from trees and drop them onto roofs. A cleaning done in early October can be undone by a single wind event, so it pays to check gutters again after strong winds and before a big storm.
How to tell your gutters need cleaning
- Plants or grass growing in the gutter
- Water spilling over the front edge during rain
- Little or no water coming out of a downspout during a storm
- Gutters sagging under the weight of wet debris
- Birds or insects nesting in the gutter
- Stains on the fascia or siding below the gutter
Suggested schedule by property type
| Property | Suggested cleaning |
|---|---|
| Few or no trees near the roof | Once a year, in fall |
| Deciduous trees or palms near the roof | Fall, plus a check after strong winds |
| Pines or oaks overhanging the roof | Fall and again mid-winter, or install guards |
| Foothill homes near brush | Late summer for fire safety, then before and during the rainy season |
| Homes with gutter guards | Inspect once a year and brush off the guard surface as needed |
What a proper cleaning includes
- Removing all debris from the troughs, corners and outlets
- Flushing each downspout to confirm full flow
- Checking seams, corners and end caps for leaks
- Checking hangers and slope
- Looking at the fascia for soft spots or stains
A cleaning is also the best inspection your gutters get all year. Problems found then, such as a leaking corner or a loose hanger, are usually simple gutter repairs if caught before the rainy season.
Safety: when to leave it to a pro
Ladder falls are a real risk. If you clean gutters yourself, use a stable ladder on firm ground, keep three points of contact, and never lean a ladder against the gutter itself. Two-story homes, steep roofs and tile roofs that shouldn't be walked on are better left to professionals.
Can gutter guards reduce cleaning?
Yes. Good guards matched to your debris can cut cleaning significantly, though they don't eliminate maintenance. Fine micro-mesh is usually best for pine needles and small debris. See our gutter guards page, and the full rainy-season checklist for the rest of your fall prep. For local gutter services, visit our guide to rain gutters in Covina.