Who should clean my gutters?

Last reviewed November 1, 2026 by Jordan Reeves

A gutter cleaning service. It's ladder work, and we don't publish steps for jobs that need a ladder. NC State Extension says to inspect gutters yearly and after major weather, and you can do much of that from the ground.

How often: Inspect yearly and after major weather, according to NC State Extension. FEMA's regional guide says clean yearly. We suggest more often with trees nearby.

This one is for a pro

Who to call: a gutter cleaning service

It's ladder work, and a fall from a ladder can be serious.

Stop and call

Call a gutter cleaning service: at least once a year, or if you see water spilling over the edge when it rains, sagging runs, or plants growing out of a gutter.

Why it matters

  • CPSC counted about 273,000 emergency-treated injuries related to ladders and stools in 2024. That figure covers all ladder and stool use, not gutter work alone.
  • NC State Extension treats gutters as part of keeping moisture away from the house, which is why it suggests a yearly look.

Sources

Never forget this one.

Thrively keeps track of the jobs your home needs and tells you when each one is due.

Download on the App Store

Free to download. iPhone and iPad.

See the full home maintenance schedule, with sources

Related guides