The Best Time to Clean Gutters in Toronto
The fall cleaning matters most. It clears out the leaves before the gutters freeze, so melting snow and winter rain have somewhere to go.
The spring cleaning clears what the winter left behind. That means grit washed off the shingles, twigs and leaves that blew in after the fall visit.
Our page on gutter cleaning in Toronto explains what we clean and how. Plan an extra visit if any of these apply to your home:
- Tall trees hang over the roof or stand close to it.
- Your gutters spilled over in a heavy rain.
- A downspout stays dry while it rains.
- Maples near the house drop their seeds into the gutters in late spring.
Fall Gutter Cleaning: After the Leaves, Before the Freeze
Leaves in Toronto come down over several weeks, and many trees are not bare until November. Clean too early, and the gutters can fill up again before winter.
Aim for the gap between the last big leaf drop and steady freezing. For most Toronto homes, that means late October or November.
Gutters packed with wet leaves hold water. When that water freezes, ice builds up along the roof edge. It can lead to:
- Ice dams and winter roof damage
- Water damage to siding, soffits and fascia
- Basement flooding and foundation cracks
- Gutters that sag under the weight
Read more in our guide to frozen gutters and roof leaks.
Spring Gutter Cleaning: Once the Snow Is Gone
Book the spring cleaning after the snow and ice are off the roof. Until then, the gutters can still be frozen.
Spring is also a good time to look for winter damage. Ice can loosen hangers, open up joints and bend a gutter out of line.
On every visit, we check the joints, slopes and hangers. When we finish, we walk you through the work and what we found.
How Often Your Gutters Need Cleaning
How often depends mostly on the trees around your home.
No Trees Close By
One cleaning a year, in late fall, may be enough. Add a spring visit if the gutters spilled over during the winter.
Trees Near the House
Twice a year, in late fall and in spring, suits most homes like this.
Tall Trees Over the Roof
Leaves and seeds land in the gutters for months. Plan three or four visits a year.
Gutter Guards
Guards cut down on cleanings, but fine debris can still get through. We remove and reinstall most types of guards to clean under them.
Book the Gutters First, Then the Windows
If you also want your windows cleaned this fall, do the gutters first. Clearing a gutter can drop dirt and muddy water on the glass below.
On homes, we mostly clean windows with water-fed poles. The water first runs through a four-stage filter. It takes out the dissolved solids, down to 0 ppm, so nothing is left to dry as spots.
See our residential window cleaning service for more.
Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning Now
Don’t wait for the next season if you see any of these:
- Water spilling over the gutter edge when it rains
- Leaves or debris you can see from the ground
- Gutters that sag
- Water stains on the siding
- Weeds or small plants growing in the gutters
- A downspout that stays dry in a downpour
Any one of them means water is not draining the way it should.
What Our Gutter Cleaning Includes
We clear out the leaves and buildup by hand and with tools. Then we flush every downspout and check the joints, slopes and hangers. If the gutters are stained, we can wash the outside too.
Gutter cleaning usually costs $139 to $450, and a small bungalow starts at $139. See our gutter cleaning price guide for more.
Book a one-time cleaning, or ask about quarterly, twice-yearly or seasonal visits. The price is upfront and all-inclusive, with no hidden fees. For businesses, see how often commercial gutters need cleaning.
Gutter Cleaning Timing Questions
Can’t find your question below? Call us at 1-647-224-2064.
When is the best time to clean gutters in Toronto?
Late fall, once most leaves have fallen and before the gutters freeze. A second cleaning in spring, after the snow melts, clears what the winter left.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Twice a year suits most homes. A home with tall trees over the roof may need three or four visits a year.
Is November too late to clean gutters?
No. November is often the right time, because many trees in Toronto are not bare until then. Try to finish before steady freezing starts.
What happens if I skip the fall cleaning?
Water backs up and can freeze along the roof edge. It can damage the roof, fascia, foundation and interior, and lead to mould, rot and pests.
Is eavestrough cleaning the same as gutter cleaning?
Yes. Eavestrough is the word many Canadians use for a gutter. We clean gutters, eavestroughs and downspouts.
Are your technicians insured?
Yes. All Outwash technicians are covered by WSIB and by our $5 million liability insurance.
Related Services
See what else we clean around your home.
More home maintenance tips are on our blog.
Send Us a Message. We’d Love to Help.
Tell us about your gutters and we’ll send you a free quote. Prefer to talk? Call us at 1-647-224-2064.
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1C4