Gutter cleaning that keeps water flowing

In the Valley, gutters fill up with more than autumn leaves. Sycamores, oaks and ornamental pears drop leaves and seed pods, palms shed fronds and fibers, and windy days blow dust and grass clippings onto the roof, where it washes into the gutters and turns to sludge. By the time the first real storm arrives, many gutters are packed solid. Up in the foothills and mountain communities, pine needles are the main culprit. Whether you live in Fresno, Clovis or near the lakes, a clean-out before the rainy season is the best protection.

A proper gutter cleaning means getting the debris out, not just pushing it around. We remove leaves, needles and sludge by hand, bag it up, and clear the roof valleys where debris collects and feeds the gutters. Downspouts are flushed with water to confirm they’re draining freely, since a clogged downspout can make a clean gutter overflow anyway. While we’re up there, we take a look for loose sections, sagging runs and separated seams so you hear about issues early rather than in the middle of a storm.

Between cleanings, keep an eye on your gutters during the first rain of the season. If you see water sheeting over the edge or downspouts that barely trickle, something is blocked. Trimming branches that hang over the roof reduces how much debris reaches the gutters in the first place. Make sure downspouts empty away from the foundation rather than into flower beds against the house. And if you have solar panels or a tile roof, pairing gutter work with solar or roof cleaning keeps the whole roofline in good shape.