By Reliance Roof Troop

Gutters play a bigger role in protecting your home than most people realize. When they’re working properly, gutters move rainwater and snowmelt away from your roof, siding, and foundation. But when they become clogged or start pulling away from the home, water begins to overflow in places it shouldn’t — and that’s when expensive problems begin.

In Northwest Indiana, where we experience heavy rain, snow, high winds, and seasonal debris, keeping gutters clean is essential for protecting the lifespan of your roof. So how often do they actually need attention?

Let’s break it down.

Why Clean Gutters Matter for Roof Protection

Most roof leaks aren’t caused by a roofing material failure — they’re caused by water backing up behind clogged gutters. When water can’t move through the gutter system, it has nowhere to go except under shingles, behind fascia boards, and down your siding.

Clogged gutters can lead to:

• Water damage along roof edges
  
• Rotting fascia and soffit boards
  
• Ice dams during winter
  
• Interior leaks and ceiling stains
  
• Foundation settling from pooling water
  
• Mold growth in attic or wall cavities
  

If you want to protect your roof investment, gutter maintenance should be at the top of your list.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

In most cases, homeowners should clean their gutters twice a year:

• Once in the spring
  
• Once in the fall
  

This schedule helps remove leftover winter debris and fall leaves before the heavy rains and snow arrive.

However, some homes need more frequent cleaning depending on their surroundings and roof type.

Homes With Lots of Trees Need More Frequent Cleaning

If your home is near large trees — especially oaks, maples, birch, or pine — gutter cleaning should happen every 3–4 months. Pine needles, leaves, seed pods, and twigs can quickly fill your gutters, especially during windy days.

Signs your gutters are filling up faster than expected:

• Overflow during moderate rain
  
• Visible debris sticking out of the gutter
  
• Birds or pests gathering near the roofline
  
• Dark streaks on siding from water spilling over
  

In heavily wooded areas of Highland, St. John, Crown Point, and Schererville, this is a common issue.

After Storms, It’s Smart to Inspect Your Gutters

Northwest Indiana sees its fair share of thunderstorms, hail events, and strong winds. Even if you don’t have large trees, storms can blow debris into your gutters and disrupt proper drainage.

You should check your gutters after any major storm, especially if you notice:

• Shingle granules around downspouts
  
• Bent or sagging gutters
  
• Water spilling over the sides instead of through the downspouts
  

Storm debris is one of the most common causes of sudden roof and gutter issues we see in Lake County homes.

New Roof? You May Need to Clean Gutters More Often

If you’ve recently had a new roof installed, you might notice more shingle granules appearing in the gutters. This is normal during the first year, but too much buildup can slow drainage.

For recently replaced roofs:

• Clean gutters every 4–6 months during the first year
  
• After that, resume the standard twice-yearly cleaning
  

This small step protects your new roof investment and keeps water flowing properly.

Warning Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning Now

You don’t always need a calendar reminder. Your home will often tell you when it’s time.

Call for a gutter inspection if you notice:

• Water spilling over the gutter edges
  
• Sagging or pulling gutters
  
• Plants or moss growing inside the gutters
  
• Dark streaks or moisture on exterior siding
  
• Puddles forming near your foundation
  
• Dripping or leaking seams
  

If any of these show up, scheduling cleaning sooner rather than later can prevent roof leaks and interior water damage.

What Happens If Gutters Are Not Cleaned Regularly?

Skipping gutter maintenance leads to some of the most expensive roofing repairs homeowners face.

Here’s what can happen:

1. Roof Leaks

Overflowing gutters push water under shingles and into the roof deck.

2. Rotting Fascia & Soffit

Constant moisture saturates wood components along the roofline.

3. Ice Dams

Blocked gutters trap water that freezes and expands, forcing ice under shingles.

4. Foundation Damage

Water pooling around the home can crack basement walls over time.

5. Landscaping Damage

Flowers, mulch, and edging get washed out from uncontrolled overflow.

Ignoring your gutters is expensive — but maintaining them is simple and affordable.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

Cleaning gutters yourself is possible, but not always the safest or most effective option — especially for two-story homes or steep roofs.

Homeowners often choose professional gutter cleaning because it provides:

• Safe access to high or steep rooflines
  
• Thorough removal of debris
  
• Downspout flushing
  
• Gutter slope and alignment checks
  
• Early detection of roof or fascia damage
  

A professional also ensures the system works properly long after the cleaning is complete.

Protect Your Roof by Keeping Your Gutters Clear

Gutters are one of the simplest yet most important parts of your roofing system. By cleaning them regularly, you prevent leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs down the road.

For most homes:

✔ Clean gutters twice a year

✔ Homes with trees: every 3–4 months

✔ After storms: inspect & clean as needed

If you’re unsure whether your gutters need attention, Reliance Roof Troop can help with a full inspection and cleaning to keep your home protected year-round.

Need Gutter or Roof Help in Northwest Indiana?

Whether your gutters are overflowing, sagging, or showing signs of wear, our team is here to help. We provide gutter installation, gutter replacement, roof repairs, emergency service, and full roof replacements throughout Highland, Schererville, St. John, Crown Point, and surrounding areas.

Contact Reliance Roof Troop today to schedule your gutter inspection or request a free estimate.