LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026.
Eavestroughs (also called gutters) do one simple but extremely important job: they move rainwater away from your roof, siding, and foundation. When they’re working properly, you probably never think about them. But when they’re clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris? That’s when problems start.
Overflowing water can damage siding, rot fascia boards, and even lead to basement moisture issues. In fact, blocked gutters can cause water to spill over the edges instead of flowing through the downspout the way it should.
The good news is that cleaning eavestroughs isn’t complicated. With the right approach and a bit of care, the process is straightforward and surprisingly quick. Here’s exactly how we do it.
Step 1: Start with a Safety Check
Before any cleaning begins, safety comes first. Eavestrough cleaning usually involves working on a ladder, so stability is critical.
We set up a sturdy extension ladder on solid, level ground and make sure it’s positioned correctly along the gutter line. It’s also important not to overreach while on the ladder — instead, move the ladder frequently to stay balanced.
A few simple precautions make a big difference:
- Wear durable gloves to protect your hands
- Use non-slip footwear for better traction
- Avoid working in windy or wet conditions
- Have a helper nearby to stabilize the ladder if possible
These small steps dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and make the job much easier.
Step 2: Remove the Large Debris by Hand
Once we’re safely positioned, the real cleaning begins.
Most clogged eavestroughs are filled with a mix of leaves, pine needles, small branches, and compacted dirt. The quickest way to deal with it? Remove the bulk of the debris by hand.
Using gloves and a small gutter scoop or trowel, we carefully pull out the buildup and place it into a bucket or drop cloth below. This keeps the surrounding yard clean and prevents debris from simply washing back into the gutter later.
You’d be surprised what turns up during this step — everything from bird nests to small plants actually growing inside the trough.
Step 3: Work Section by Section
Cleaning an entire gutter system at once isn’t practical. Instead, we work in small sections.
Starting from the end opposite the downspout, we clear one section completely before moving the ladder and continuing along the roofline.
This method keeps the process organized and prevents debris from shifting into already-clean areas.
It also helps us spot potential issues early — loose brackets, sagging sections, or cracks that might need repair.
Step 4: Check and Clear the Downspouts
A clean gutter doesn’t mean much if the downspout is clogged.
During this step, we make sure water flows freely from the gutter into the downspout and all the way to the ground. If there’s a blockage, we use water pressure or a plumbing snake to remove it.
Downspouts often collect compacted debris that travels down from the roof, especially in homes surrounded by trees. Clearing them completely ensures rainwater is directed safely away from the foundation.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Cleanup
The last step is often overlooked, but it’s an important one.
Once everything is clean, we do a quick inspection of the entire eavestrough system. We look for:
- Loose brackets or hangers
- Small leaks or cracks
- Signs of rust or corrosion
- Sections that may need resealing
Addressing small issues early prevents much larger (and more expensive) repairs later.
Finally, we remove debris from the ground, rinse any messy areas, and leave the property as clean as we found it.
How Often Should Eavestroughs Be Cleaned?
Most homes benefit from cleaning at least once or twice per year — typically in the spring and fall. Homes with lots of surrounding trees may need more frequent maintenance.
Signs your eavestroughs need attention include:
- Water spilling over the edges
- Plants or moss growing inside the gutter
- Sagging or heavy sections
- Water pooling near the foundation
If you notice any of these, it’s probably time for a cleaning.
A Small Job That Protects Your Entire Home
Cleaning eavestroughs might not be the most glamorous home maintenance task, but it’s one of the most important. A properly functioning gutter system protects your roof, siding, landscaping, and foundation from water damage.
And the best part? The process is simple when done the right way.
With a safe setup, the right tools, and a systematic approach, those clogged eavestroughs can be cleared in just a few easy steps — leaving your home ready for the next heavy rain.
We are always kids and dogs friendly, and respectful to your neighbours. Call us to schedule your next appointment 587-966-4161.
Here is a video tutorial if you decide to get it done on your own:
Why hire ‘Gutter Cleaning on a Budget’ for your eavestrough cleaning needs?
A small but dedicated family business. We are in the TOP THREE gutter cleaning companies in our beautiful city, and #1 by volume of eavestrough cleaning jobs in Calgary. Thank you, YYC. We’ve been working hard to achieve and sustain this status. We guarantee that your gutters, eavestroughs, and downspouts will have no clogs after our appointment. Plus, we can double the lifespan of your gutters.
Wonder if you can trust us?
Over the years, we helped CEOs, doctors, lawyers, engineers, IT-specialists, tradesmen, and even some local celebrities. We helped single moms, retirees, new homeowners, and a lot of other people who are not comfortable with heights or don’t have enough knowledge of rain gutter systems. That means you won’t be among the first hundred customers that trusted us, but we are very happy to work for you anyway 🙂