Keep PNW Rain Where It Belongs: Out of Your House (and In Your Gutters)

In the Pacific Northwest, our gorgeous evergreens and fall storms are tough on gutters. Fir and cedar needles, bigleaf maple leaves, and frequent wind + “atmospheric river” downpours can clog a system fast—then water has nowhere to go but into your roof, walls, and foundation.

Why gutter cleaning matters here

• Roof + attic damage: When debris dams up the flow, water backs up under shingles and into soffits and fascia, leading to rot, stains, and costly repairs.

• Foundation stress: Overflowing gutters dump water next to your home. Saturated soil expands and contracts, which can crack foundations and cause sticky doors or uneven floors.

• Moss, mildew, algae: Our shady, damp climate is perfect for growth that ruins curb appeal and shortens roof life.

• Pests: Standing water invites mosquitoes; leaf piles attract birds, squirrels, and even rodents looking for nesting spots.

  
  

PNW gutter care calendar

• Early–mid fall (Oct–Nov): Main clean after leaf drop and the first big windstorm.

• Mid–late winter: Spot-check after freeze–thaw cycles or heavy storms—downspouts can ice up if partially clogged.

• Late spring (May–June): Quick sweep for maple “helicopters,” seed pods, cones, and pollen mats.

• Under tall firs/cedars? Expect more frequent touch-ups year-round; needles slip through small openings and build up quickly.

  
  

DIY vs. hiring a pro

• Pros typically run $150–$350 depending on home size, roof pitch, and debris levels. They’ll also catch issues like loose hangers, mis-pitched runs, or failing downspouts before they snowball.

• DIY is doable if you’re ladder-comfortable. Use heavy gloves, a gutter scoop, garden hose, and consider a nozzle or gutter wand. Add a ladder stabilizer and wear eye protection.

  
  

Ladder safety essentials

• Use the 4:1 rule (for every 4 ft up, move the base 1 ft out).

• Keep three points of contact, and don’t stand on the top two rungs.

• Avoid reaching—climb down and move the ladder.

• Buddy system: Have someone on the ground to steady and spot.

A quick personal tip: for years I climbed the tall side of our 2-story rental in Lake Forest Park—always felt dicey. Last spring I started accessing the lower roof at the far side of the house with a shorter ladder, then walking up to the higher section. It adds 10 minutes and removes a lot of risk. Worth it.

Gutter guards in the PNW: helpful, not magic

Mesh screens and helmet-style covers can reduce debris, but fir/cedar needles and pollen can still accumulate. You’ll still need occasional cleaning—just less often. Cheap snap-in screens like the type I bought at Home Depot tend to clog at the lip and are a pain to clear; many homeowners end up removing them and returning to standard cleanings. Mine lasted about 5 years.

Quick 5-minute health check (do this during a downpour)

• Is water sheeting over any section? That’s a clog or a pitch problem.

• Are downspouts flowing freely? If tied to underground drains (“tightlines”), confirm the pop-up emitter is discharging.

• Are splash blocks or extensions in place to carry water 5–10 ft away from the foundation?

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When to schedule

Gutter companies book up fast in the fall. If you want pro help before the next big storm cycle, get on the schedule now. When hiring, confirm local licensing, plus liability and workers’ comp insurance. Ask for before/after photos, and whether they’ll flush downspouts and check for proper slope.