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Reviewed by Tom Reilly — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Roofing, Carpentry & General Contracting

Who to call · Roofer

Clogged gutters: call a roofer — or fix it yourself

Clogged gutters prevent water from draining off the roof properly, causing overflow that can damage fascia boards, siding, and the foundation. Debris buildup also adds weight that can pull gutters away from the house. A roofer or gutter specialist can clean, repair, and secure your gutter system.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Water overflowing from the sides of gutters during rain

  2. 02

    Plants or seedlings growing in the gutters

  3. 03

    Gutters sagging or pulling away from the roofline

  4. 04

    Staining or erosion on the exterior walls below the gutters

Who to call

Roofer

A gutter or roofing service cleans multi-storey gutters safely, re-hangs sagging runs with new brackets, replaces rotten fascia, and fits guards where trees drop constantly.

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Fix it yourself

How to fix clogged gutters

Clogged gutters

moderate 1–3 h

Tools: sturdy ladder with a stand-off, gloves, gutter scoop or trowel, bucket with hook, garden hose · Materials: gutter guards (optional), gutter sealant

Steps

  1. Set the ladder on firm, level ground with a stand-off so it rests on the wall, not the gutter, and have someone foot it. Never lean out; move the ladder instead.
  2. Scoop out leaves and sludge into the bucket, working away from the downspout.
  3. Flush the gutter with the hose toward the downspout; if water backs up, the downspout is blocked — flush it from the top, or tap along it to find the clog.
  4. Check that water runs toward the downspout; a gutter that holds water has sagged.
  5. Look for leaking seams while the water runs and seal them with gutter sealant once dry.

Stop and call a pro if

  • the roof is above one storey, or the ground is uneven — ladder falls are the common serious injury in home maintenance
  • the gutters are pulling away from the fascia or the fascia board is soft
  • there are power lines within reach of the ladder

What a pro does that you can't

A gutter or roofing service cleans multi-storey gutters safely, re-hangs sagging runs with new brackets, replaces rotten fascia, and fits guards where trees drop constantly.

DIY cost: $0–30 for a scoop and sealant

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Clogged gutters?

Call a licensed roofer. Roofers have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose clogged gutters safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 5 steps (moderate, 1–3 h, $0–30 for a scoop and sealant). Stop and call a roofer if the roof is above one storey, or the ground is uneven — ladder falls are the common serious injury in home maintenance.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most roofers offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Clogged gutters?

Water overflowing from the sides of gutters during rain. Plants or seedlings growing in the gutters. Gutters sagging or pulling away from the roofline. Staining or erosion on the exterior walls below the gutters.

Who to call

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