How often should gutters be cleaned in Florida?

At least twice a year, and every three months if the roof is under trees. The two that matter most are late spring, before hurricane season, and after the big leaf drop. Oaks and palms shed onto roofs all year, so a house surrounded by them fills gutters fast.

Yes. A storm puts a lot of water on a roof fast, and a clogged gutter sends it over the edge and down the wall. Ready.gov lists clearing drains and gutters as part of getting a home ready, and FEMA says to clean them out so the water can drain. Late May is the time.

The water goes where you do not want it.

• Overflow down the walls, which leaves streaks on stucco and feeds mildew.
• Water at the foundation and splashing up onto entry doors and patios.
• Green and black streaks on the driveway below the downspout. See how often to pressure wash a driveway.
• Standing water in the gutter, which breeds mosquitoes.
• Rotting fascia, when water backs up under the roof edge.

Not every Florida house has them, but where they are installed, they move a lot of water away from the walls, doors and foundation. They are most useful over entries, patios, pool decks and anywhere the roof drains onto a walkway.

Dry leaves, yes, with a gutter attachment or from the roof. Wet packed debris, no. It sticks to the bottom of the gutter and has to come out by hand or with a scoop. Either way, flush the downspouts afterward.

Run a hose down it from the top. If the water backs up, the clog is usually at the elbow at the bottom. Take the bottom section off, clear it, and flush again. A plumber's snake handles stubborn clogs.

On a single story house with a good ladder and someone holding it, many people do. Two story homes, tile roofs and steep pitches are where it is worth hiring it out, because ladder falls are the real risk of the job. Gutter clean outs are one of our services if you would rather not.