St. Louis homeowner guide
A year of gutter care in St. Louis
By Gutter Installation St. Louis, a referral service. Updated November 3, 2026.
Clean in late spring after seed drop and in late autumn after leaf fall. Look at outlets before the April to June wet stretch, and check for ice damage in late winter. Walk the house in a hard rain once a year, since that shows more than any inspection. Most of this takes only a look from the ground.
- Two main cleanings: late spring and late autumn.
- Check for joint damage after winter.
- Watch your gutters in a hard rain once a year.
- Stay off ladders in ice and wind.
Month by month
| When | What's happening | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| January and February | Coldest months, lows in the mid to upper 20s | Watch for ice and sagging from the ground. Check for ice on walks by downspouts. |
| March | Thaw and rising rain | Look for joints opened by winter, and for bent hangers. Book any repairs. |
| April | Wet stretch begins, 4.73 inches on average | Clear winter debris from outlets. Watch for oak tassels and maple seed. |
| May | Wettest month, 4.82 inches, and storm season | Clean after seed drop. Watch a hard rain for overflows. |
| June | Still wet, 4.49 inches | Check after storms. Look for dents and loose runs. |
| July and August | Hot, with heavy storms | A good time for scheduled replacement or painting. Check for nests. |
| September | Drier, and a good month to plan | Book the autumn clean and any repairs. |
| October and November | Leaf fall, and first freezes | Clean once the leaves are mostly down. Clear downspouts and disconnect hoses. |
| December | Freeze-thaw begins in earnest | Check for standing water or ice from the ground. Drain rain barrels. |
Rainfall and temperature figures are 1991-2020 normals for Lambert.
A ten-minute walk-around
- Look along each run from the ground. It should look straight, with a slight fall.
- Look for streaks or stains on the gutter's face and on the wall.
- Check for peeling paint on fascia or cornice.
- Shake each downspout gently. It should be firm.
- Check where each downspout ends, and that the extension is still there.
- Look for plants growing out of the gutter, which means it has been full a long time.
When to call someone
- Water behind the gutter or down the brick.
- A run pulling away from the house.
- Wet walls, or damp in the basement after rain.
- Any job you can't reach safely.
Ladder sense
Use a stabilizer so the ladder doesn't lean on the gutter, set it on firm level ground, and have someone with you. Stay off in wind, on wet or frosty days, and near power lines. Old slate roofs and tall brick walls are good reasons to hire the job out. The National Park Service's maintenance brief says that, beyond cleaning and minor repairs, most roof work calls for an outside contractor.
Questions
Can I use a pressure washer on gutters?
Be careful. It can lift shingles, strip old paint and force water behind the gutter. A hose and a scoop are safer.
What do I do with the debris?
Compost or yard-waste collection, depending on your city. Don't dump it into downspouts or the storm drain.
How do I check downspouts are clear?
Run a hose into the top. Water should come out strongly at the bottom. If it backs up, start by clearing the elbows.
Is maintenance worthwhile if I plan to move?
Yes, as a clean, working gutter is cheap compared with the stains and rot a buyer's inspector will point out.
Sources
Related
- Gutter Cleaning
- Gutter Repair
- Gutter Guards
- Which gutter guard for St. Louis trees?
- How to check a gutter contractor in Missouri
- Storm-damaged gutters in Missouri: insurance, contractors and your rights
General information for St. Louis-area homeowners. Not a quote, and not engineering, legal or insurance advice.