Summer Gutter Maintenance Guide for Toronto Homeowners

Summer Maintenance Checklist: How to Keep Your Eavestroughs Working All Year in Toronto

1. Check for Visible Damage

Start with a visual inspection.

• Look for sagging or cracked sections.
  
  
• Rust or corrosion? That’s a red flag.
  
  
• Check for separation from the fascia board.
  
  

If anything looks off take a few pics for reference. You’ll want those later especially if you decide to call in help.

2. Clean Out the Gunk

No one likes this job but it’s a must. Use a sturdy ladder and heavy-duty gloves.

• Scoop out leaves, pine needles and all the mystery gunk.
  
  
• Rinse with a hose from one end to the downspout.
  
  
• Watch for slow draining—that means there’s a clog.
  
  

Don’t forget the elbows and joints. Those hidden spots are where blockages love to build up.

3. Check and Clear Downspouts

Here’s where the water should be flowing like a mini waterfall.

• Use a plumber’s snake or pressure nozzle if water’s not flowing.
  
  
• Make sure the base diverts water at least 4-6 feet from your foundation.
  
  

A blocked downspout can flood your basement faster than you think. Better to spend 10 minutes now than hundreds later.

4. Look for Leaks and Seal Them Up

While you’ve got the hose out run water through the system.

• Keep an eye out for drips and leaks.
  
  
• Use waterproof gutter sealant for quick fixes.
  
  
• Tighten any loose screws or brackets.
  
  

Small holes can be patched with gutter tape in a pinch. Just make sure the surface is dry before applying.## 5. Watch for Pests and Nests

Birds, squirrels, even wasps — oh my.

• Check for nests in corners or under the eaves.
  
  
• Listen for scurrying sounds in the morning or evening.
  
  
• Remove nests (carefully!) and consider gutter guards.
  
  

Critters can cause blockages, damage and let’s be honest — some serious drama. Stay ahead of it.

6. Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes

Overhanging branches aren’t just shady — they’re trouble.

• Trim any branches within 3 feet of your roofline.
  
  
• Remove dead branches that could fall during storms.
  
  
• Keep shrubs and vines away from downspouts.
  
  

Less debris in your gutters means less work for you. Plus your home’s curb appeal will thank you.

7. Install or Check Gutter Guards

If you don’t have guards summer’s a great time to get them.

• Choose mesh or foam depending on your budget.
  
  
• Make sure current guards are intact and in place.
  
  
• Clean them periodically — they’re not set-it-and-forget-it.
  
  

They won’t make your gutters maintenance-free but they’ll certainly lighten the load.

8. Check for Proper Slope and Alignment

Water should flow — not sit.

• Gutters should slope about 1/4 inch for every 10 feet towards the downspout.
  
  
• Use a level to check slope if water is pooling.
  
  
• Adjust hangers or brackets as needed.
  
  

Water sitting in your gutters? That’s practically an open invitation for mosquitoes.

9. Schedule Regular Maintenance (Set Reminders!)

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just a summer job.

• Set quarterly reminders to do a quick check.
  
  
• Fall and spring are especially important for leaf-heavy areas.
  
  
• A 10 minute checkup can save a weekend’s worth of repairs.
  
  

Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind.

When It’s Time to Call in the Pros

Let’s be honest. Not everyone has time — or the stomach — for scooping soggy leaves or shooing away wasps. And that’s okay. Professional eavestrough cleaners have the right tools, the right know-how and most importantly, the time. They’ll spot things you might miss—like subtle misalignments or early signs of corrosion. Plus they can get the job done safely and efficiently especially on multi-storey homes.

Stay Ahead of the Storm

Toronto weather isn’t known for being predictable. One sunny afternoon can turn into a thunderstorm in minutes. Keeping your eavestroughs in shape this summer means less stress year-round — no leaks, no pests, no surprises.

And while DIY is great don’t hesitate to bring in the experts. Sometimes the smartest move is handing over the ladder and letting someone else deal with the muck.

Stay dry, stay safe and enjoy that summer sunshine.

Quick Recap – Your Summer Gutter Checklist:

1. Check for damage
   
   
2. Clean out
   
   
3. Clear downspouts
   
   
4. Seal leaks
   
   
5. Remove nests
   
   
6. Trim trees
   
   
7. Check/install guards
   
   
8. Fix slope
   
   
9. Set seasonal reminders
   
   

Just like sunscreen and cold drinks gutter care is part of summer survival in Toronto. Don’t skip it.