How do I book a gutter cleaning service?

Visit routelyos.com/book, select Gutter Cleaning, answer a few questions about your home, and pick a date. You will see your price instantly before confirming.

What areas does Routely serve?

Routely currently serves the greater Alexandria, Virginia area and surrounding regions. Our service area is expanding rapidly.

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Yes. Cancellations made more than 24 hours before service are fully refundable. You can reschedule for free anytime more than 24 hours before your appointment.

Are your service providers insured?

Yes. All service professionals on the Routely platform are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and locally owned.

2026-02-284 min read

5 Signs Your Gutters Are Clogged (And What to Do About It)

1. Water overflowing during rain

The most obvious sign is water spilling over the sides of your gutters during a rainstorm. Instead of flowing through the downspouts, water cascades over the edges and pools around your foundation. If you see this happening, your gutters are either clogged or undersized. A cleaning will solve the problem in most cases.

2. Sagging or pulling away from the house

When gutters fill with wet debris, they become extremely heavy. A single 30-foot section can hold over 100 pounds of waterlogged leaves. That weight pulls the gutters away from the fascia boards and causes sagging. If you notice gaps between your gutters and the roofline, act quickly -- ignoring it leads to more expensive bracket and fascia repairs.

3. Plants growing in the gutters

If you can see seedlings or small plants sprouting from your gutters, you have a significant buildup of decomposed organic material. The debris has essentially become soil, and seeds carried by wind or birds have taken root. This level of clogging blocks water flow completely and needs immediate professional attention.

4. Staining on your siding or foundation

Streaks of dark discoloration on your exterior walls, especially directly below the gutter line, indicate that water has been overflowing for some time. Check your foundation for signs of water pooling, erosion, or early cracking. Persistent overflow can eventually compromise your foundation, which is one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face.

5. Birds or pests near the roofline

Clogged gutters attract birds looking for nesting material and standing water. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and rodents may use debris-filled gutters as pathways into your attic. If you notice increased pest activity near your roofline, clogged gutters are a likely contributing factor.

What to do next

If you spot any of these signs, schedule a gutter cleaning as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of water damage. A professional cleaning will clear the blockage, flush the downspouts, and give you a condition report so you know exactly where things stand. Most cleanings take about an hour and prevent far more costly repairs down the line.