Clogged gutters cause water to pool against the foundation wall. This will cause the foundation to weaken, and will lead to the foundation cracking. Pooled water from clogged gutters will cause moisture damage to the wood in your home.

Speaking in general terms, you should make a point of cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. Depending on what sort of foliage you have near your home (such as pine trees), you may want to clean once every two or three months.

When you don’t clean your gutters, the downspout can get clogged from leaves, debris, or any matter that can wind up there. This blockage then leaves standing water to collect and eventually overflow. Left unattended to, the leaves that clog up your gutter can begin to decompose and eventually rot.