Short answer: at least once a year, ideally just before the wet. If you have trees overhanging the roof, twice or more.
What changes the answer
- Trees. The biggest factor. Camphor laurel, eucalypts, palms and anything that sheds bark or flowers drop debris constantly.
- Roof pitch. Low-pitch roofs hold on to debris. Steeper roofs shed it into the gutter faster.
- Gutter size and condition. Small or sagging gutters clog sooner.
- Seedlings. Seeds settle in the muck and sprout, and the roots hold it all together.
A simple schedule
- Open sky, no trees nearby: once a year, before the wet.
- Some trees nearby: before the wet and again after it.
- Overhanging trees: every three to four months, or after major leaf drop.
Signs they need it now
- Overflow in rain, often at one corner
- Plants growing out of the gutter
- Water marks or stains on walls and fascia
- Sagging gutters with standing water
- Downpipes that gurgle or drain slowly
Gutter guards
Guards cut down on leaf buildup but don't remove the need to check. Fine debris, roof grit and seedlings can still get through, and the guards themselves can clog. Mesh on a tree-heavy block still needs a look each year.
Do it safely
Ladders and wet roofs are a bad mix. If you're not comfortable, book it out. See gutter cleaning and downpipe unblocking. For the wider picture before heavy rain, read the wet season checklist.
What to send
For a quote, send a photo of the gutters or the roof edge, the number of storeys, and any trees nearby. It helps us judge how long a clean will take.