A Step-By-Step Guide
As spring arrives in Northwest Montana, homeowners across the Flathead Valley are gearing up for their annual spring cleaning routines. From scrubbing windows to organizing garages, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important tasks for protecting your home—cleaning and maintaining your gutters.
At American Gutters in Kalispell, we’ve seen firsthand how clogged or damaged gutters can lead to water damage, roof issues, and even foundation problems. To help you get ahead of spring rains, we’ve put together this essential Spring Gutter Maintenance Checklist.
✅ 1. Clear Out Debris from Winter
During the long Montana winter, gutters often collect leaves, pine needles, twigs, and even ice. Now that the snow is melting, it’s time to:
Remove visible debris by hand or with a scoop
Rinse out the gutters with a hose to check for proper flow
Use a plumber’s snake or high-pressure nozzle to clear any clogs in the downspouts
Tip: Always use a sturdy ladder and take safety precautions—or better yet, call in the pros if your gutters are hard to reach.
✅ 2. Inspect for Damage
Heavy snow and ice can pull gutters away from your roofline or cause cracking and sagging. As you clean, look for:
Loose or missing fasteners
Cracks, holes, or rust spots
Sagging sections that don’t drain properly
Detached or misaligned downspouts
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time for professional repairs from American Gutters.
✅ 3. Check for Leaks and Water Damage
After rinsing your gutters, take a walk around your home and look for signs of water leaking where it shouldn’t:
Stains on siding or fascia
Pools of water near the foundation
Mold or mildew on the exterior walls
Erosion around your landscaping
These are clear indicators your gutters aren’t doing their job and may need to be resealed, repaired, or replaced.
✅ 4. Trim Nearby Trees
Overhanging branches can quickly clog your gutters again, even after a thorough cleaning. Trim back limbs to reduce the amount of debris falling into your system throughout spring and summer.
✅ 5. Consider Gutter Guards
If you’re tired of cleaning your gutters multiple times a year, now is a great time to consider installing gutter guards. These systems help keep out leaves, pine needles, and other debris while allowing water to flow freely.
Ask us about our best gutter protection options for homes in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and surrounding areas.
✅ 6. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Not all gutter problems are easy to spot from the ground. A professional inspection can help identify:
Hidden leaks
Improper pitch or slope
Potential structural issues
At American Gutters, we offer affordable gutter inspections and repairs that ensure your system is ready for spring showers and summer storms.
🌦️ Protect Your Home This Spring with American Gutters
Spring in Montana brings melting snow, unpredictable rain, and plenty of moisture. Clean, functional gutters are your home’s first line of defense against costly water damage.
If you’re ready to tackle your spring gutter maintenance—or prefer to leave it to the pros—contact American Gutters in Kalispell today.
📞 Call us at (406) 752-2662