Gutter cleaning

Gutter cleaning is a home maintenance task that removes debris like leaves and twigs from roof gutters to prevent water damage. Homeowners who neglect gutter cleaning risk insurance claims being denied for foundation damage, as insurers such as State Farm specifically exclude losses caused by poor maintenance.

Insurers require regular gutter cleaning because clogged gutters can cause water intrusion, which leads to mold growth–a peril excluded by most standard homeowners policies according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Gutter cleaning frequency recommendations vary, but experts like the National Association of Home Builders advise at least twice per year for homes surrounded by trees.

Insurance adjusters often check for signs of recent gutter cleaning during claim inspections after storms or heavy rainfall events, as communicated by Your Insurance Info. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts if policyholders provide receipts from professional gutter cleaners such as Window Genie or Ned Stevens.

Failing to clean gutters has led to average claim denials exceeding $10,000 in repair costs due to insurer findings of homeowner negligence based on 2022 NAIC data. Insurers classify overflowing gutters as a maintenance issue rather than sudden accidental damage, so they rarely cover resulting interior leaks unless a covered peril directly causes the blockage.