Most Bay Area homes need their gutters cleaned twice a year: in late fall after the leaves drop and again in late spring, more often under pines, oaks or eucalyptus. Alpha Eagle Roofing clears gutters by hand, bags and hauls away the debris, flushes the downspouts, checks the flow and pitch, and photographs anything that needs attention, like loose hangers, leaking corners or roof damage near the edge. Because we are a roofing contractor, the cleaning doubles as a look at the roof edge.
Who this service is for
- Homes under trees that fill the gutters every season.
- Two- and three-story homes where gutter cleaning means tall ladders.
- Owners getting ready for the rainy season, or cleaning up after a storm.
- Homes with gutter guards that need their surface cleared and gutters flushed.
- Landlords and property managers who need gutters kept working on rentals.
Signs your gutters need cleaning
Overflow in moderate rain
Water spilling over the front edge when it is not even raining hard.
Plants growing in the gutter
Seedlings and moss mean soil-like debris has been sitting there for a while.
Sagging under wet debris
Packed, wet debris is heavy and pulls hangers loose.
Downspouts that do not flow
No water coming out at the bottom during rain, or gurgling and spitting at the top.
Streaks on the siding
Dirty water spilling over the gutter leaves dark stripes on the wall below.
Debris piled in roof valleys
Leaves and needles that collect in valleys and behind chimneys feed the gutter and hold water against the roof.
What our gutter cleaning includes
- Set ladders safely Ladders placed with stabilizers or against the wall, not leaned on the gutter, so it is not crushed or bent.
- Clear by hand Debris scooped out and bagged, not blown across the yard or into your neighbor's.
- Clear the roof edge Leaves and needles removed from valleys and behind chimneys where they feed the gutters, without walking on tile or fragile roofing unnecessarily.
- Flush the downspouts Water run through each downspout and clogs cleared from elbows and outlets.
- Check the system Flow, pitch, hangers, joints and the fascia behind the gutter, while we are up there.
- Photos and a short note Before and after photos, and a note of anything that needs a repair. Small fixes, like a loose hanger or a leaking end cap, can often be done in the same visit if you approve.
- Haul away Debris bagged and removed, and walkways and patios cleaned up.
When to clean, by tree
Twice a year is a starting point. What hangs over your roof decides the real schedule.
Coast live oaks
They drop most of their old leaves in spring, when new growth comes in, plus catkins and acorns. A late-spring cleaning matters more than usual.
Pines and redwoods
Heaviest needle drop in fall. Clean after the drop and before the first big storm; needles pack into downspouts.
Sycamores, maples and other deciduous trees
Large leaves in fall. One thorough cleaning after the leaves are down, then a check after the first storms.
Eucalyptus
Leaves and bark much of the year, often more in summer. Expect to clean more than twice a year, or consider gutter guards.
Open lots
Little debris, but roof granules and windblown dirt still collect. A yearly cleaning before the rainy season is usually enough.
A cleaning is also a roof check
Gutter debris tells a roofer a lot about the roof above it.
Granules in the gutter
A heavy layer of shingle granules can mean the shingles are wearing out. We note it and photograph it.
Edge and flashing problems
Lifted shingles, cracked tiles, gaps at the drip edge and rusted flashing are easy to see from the gutter line.
Fascia and soffit damage
Soft wood behind the gutter, or signs of animals getting into the eaves.
Honest follow-up
If something needs a repair, we tell you what it is and show you the photo. If it can wait, we say that too. For a full written report, book a roof inspection.
If you clean your own gutters
Plenty of homeowners do, on single-story houses. A few things keep it safe and keep the gutters intact.
Ladder safety first
A stable ladder on firm ground, a helper to hold it, and never lean the ladder on the gutter itself. Do not go up in rain or wind.
Stay off the roof
Wet or mossy roofs are slippery, and tile cracks underfoot. Leave roof valleys on steep or tile roofs to a pro.
Flush and watch
After clearing, run a hose into each gutter and watch the downspout outlet. Slow flow means a clog in the elbow.
Know when to call
Two-story and higher homes, steep lots, and gutters near power lines are where most of the risk is.
Thanks. Your request is in.
We will text you to confirm.
Active leak? Our 24/7 emergency line is (415) 410-7917. Call now and we will prioritize your request.
Call (415) 410-7917What affects the cost
We do not publish cleaning prices, because the same house can take very different time depending on the trees and when it was last cleaned. Your written estimate is built from these factors:
- Total length of gutter and number of downspouts
- Number of stories, roof height and ladder access
- How much debris there is and how long since the last cleaning
- Roof valleys and areas behind chimneys to clear
- Gutter guards that have to be removed and reinstalled
- Clogged downspouts and elbows (clogs in underground drain lines may need a drain-cleaning service)
Timeline, permits and inspection
How long it takes
A cleaning on a typical single-family home usually takes a few hours. Larger homes, heavy debris, steep sites and guards to remove add time.
Permits and final inspection
Gutter cleaning does not need a permit.
Warranty and photo documentation
Written warranty
Every job we do comes with a written workmanship warranty, and the roofing materials carry their own manufacturer warranty on top of that. The exact terms for your job are written into your contract before any work starts, so you know what is covered and for how long before you sign. See our warranty page for how our warranty works.
Every job photographed in CompanyCam
We document every job in CompanyCam: before photos, in-progress photos of the work that ends up hidden (decking, underlayment, flashing), and after photos. That photo record is useful long after we leave, for an insurance claim, a warranty question, or a buyer's inspector when you sell. We can share it with you on request. See finished work in our project gallery.
Your protections under California law
Check the license.
Roofing in California must be done by a contractor licensed by the Contractors State License Board. Ours is CSLB #1148511, Class C-39 (Roofing). You can look up any contractor at cslb.ca.gov.
The down payment is capped by law.
On a home improvement contract, a California contractor may not ask for a down payment of more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.
Payments should not get ahead of the work.
Progress payments are supposed to track work actually completed and materials delivered, not run ahead of them.
You have a right to cancel.
California home improvement contracts must include a written notice of your right to cancel, generally within three business days of signing (seniors get a longer window).
Everything in writing.
Scope, materials, schedule, payment schedule, and warranty belong in the written contract. We price every job from an inspection, in writing, so there is nothing to argue about later.
Frequently asked questions
How often should gutters be cleaned in the Bay Area?
Twice a year for most homes: in late fall after the leaves drop and again in late spring. Homes under pines, oaks or eucalyptus often need more.
Does gutter cleaning include the downspouts?
Yes. We flush every downspout and clear clogs from the elbows and outlets. Clogs in underground drain lines may need a drain-cleaning service, and we tell you if that is the case.
Can you clean gutters that have guards?
Yes. We clear the guard surface and, where needed, remove sections to flush the gutter underneath, then reinstall them.
Do I need to be home?
Not usually, as long as we can reach all sides of the house and any gates are unlocked. We send the photos afterward.
Will you walk on my tile roof?
Only where it is necessary and safe, and on the parts of the tile that bear weight. Most cleaning is done from ladders at the gutter line.
Can you clean gutters during the rainy season?
Yes, between storms. A cleaning right after the leaves drop and before the next big storm is one of the most useful times to do it.
Can you set up regular cleanings?
Many owners book a fall cleaning and a spring cleaning. Ask when you request your estimate and we will schedule both.
