Oklahoma’s spring downpours and windy fall weekends keep gutters busy—and full. Leaves, shingle grit, and our state’s famous red clay settle quickly, slowing water until it spills over the edge. A routine cleanout protects siding, prevents foundation washouts, and prepares your home or business for the next round of weather. Use the checkpoints below to decide whether your gutters need attention now or can wait until the next seasonal service.
Quick Visual Clues
- Overflow during a storm
Water should shoot cleanly through the downspout. If you see sheets cascading over the front, debris has formed a dam. - Plants or seedlings sprouting
Tiny maples and weeds only grow where soil and moisture stay put—inside a clogged trough. - Streaks on exterior walls
Dirty lines or algae trails below the gutter lip point to frequent overflow. - Sagging sections or pulled-out fasteners
Wet leaves add weight. A droop or popped screw means the load is more than the hanger can hold.
Hands-On Checks (Plan for a Dry Day)
- Tap the bottom of the trough with a screwdriver handle. A dull thud signals a layer of sediment; a crisp ring means metal is clear.
- Lift the downspout elbow at ground level. Slow drips after lifting show water trapped by an internal clog.
- Shine a flashlight down the downspout from the top. If you can’t see daylight, debris is packed inside.
Ladder reminder: Choose a stable, Type I or I-A ladder, keep three points of contact, and recruit a spotter—Oklahoma gusts can pick up without notice.
Seasonal Cleanout Guide for Oklahoma
| Season | Primary Focus | Why It’s Timely |
|---|---|---|
| Early Spring | Clear winter debris before thunderstorm season | Prepares gutters for heavy bursts of rain |
| Mid-Summer | Check after hail or high-wind events | Dented troughs and fallen leaves create blockages |
| Early Fall | Remove leaves from pecans, elms, and oaks | Prevents overflow when first cold fronts arrive |
| Post-Ice Storm | Inspect for hidden ice dam residue | Ice buildup can leave behind packed grit and twigs |
DIY or Call a Pro?
- DIY is reasonable when your roofline is single-story, you own a sturdy ladder, and debris is mostly dry leaves.
- Professional help makes sense for two-story buildings, stubborn downspout clogs, or when you’d rather stay safely on the ground. Pros often flush lines, adjust pitch, and inspect seams in one visit—saving a return trip when storm season hits.
Add-On Checks While You’re Up There
- Verify that underground drainage lines (if installed) are clear. Heavy rain can back-up at the downspout inlet even when gutters look fine.
- Ensure gutter guards sit flat and haven’t lifted after recent hail.
- Confirm caulked seams remain sealed; Oklahoma’s temperature swings can cause sealant to crack.
Final Thought
A one-hour cleanout costs far less than siding repair or a foundation drain fix. Walk the perimeter after the next rain, run through these checks, and schedule a cleanout before the forecast turns rough. Your gutters will be ready when the next Oklahoma storm rolls across the plains—no surprise overflows, no eroded landscaping, simply clear channels for water to exit where it belongs.