Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance in Des Moines
We clear gutters and downspouts by hand, run water through to make sure they flow, and look over hangers, seams and fascia while we are up there, so you hear about small problems early.
Gutter Cleaning, Start to Finish
Full gutters do the opposite of their job. Water backs up and spills over the front, soaks the fascia, splashes the siding and lands right against the foundation. Around Des Moines the stuff that fills them shows up most of the year: maple seeds in spring, cottonwood fluff in early summer, shingle grit after storms and the big leaf drop in fall. One plugged downspout can turn a whole run into a bathtub that freezes solid in December.
Our gutter cleaning is simple. We scoop the debris out of the gutters by hand, clear the downspouts, and run water through to make sure every outlet flows. Because we install and repair gutters, we also look for what a quick cleaning can miss: loose hangers, leaking corners, low spots that hold water and soft fascia. If we see a problem, we show you and tell you what it would take to fix. Then we clean up the ground below.
How often a house needs cleaning depends on the trees, the roof and how the gutters were hung. Our guide on how often to clean gutters in Iowa covers the general rules. If you are tired of the ladder altogether, ask about gutter guards. They cut down on cleaning but do not end it, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
What a gutter cleaning covers
- Debris cleared from every run by hand
- Downspouts cleared and tested with water
- Outlets and elbows checked for clogs
- Hangers, seams and end caps looked over
- Fascia and drip edge checked for damage
- Cleanup on the ground when we finish
What clogs gutters around Des Moines
Silver maple is the most common of Iowa's native maples, according to Iowa State University Extension, and maples can bury a roof in seeds during heavy seed years, which come every three to five years. Eastern cottonwood, common along streams and lakes across Iowa, releases cottony seed from May through August. Fall brings leaves from maples, oaks and ash. Add the granules that wash off shingles, and the bottom of a gutter can fill with a dense sludge that holds water and even grows weeds.
Signs your gutters need a cleaning
You do not have to climb up to know. Watch the gutters during a hard rain. Water spilling over the front edge, a downspout that barely trickles, or dirty streaks down the siding all point to a clog. Other signs are plants growing out of the gutter, a run that sags in the middle from the weight, birds or wasps nesting inside, and water in the basement or crawl space after storms. Any of those means it is time to have the gutters cleared and looked over.
Why let a gutter crew do it
Ladders are a real risk. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated about 273,000 injuries treated in hospital emergency departments in 2024 involved ladders and stools. Beyond safety, a gutter crew notices things. We see when a hanger has let go, when a corner seam has started to drip, when the pitch runs backward, or when water has been sneaking behind the gutter into the fascia board. Catching those early can keep a cleaning from turning into a bigger gutter repair later.
Homes, rentals, churches and businesses
We work for homeowners, landlords and property managers with several rentals, churches, and businesses with commercial gutters on block walls and tall metal buildings. Two-story homes and commercial buildings often have long, high runs that are hard to reach safely from a step ladder. Tell us what you have when you call or text, and Luke will look at access, roof height and the downspout layout. We describe the job plainly up front, and your price comes from a free estimate.
Gutter Cleaning Questions
Not seeing yours? Call or text (515) 901-3646 and ask Luke.
Luke, Jaxx & Larry
A family business, third generation. Luke runs every estimate himself and Jaxx works the jobs with him. Larry, the shop dog, mostly supervises.
What is included in a gutter cleaning from Flow Right?
We clear debris from every gutter run by hand, clear the downspouts, and flush the system with water to make sure each outlet drains. While we are up there, we look over the hangers, seams, end caps, fascia and drip edge. If something needs attention, we show you and explain the fix. Then we clean up the debris on the ground.
Do you clean out downspouts or just the gutters?
Both. A clean gutter does not help if the downspout below it is packed with seeds and leaves. We clear the downspouts and elbows and run water through them to confirm they flow. If a downspout drains into an underground line that is clogged further out, we will let you know what we find and what it would take to open it up.
Can you clean gutters on a two-story house or a commercial building?
Yes. We work on two-story homes, rentals, churches and commercial buildings, including tall block walls and metal buildings with long runs. Taller jobs take more setup, so tell us the building height and roof type when you call or text. Luke will look at access and give you a free estimate before any work is scheduled.
Should I get gutter guards instead of paying for cleanings?
It depends on your trees and how often your gutters fill. Guards cut cleaning down a lot but do not end it, since leaves and cottonwood fluff can sit on top. Under heavy maple or cottonwood cover, guards often make sense. With few trees nearby, an occasional cleaning may be all you need. Luke will give you an honest take on which fits.
Is there a gutter cleaning service in Des Moines that also fixes gutters?
Yes, that is us. Flow Right installs, repairs and cleans gutters, so the crew clearing your gutters knows how to spot a loose hanger or a failing seam. Read more on our gutter cleaning in Des Moines page, or call or text (515) 901-3646 for a free estimate.
How a Job Runs
Call or Text
Overflowing gutters, tired siding, a drafty window or an addition you have been planning. Tell us what is going on.
Free Estimate
Luke comes out, looks at the house, measures, and walks you through your options in plain words.
A Clear Plan
You get a written estimate and a straight recommendation. No pressure and no runaround.
Install Day
Our crew does the work and keeps the job site clean while we are there.
Walkthrough
We walk the finished job with you and make sure everything is right before we leave.
Gutter Cleaning Near You
Our shop is in Mitchellville. Pick your town, or call and ask if we cover it.
Gutter Cleaning pages for your town
More services
Downspouts & Drainage
Downspouts sized and placed right, plus flip-ups, extensions and underground lines away from the house.
DetailsSiding
LP SmartSide and vinyl siding installed or repaired, with soffit, fascia and trim to match.
DetailsWindows
Casement, double-hung, sliding, bay, garden and egress windows from Alside and Marvin, installed right.
DetailsNeed Gutter Cleaning?
Call or text Luke, or send a few details. Estimates are free, and you get a straight answer on what the house needs.