Gutters play a pivotal role in your home’s defense against the destructive capabilities of water. When water isn’t able to drain away from a home, it can build up and cause structural damage that will wreak havoc on your bank account as well as your safety. For gutters to work properly, they must always be kept clear of debris and the other things that may clog them up. Before letting it go that far, keep an eye out for these signs that your gutters need cleaning.

Symptoms of Gutter Clutter

When gutters get clogged, water can no longer drain away from your home. Instead, it flows over the sides of the gutters, causing things like mold, mildew, basement flooding, and structural issues. If you notice any of these symptoms, then you may have clogged gutters:

• If pests are crawling around on your gutters, then there is a high chance that they have been clogged. Additionally, many animals (including birds, mice, and even snakes) may use gutter debris to make nests.
• If water is spilling over the sides, then the gutters are almost certainly clogged. When water flows over the edges, it can lead to costly water damages, such as the flooding of your basement.
• Clutter and standing water can be heavy. Over time, gutters bearing this kind of weight will start to bend and sag, making them unable to carry water away from your home.
• If you notice that your siding has been stained by streaks of water, then there is likely standing water in the gutters. Stagnant rainwater can damage the fascia boards on the shingles of your roof and behind the gutters.
• Seeds and dirt can easily make their way into gutters, which will eventually give way for plant growth. If you see any plant life growing out of your gutters, then they need to be cleaned.
• If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in more than a season, then there is likely to be some sort of blockage. That’s why we recommend cleaning out your gutters at least once every three months.

When to Clean Your Gutters

It is important to periodically clean out your gutters and fix sagging or damaged hangers right after you spot them. If gutters are never cleaned, then they are likely to suffer irreparable damage over time. The end of fall is the most critical time of year to clean out your gutters when the majority of leaves have fallen. Then, the second most important time for gutter cleaning is during the spring or beginning of summer, when pollen, seeds, and flower petals are plentiful.

If you don’t feel safe cleaning out your gutters, then reach out to professional gutter cleaning contractors! They will be able to make sure your gutters are completely cleaned so that rainwater can properly drain away from your property. Keeping your downspouts clear will ensure that you don’t have to spend extra on costly property damage.