6 Signs Your Gutters Need to Be Cleaned

6 Signs Your Gutters Need to Be Cleaned

Gutters are one of the most crucial elements of your home. They direct water away from your home, preventing expensive damage like interior water intrusion, cracks in the foundation, and dry rot.

That being said, we all know that we need to have our gutters cleaned and inspected two times a year at minimum. Sometimes, life gets in the way and we forget. We are only human, after all.

Here are a few signs you can look for to know when it is time (or past time) to clean your gutter system.

#1 Staining And Mildew

Any signs of staining or mildew could be a sign of standing water in your gutter system. Water that isn’t flowing through your system could end up causing costly damage to the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles on the roof or the foundation at the base of your home.

#2 Leaves And Debris

Accumulation of leaves and other debris is normal for gutters. From rains to winds, debris will find a way into your gutter system. This is one of the main reasons it is necessary to have your gutters cleaned multiple times per year. Leaves and debris can not only clog your gutters; they can also attract pests as well as allow for plant growth.

#3 Pests

Squirrels, mice, birds and other small creatures can take up residence in your gutter system if the conditions are cozy enough. Those pesky critters can cause damage and attract larger, scarier animals, like raccoons, snakes or feral cats.

#4 Plant Growth

If there is green plant life sprouting from your gutter system, you have gone well past the time to get your gutters cleaned. For plants to grow there has to be a layer of leaves, dirt and debris to provide root protection. Driven by wind, dirt washes from your roof, into your gutters. The seeds are blown into the existing debris and dirt, and growth occurs. Plant growth is one of the most glaring signs that your gutters need a cleaning.

#5 Sagging Gutters

Leaves and debris get very heavy when mixed with water. This will lead to sagging or detached gutters. That could lead to roof and foundation damage. It’s a never-ending cycle of damage. If you notice pulling, sagging or complete detachment, your gutters might need more than a cleaning. Repairs or even complete replacement might be necessary, depending on the extent of damage.

#6 Previous Cleaning

If you can’t remember the last time you had your gutters cleaned, you could be in serious need of a cleaning as well as an inspection. Like we mentioned earlier, you need to have your gutter system cleaned two to four times a year to ensure your gutters are protecting your home properly.

Erika Cruz

Erika began her career at Ned Stevens in September 2009 after 4 years of managing investment portfolios for banks and credit unions. She graduated with her business degree in Management in May of 2016 while working Full-time at Ned Stevens. With 11 years of gutter expertise, as office manager she is in charge of the day to day operation and is fully dedicated to her staff and customers.