Rain gutters are incredibly important because they protect your home from water damage. Without gutters on your home, rain would collect on your roof and cause rot, mold, and deterioration. This leads to damaged shingles, fascia, and soffit. No gutters also means the water not pooled on your roof flows down to windows, siding, and right next to your home. Moisture along windows causes condensation and eventual damage to the window sill and interior walls. And let’s not forget about mold development from the moist area there. And rain accumulating next to your home causes problems for your home’s foundation. Outside water erosion can lead to basement flooding and potentially weaken the integrity of the foundation and cause massive repairs to your home. Gutters can help prevent ALL of this.
Even though gutters can help prevent a massive amount of damage to your home, most homeowners rarely take the time to clean them. And that’s a big problem! At Premier Power Wash, we’re here to help you recognize the signs that your home’s gutters need cleaning and how to help your gutters operate at maximum efficiency.
5 Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning
Since your gutters are mostly at the top of your home, most homeowners can’t readily check their gutters to make sure they are in working order. Luckily, there are a few signs to look out for to know when you need to have your gutters cleaned.
1.You Have Plants Growing on Your Roof
Among the debris that can be found in your gutters is soil. And like you learned in science class, soil helps seeds to grow. Too much soil accumulated in your gutters could be the perfect home for seeds blowing by and landing there. Soil can also cause harmful blockages to your gutters and back up the gutter system so rainwater is not transported properly away from your house. If you notice small vegetation growing from your gutters, it’s time to clean them.
2.Leaky Roof
If you notice a drip, drip, drip from your roof, clogged and dirty gutters may be to blame. If your gutters are too clogged and causing your roof to leak, this means your gutter system is not functioning properly and could lead to foundation problems. Having a specified time to remove leaves and other debris from your gutters can help prevent these types of roof leaks.
3.Small Animals and Other Pests in Gutters
Who wants small animals and other rodents living in your gutters? We sure don’t! But the truth is, small animals and other pests will often take up residence in dirty, clogged gutters. The debris and leaves make a perfect home for them, and things can escalate quickly from there. If you happen to notice animals nests in your gutters or see animals making their way to your gutters, contact a professional gutter cleaning service for assistance.
4.Staining and Mildew
Mildew, mold, and other grime buildup on your gutters could damage the integrity of your home. Not to mention mold and mildew can cause potential serious health concerns as well as unpleasant odors. Removing mold and mildew from your gutters requires a bit more time than just clearing away the debris inside. A generic garden hose won’t do the trick. You also need a small abrasive brush to help scrub away the mold and mildew stains. If mold or mildew stains are on your gutters, it may make more sense to have someone come out and professionally clean the gutters to ensure proper cleaning.
5.Overflowing Water
If your gutters have water coming out over the sides, there’s a good chance there is debris and build up causing this. This is probably the easiest sign of gutter cleaning since it just requires observation during a rain or snow storm. Oftentimes, you’re not able to see inside your gutters unless the debris and grime buildup is overflowing. This is the easiest and most simple way to determine if your gutters need cleaning.
Conclusion
While gutter cleaning is often a necessary part of home ownership, a number of people lack the time and skill to complete the job safely. If you notice any of these signs, give us a call. At Premier Power Wash, we trained our technicians to expertly clean your gutters and get your home back in pristine condition. Get your gutters cleaned before snow season starts in a few weeks.
