When it comes to home maintenance, your gutters might not be the first thing on your mind. But they’re an important part of your house that’s prone to collecting debris and leaves from the trees above. Without regular gutter maintenance, this can lead to major problems with water intrusion, rot, and other issues. If you see any of these five signs that indicate it’s time to clean your gutters, now is the time to take action. Read on for information about what you should look for as signs that it’s time to clean your gutters and how you can do so without breaking a sweat!
Your Gutters Are Overflowing
The first sign that your gutters need cleaning is that they are overflowing. When you don’t keep up with your gutter maintenance, they can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. When this happens, water can’t flow properly and it can back up in your gutters and spill out, causing a mess in your yard. This is more than just an eyesore — it can also create a fire hazard, especially if you have burning leaves in your yard. Gutters that are clogged also don’t protect your house from water damage as well as they should. This can lead to leaks and water damage to your roof, foundation, and other structures. You might not notice leaks at first, but they can add up and become a big problem if you don’t deal with them promptly.
Your Gutter is Discolored
Another sign that you need to clean your gutters is that the color of your gutter is changing. When you don’t clean them, they start to turn black. The black color isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s actually caused by mold, grime, dirt, and other debris that has built up in your gutters. This discoloration doesn’t just look bad; it also indicates that your gutter is becoming clogged with debris.
You See Signs of Rot
Rot is a serious issue that can happen when your gutters are clogged. When water can’t flow properly, it can seep into your gutters and damage your home’s structure. This usually happens near the roof line and along the edges where your gutters are. If you see signs of rot — such as discoloration, bubbles, or other issues — in your gutters, you need to clean them as soon as possible. This can help prevent the rot from spreading and causing more damage to your home. If you don’t clean them, this can also lead to other problems, such as mold and bacteria buildup in your gutters. When water builds up and can’t flow out, it can create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria growth. This can cause health issues not just for you, but for anyone who comes into contact with your roof or gutters. It can also lead to roof leaks.
Bottom line
Regular gutter cleaning can help prevent major damage to your house and keep your roof in good shape. If you see any of these five signs that indicate it’s time to clean your gutters, now is the time to take action. Cleaning your gutters is relatively easy and can be done at any time of the year. To clean your gutters, you can use gutter services or you can do it yourself with a gutter cleaning kit.