How to Tell if Your Gutters Need Cleaning
According to the experts at Global Gutter Systems, many people overlook their rainguard gutters when taking care of the exterior of the home. They will spend time making sure the lawn looksgood, that the windows are sparkling, and that the paintwork is freshened up regularly. But they simply forget all about the rain gutters. It’s not surprising really. When a drainage gutter system is working as it should, it is designed to be as inobtrusive as possible.
What we will say howeveris that when a rain gutter system is not working as it should because it is damaged or in need of a clean, it becomes very noticeable. Therefore, it is best to keep on top of cleaning the gutters to avoid a situation where water is pouring down over the front and sides of your home.
If you have not been regularly maintaining the gutters, you will be able to tell if they need to be cleaned. There are telltale signs that something is amiss. Below are but a few examples.
Plant Growth
If you notice weeds appearing above the gutters, it is a sign that they need a good clean out. Shallow root plants can easily grow in gutters in the right conditions. Leaves and other debris that blows about or are dropped in gutters by birds will break down into a substance that is rich in nutrients. When seeds are dropped onto this by birds, they will have the perfect environment in which to thrive. Indeed, the shape of gutters makes them the ideal place for plant life to grow.
Overflowing Water
Water spilling over the sides of the gutters is not being directed to the downspout as it should; this means that there is a problem with the gutter system. It could be that plant life is blocking the water flow, or perhaps there is debris that has caused a backlog of water. Either way, the gutters will need to be cleared to allow the water to flow again.
Sagging Gutters
When water does not flow through the gutter system properly, it begins to backup. This coupled with piles of dirt and debris can become very heavy and cause the gutter system to sag, particularly in areas where seams are present. The longer this is allowed to continue, the greater risk of large sections of the gutter system needing to be replaced.
Pests on the Roof
If the gutters need a clean, it will mean that they likely contain a variety of materials that would be interesting to animals and pests such as squirrels, birds, mice, and even cats. If you see a growing number of animals on your roof, then it is highly likely that your gutters are in need of a good clean.
Time to Act
It may not always be so noticeable that your gutters are in need of a clean. So even if they are not sagging and have no visible plant life growing, they may still need to be cleaned. If you cannot remember the last time that you had them done, it would be worth getting up on a ladder to check.
The best time to check gutters is during spring and fall. If you get into the habit of checking and cleaning the gutter system twice a year, you are less likely to experience issues such as a rodent infestation or damage to the gutters. Not cleaning the gutters regularly can also lead to overflowing water that causes quite a bit of damage to the foundations of your home. Something that is definitely best avoided.
