5 Signs You Need Your Gutter Cleaned

Gutters are an important part of the well-being of your home. They help control rainwater flow, protecting your walls, roof, landscape and foundation. When your gutter is clogged with sticks, leaves and other debris, it can cause water damage to your home’s interior or exterior. It can also cause a leaky roof.

Contractors say clogged gutters also make the perfect home for things like:

Rodents
Pests
Honeycombs from bees
Mold

And, if you don’t clean out your gutters, it can cost you a lot of money. So, it’s a good idea to know the signs it’s time to clean your gutters.

  1. You Spot Birds or Pests by Your Roof
    If you’re seeing pests or animals scampering around your gutters, it can indicate the gutters are clogged. And, while you can find just about any type of bugs in your gutters, the problem arises when you begin noticing squirrels, rats, snakes and mice in them. Things like droppings and unhatched eggs can block drainage areas.
  1. Plants are Growing in Your Gutters
    Lots of dirt can get washed into your gutters from your roof. This dirt can turn into an ideal soil layer for plants like:

Grasses
Flowers
Weeds

Seeds can get into your gutters from being washed from your roof during a storm or blown by the wind, and many can take root and start to sprout.

  1. Your Gutters are Sagging
    Sagging gutters are an indication you have clogged gutters. Your gutters can begin bending in the middle and sag, making them ineffective in carrying water away from the house.
  1. You Notice Water Spills Over the Sides
    If you start to see water spilling out of your gutters over the sides, like a waterfall, that’s a dead giveaway your gutters are clogged from rain. The blockage can force the rainwater over your gutters’ sides, resulting in costly water-related damages. For instance, it can cause your basement to flood during a rain storm.
  1. Birds Are Nesting in Your Gutters
    It’s not simply four-legged creatures and insects that are attracted to dirty gutters. Often various types of birds will see clogged cutters as a ready source of nesting material.

Basically, ensuring your gutters aren’t clogged can save your home from different types of damage and save you the headache of costly repairs. While you’re cleaning your gutters, find out about your roof too ― does it need repaired or replaced. Is your attic fan in good repair? Things like this are just as important for your home.