What’s the first thing you love to do during rainfall? Maybe watching your favorite series, sipping hot chocolate, or relaxing on your favorite couch. Imagine the moment you plan to do all this, you notice water all around, damaging your furniture and property. The actual culprit may be clogged gutters!
According to most people in the US, gutter cleaning is the last thing they ever think of. However, abandoning regular gutter cleaning can be a warm welcome for various problems, health hazards, and costly repairs.
But don’t worry! Today, we are about to reveal nine signs of clogged gutters that can save you from undue stress. Say goodbye to all the problems and follow our ultimate guide. We have also shared some expert bonus tips for preventing such a situation. Without any further ado, let’s quickly dive into it.
Gutters protect your house from water damage and costly repairs. While they do their work well, they need biannual maintenance. If you are constantly overlooking this important task, the chances of clogged gutters are highly common. Watch out for these nine warning signs and fix your gutters in time to save yourself from breaking the bank.
1. Overflowing Gutters – Health Hazards
Gutters act as saviors, protecting your property from potential water damage by safely directing water to the downspout. But what if they start spilling water? Yes, this is the first and most common sign that your gutters are clogged. You should not wait for severe damage; work fast to resolve this issue.
2. Sagging Gutters – A Sign of Costly Damage
If you haven’t checked on gutter maintenance, the likelihood of sagging gutters is high. It’s important to regularly check on your gutters, as neglecting maintenance can lead to sagging. In more serious situations, a buildup of debris may cause the gutters to detach from the roof.
3. Wet Foundation – A Common Sign
Noticing water pooling around your home’s foundation? If there hasn’t been recent rain, clogged gutters could be the underlying cause. Don’t wait for costly damage. Schedule a professional gutter inspection today!
4. Stains on Siding – An Unsightly Issue
Have you noticed a change on your siding – maybe some unsightly stains? Yes, there it is! Another sign of clogged gutters is stains on your siding. These stains are a red flag that your gutters aren’t draining properly Overflowing water can lead to mold, mildew, and even long-term structural damage.
5. Water Inside the House – Property Damage
Is your home feeling damp in unexpected places? Check your walls, floors, and ceilings for moisture stains, peeling paint, or a musty smell. These are all warning signs of clogged gutters causing water intrusion.
Pro tip: Look in hidden spots like behind cupboards, under rugs, and along baseboards, where moisture tends to linger unnoticed.
6. Water in Basement – A Potential Sign
Have you spotted water in your basement? This may be a sign of clogged gutters, where rainwater spills from the gutters to the foundation and reaches the basement. It is best to carry out an inspection. Timely inspection is your best preventive measure against costly damages.
7. Mildew or Mold – Health Problems
Blockage in gutters leads to another issue – the growth of mildew, mold, mosquitoes, and rust. Mold and mildew are especially harmful for people with breathing problems and allergies. This does not end here. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the unhygienic environment can contribute to diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus.
8. Plant Growth – A Clear Sign
Plants are great in your garden—but not in your gutters! If you see weeds or moss sprouting along your roofline, that’s a clear sign your gutters are clogged with dirt and debris. A quick cleaning now can save you from costly repairs later!
9. Birds and Animals – Uninvited Guests
Where there are plants, there are birds and bugs! Clogged gutters create the perfect spot for nests, giving birds and insects a safe place to settle in. If you notice feathered visitors hanging around your gutters, it’s time to schedule an inspection before your home becomes their new nesting ground!
Solution for Clogged Gutters
Now that you have identified gutter blockage, what comes next? Before the issue worsens, move towards the cleaning process. In case of severe problems, you might need to replace the gutter instead of cleaning it. For cleaning, opt for DIY techniques or hire a professional.
DIY is not for everyone, but it is best for people with experience in climbing ladders and cleaning. One of the many benefits of professional gutter cleaning is its safety.
Let’s look at both options, one by one.
DIY Gutter Cleaning
Follow the below process for cleaning your gutters easily:
- Safety comes first, so remember to wear gloves and safely climb ladders.
- Gather important cleaning items like a bucket, extension tool, and gutter scoop.
- With the help of a gutter scoop or hands, scrape off any debris from inside the gutter and downspouts. Ensure the cleaning equipment is connected with a vacuum to collect all the debris.
- If there is stubborn debris, use a drain snake for best results.
- Lastly, clean it up by flushing water multiple times inside the gutter.
Hire a Professional
Cleaning gutters isn’t as simple as it looks. Just imagine spending hours on a ladder, dealing with dirt and debris. Instead, leave it to professionals who know the job inside and out. One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional power-washing company is it saves you valuable time.
Beyond that, professionals have the right tools and expertise to handle even the toughest projects safely. DIY might seem tempting, but for big jobs, it’s risky and rarely worth the hassle. Trust us, it is worth spending every penny on professional gutter cleaning. If you want to have an idea of the gutter cleaning cost, we have that in place as well.
Bonus Tips: Preventive Measures
We have discussed evident signs and solutions to fix clogged gutters. But what if you could avoid the hassle altogether?
Yes, with a few cost-effective precautionary measures, you can prevent costly repairs. Let’s look at these tips:
- First things first, gutter maintenance is crucial twice a year. Be it blockages, leakages, or any damage, early detection solves problems easily. You can also check out this detailed guide on why gutter cleaning is important.
- To prevent blockages, trimming the back tree’s overhanging branches is recommended.
- Use gutter guards inside gutters that allow only water to flow inside. This will block debris and prevent future issues.
FAQs
1. How Can I Tell If a Gutter Is Clogged?
There is a list of signs that detect clogged gutters such as:
- Water spilling out of a gutter.
- Growth of plants inside a gutter.
- Stained siding.
- Damp floors, ceilings, or walls.
2. How Do You Fix Clogged Gutters?
The gutter cleaning process is simple and quick: scrape off the debris and flush water using a garden hose. For stubborn debris, use a drain snake.
Final Thoughts
Clogged gutters can lead to costly repairs, mainly if you ignore the signs. Follow the preventive measures to avoid such a situation or take swift action in case of trapped gutters. Start with an inspection and book a cleaning session with a professional company.
TN Wash is the answer if you are searching for a reliable gutter cleaning company. With skilled technicians and years of expertise, the company ensures each job is done well. You can enjoy your coffee while experts do their job!
