Gutters can easily be forgotten. Unless they’re visibly broken or spewing water, we hardly pay them any attention. To keep your home and lawn in good shape, gutters should be cleaned at least once a year. If you have trees nearby or overhead, your gutters should be cleaned more frequently. Needles or leaves falling onto your driveway or patio is a key indicator that there will be buildup in your gutters as well. From the professional exterior cleaners at Diamond Clean, here are a few signs your gutters need cleaning:
Overflowing Water. Gutters shouldn’t eject water from anywhere but the spout. Blocked, broken, or damaged gutters will overflow and spill water out the sides. These “gutter waterfalls” can cause significant structural damage to your home, and lead to the deterioration of your siding, deck, and even foundation.
Weeds and Plants. Decomposed leaves and organic debris are the perfect material for plants and weeds to grow in. If your gutters look like a lush garden, they’re in serious need of a clean. Not only do growing plants indicate an excessive buildup of organic material; their roots can cause structural damage to your home. Have a professional exterior cleaner deal with the problem as soon as possible.
Nesting Animals. To humans, gutters have little appeal. Animals like mice, rats, frogs, and snakes, however, can make a cozy home out of your gutters. If you see animals running along your gutters, or are noticing bite marks or nesting debris, get in touch with a professional cleaner to resolve the issue. Nesting animals can be aggressive, and should only be approached by trained professionals.
Sagging Gutters. When gutters are clogged with debris, like leaves, twigs, pine needles, and dirt, they start to bloat. If gone unattended, this can eventually lead to the collapse of your drainage system.
Foul Smell. Decomposing leaves and organic debris often give off an unpleasant odour. If you notice a musty stench coming from your gutters, it’s likely caused by a buildup of organic “sludge.”
Mildew and Stains. Stains, mold, and mildew along the sides and roof of your home are a telltale sign that your gutters are due for a cleaning. This could end up causing costly damage to your shingles, siding, and fascia boards behind the gutters.
Can’t Remember the Last Cleaning. If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your gutters, you’re in serious need of a professional inspection—gutters won’t clean themselves.
To avoid costly damages to your home, it’s important to clean your gutters regularly. For professional help, trust the gutter cleaning experts at Diamond Clean. We use powerful vacuums to clean interior gutters and soft brushes and detergents to gently scrub the exterior gutters, increasing the effectiveness of your draining system, protecting your home from structural damage, and making your house look immaculate. Regular maintenance will help to prevent the buildup of grime, and vertical black stripes on the exterior that may become permanent if left unattended for too long. Contact us today to request a free estimate!
