Regular cleaning is crucial

We can’t stress enough how important it is to have your gutters cleaned regularly.  We know, it’s not the most glamorous household chore to consider, and it might seem like one of those expenses that can wait until next year, but we can assure you that it isn’t.  Gutters aren’t just cosmetic attachments to your home.  They’re vital in keeping your roof and foundation in good working order, saving you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. 

So how do you know when it’s time to call your friendly neighborhood gutter cleaners?  Well, here are some easily recognizable signs and conditions that should immediately alert you it’s time to get your gutters cleaned.

1. Seasonal maintenance

Irrespective of where you live and your proximity to trees, you should get your gutters cleaned at least twice a year.  Unless you live in the middle of the desert, plant debris, dirt, and much is inevitably going to end up in your gutters, which means that gutter cleaning should definitely have a spot on your annual home maintenance checklist.

We’ve found that it’s easiest for most homeowners to remember gutter cleaning when they consider it a seasonal chore.  Make it a part of your spring and fall cleaning schedule and you’ll be well covered for most of the year.

2. Check for pooling water

The next time it rains, grab an umbrella and take a walk around the perimeter of your house.  You’re looking for water pooling around your foundation or otherwise not being properly diverted away from your house.  Pooling water indicates that you have a clog or blockage somewhere in your gutters that is causing rainwater to pour over the sides of your gutters instead of neatly draining through the downspouts.

3. You’ve had heavy snow

The leaves might have all fallen from the trees, but wintertime coming doesn’t mean that your gutters are safe.  In fact, one of the most common causes of gutter blockage is ice dams forming inside them.  An ice dam occurs when water or snow freezes around detritus and completely blocks the gutter.  When those nasty winter rain storms hit, all of that water is going right over the side of the gutter and onto your foundation.  If you’ve had heavy snow, or a cold snap following rain, it’s a good idea to pay attention to your gutters for evidence of ice dams. 

4. You see plants growing out of your gutters

It might sound silly, but since gutters are unfortunately out-of-sight-out-of-mind for a lot of folks, many people won’t be aware that they have gutter blockage until they literally see life sprouting out of them.  If you notice plant growth in your gutters you are being given about as clear a signal as can be that they are way overdue for a cleaning.

5. Sagging gutters

Set a monthly reminder on your phone to give your gutters a visual inspection for signs of sagging.  Ice, plant matter, and wet dirt are all quite heavy, so a preponderance thereof can cause your gutters to sag or become dislodged from the roof.  Sagging gutters are a clear indication that you have blockage and if they are not flush with the roof, that means water is spilling over the side of the roof onto the ground below. 

As you inspect your gutters for sagging, you should also check for alignment issues and make sure that they appear to be at a proper slope to allow water to drain.

When your gutters need to be cleaned you need an experienced professional who can have the project handled expeditiously and at a fair rate.  Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you think that it might be time to get the chore done.