Gutters are an integral component of a home’s drainage system. They help direct water away from the house and prevent flooding. Almost all areas need gutters, especially those with heavy rainfall or snowfall.
Regularly cleaning your gutters is a must to ensure they’re functioning correctly and prevent any deterioration to your home. Clogging can cause water to back up and overflow, damaging your roof and foundation.
Here are some signs that your gutters need cleaning so you can make sure your home is properly maintained:
1. Cracks in the Seams
If you’ve noticed one or more cracks in the seams of your gutter sections, this is a sure sign that the system needs to be cleaned and fixed. Cracks can weaken the structural integrity of the gutters, leading to leaks and possible sagging sections.
2. Clogged Gutters
One of the most common signs of a clogged gutter is water spilling over the sides of the gutter system when it rains. This indicates that they cannot accommodate the amount of water they are supposed to collect and must be cleaned out.
3. Excessive Algae Growth
If you notice algae growing on your gutters, it’s a sign that they need some cleaning. Algae growth is caused by a lot of moisture. Getting rid of the algae is essential as it can weaken the gutters and cause them to age prematurely.
4. Sagging Gutters
If your gutters are filled with debris, the excess weight can cause them to sag. This makes them unable to handle the amount of water they’re supposed to, leading to water spilling over the sides and causing potential flooding in your home.
5. Water Damage to the Siding
If you’ve noticed water spots or streaks on your siding and windows, this is another indication to clean your gutters. The gutters are likely unable to channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation, leading to water damage to your siding and windows.
6. Standing Water
If you’ve noticed standing water around your foundation or under your gutters, clean your gutters right away. Without properly functioning gutters, rainwater will collect in different areas of your property, potentially leading to extensive damage in the future.
7. Insect Infestation
Gutters that aren’t cleaned regularly can quickly become havens for insects like mosquitoes and termites. If you’ve noticed an influx of these pests on your property, it’s likely due to clogged gutters, and it’s time to clean them out.
8. Peeling Paint
Finally, if you’ve noticed paint peeling off the outside of your house, especially near the gutters, it’s a sign that they need to be emptied. The damp, rainy environment provides the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew and can cause the paint to peel or blister.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your gutters contributes a lot to flooding prevention and property damage. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s best to call a professional gutter cleaning service to do the job properly and efficiently.
Carolina Power Washing provides the best gutter cleaning services in the Charlotte Metro. Our trained team will make extensive gutter improvements to your home, from cleaning to polishing. Get a free estimate when you call us today!
