6 Signs You Need To Get Your Gutters Cleaned This Fall
Before fall starts, it is important to ensure your gutters are cleaned and prepared for any debris they may come in contact with. Failing to get your gutters cleaned before fall can result in damage to the gutter system and your home.
While gutter cleaning is important, you may not know what signs to look for to ensure your gutters are prepared for the incoming weather. Our team at Vue Window Cleaning has prepared a list of signs that you need to get your gutters cleaned this fall.
1. They Are Leaking
Have you noticed leaking from your gutters any time it rains? Is water not flowing correctly through your gutter systems and instead pouring over the gutter’s sides and down onto your home? If so, it might be time to get your gutters cleaned.
When they are functioning properly, water should never flow over the sides of your gutter. This includes even the strongest of rain storms. Water should flow down and out of your gutter system. If it isn’t, that is an indication that there is a clog located within the gutter.
Leaking gutters can quickly devolve into a much more serious problem, including water damage to your home’s fascia, staining of your siding, and, in more severe cases, cracking of your foundation.
These are all problems that are much more complex to handle than hiring a crew to clean your gutters. So, if you notice any leaking from your gutters, contact a team of professionals immediately for a cleaning.
2. You Are Noticing Pests
Maybe you are noticing an increase in pests located in or around your home. Nothing has changed, but the amount of pests, like spiders, mosquitos, cockroaches, or rodents, has increased tremendously. If you are, this could be a sign that you need to get your gutters cleaned.
These pests often look for dark, secluded areas to build nests and live. When your gutters are full of debris, they are the perfect place for these nests. During the summer months, when you are not seeing as much precipitation, these pests won’t be bothered, and if left unchecked, the number of them will only increase.
To get rid of these pests in and around your home, you should hire a team of professionals to properly clean your gutters. While cleaning, they should clear out any nests that have been built in your gutters, clearing your space of these uninvited guests.
3. They Are Starting To Sag
There is not much that is worse for your gutters than an excess of debris in them. As they fill with dead leaves, dirt, sticks, and other debris and begin to clog, the weight of your gutters begins to increase.
The amount of weight your gutters can support will vary, but if you have not gotten your gutters cleaned in quite some time, there can be a great deal of debris sitting in them. As this debris builds up, you may notice your gutters sagging or pulling away from the side of your house.
If you notice this, it is crucial that you call a professional to get your gutters cleaned as soon as possible. If your gutters are sagging, any water that generally travels through them will begin to drain into other places, including onto your home. This improper draining can become incredibly harmful to your home if left unaddressed.
4. Mold And Mildew Are Growing
Most homeowners would agree that they do everything in their power to avoid the growth of mold and mildew in their homes. Any prolonged exposure to mold and mildew can lead to respiratory problems, especially in young children, older adults, or immunocompromised.
So, if you notice mold and mildew growing on or near your gutters, it is a good indicator that they require professional cleaning. If they are clogged, water may sit stagnant in your gutters. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to begin growing after a surface becomes damp. Once it has started, mold and mildew spread quickly.
If you do not see visible mold and mildew development but are experiencing more persistent allergies and respiratory problems and you have already thoroughly examined the inside of your home, get your gutters cleaned. Your professional cleaner should use products that kill the mold, keeping your family safe from respiratory illness.
5. You Haven’t Cleaned Them In A While
When was the last time you got your gutters cleaned? Has it been a year? Maybe two? Or perhaps you can’t remember how long it has been since a professional came out to clean them. If you can’t remember when they were last cleaned, that is a clear sign you should get your gutters cleaned this fall.
Many professionals recommend getting your gutters cleaned once or twice a year, depending on the tree growth and debris around your home. In addition to maintaining your gutters so they don’t need to be replaced, cleaning them may be a part of their warranty.
Many gutters come with warranties that protect them from unexpected damage. Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures that, if there is any damage, you know you did all you could to keep them intact, preventing a void on any warranty you may have.
6. There Is Plant Growth In Them
Even for the most avid home gardeners, plant growth in your home’s gutter system is a bad sign. With wind and rain, dirt is regularly washing through the gutters. Along with the dirt can come seeds from plants and, more often, weeds.
However, if there is apparent plant growth in your gutters, there is enough dirt for these plant seeds to take root. This problem might start small, but with water flowing straight into your gutter system, not much is stopping these plants from thriving in this setting.
If you notice plant growth in your gutters, you should get your gutters cleaned. These plants can quickly become obstacles for other debris moving through your gutters, leading to clogs and more substantial problems. As pretty as the plants might be, calling a team of professionals for a gutter cleaning is in your best interest.
Getting Your Gutters Cleaned With Vue Window Cleaning
If your gutters are exhibiting any of the signs above, it is a good time to consider calling professionals. Our team at Vue Window Cleaning can ensure your gutters are clear and ready for whatever weather this fall has in store for us.
In addition to our gutter cleaning services, we provide power washing, window screen repair, and holiday light installation services. If you are interested in getting your gutters cleaned, get an online quote, or call us today.
