Cleaning your gutter system regularly is key to keeping your home healthy and protected for years to come. Failing to do so could put your walls at risk of mold-induced damage, which can be extremely expensive to mend later on. Here we’ll talk about the warning signs your gutter system is nearing its next cleaning appointment to help you keep it in the best possible condition.
So, without any further ado, let’s get to the bottom of it!
1. Formation of mildew, stains, and mold
If you’re not doing it already, remember to inspect your gutter for mold on a regular basis, especially during the rainy season. Mold spreads extremely quickly and can be hard to deal with once it gets out of control. It represents a dangerous health hazard if not dealt with immediately, so don’t forget to check up on your gutters as often as you can. If you notice any signs of mildew, staining, or mold growing, your gutter system is in a dire need of some serious maintenance.
Of course, once you notice any of the aforementioned signs, it’s probably too late to clean your gutter yourself. At this point, calling the professionals is your safest bet.
2. Sagging, bulging, or detached gutters
If you notice bulgy or semi-detached gutters, it’s probably too late to clean them. The weight of the accumulated debris can and will damage your gutters to the point no cleaning can help restore it. Once that happens, you’ll need to seek professional assistance for potential repairs or even entire replacements depending on the situation.
As soon as you notice any signs of bulging, detachment, or sagging in your gutter system, it’s time to hire professionals to fix it for you. Professional gutter cleaners have the tools and the experience to do it in a safe and effective manner. If you’re looking for Gutter Cleaning Dublin services, for example, you can find many excellent options at www.clean4u.ie.
3. Growing and accumulation of plants and debris
It will only take you a couple of seconds to look at your gutter to notice whether there’s debris accumulating inside it or not. As you probably already know, anything that obstructs the flow of water needs to be removed to allow your system to work properly. If you notice any signs of debris, or even plants growing inside of your gutter, it’s time to clean it as thoroughly as you can.
The longer you leave it unattended, the worse it can get later on. Act as quickly as you can to prevent damage to your roof, walls, and the gutter system itself. Remember that you’re better off hiring expert help to solve these issues than trying to do it yourself.
4. You cannot remember the last time you’ve done any maintenance to your gutter
Be honest: when was the last time you’ve deep-cleaned your entire gutter system? If your answer is “I’m not sure” or something along these lines, it’s time to get it done. Depending on its size and the weather conditions in your area, your gutter should be cleaned more often than you think.
Again, prevention is always better than cure, so clean it as often as you can. No amount of maintenance is excessive once the rainy season starts. You can clean it yourself from time to time (but remember to be extremely careful), but getting it professionally cleaned here and there is of the utmost importance for the functionality of your entire system.
5. Uninvited “guests” inside of your gutter system
Small animals like mice and squirrels often create their homes near your gutter systems if they’re not kept clean for long. If you hear or see any small animals running around on your roof, your gutters are probably clogged. Removing some of these animals can be a bit dangerous, as they can carry various diseases transmitted through bites. We suggest you do not try to do this yourself. Hiring a professional is quicker, safer, and more effective in the long run.
If you still decide to try removing these pests yourself, make sure you invest in protective gear and appropriate tools. Be careful not to fall down while cleaning, and keep your hands and face protected while you’re at it.
6. Leakage and wet spots on your wall
Leaky gutters and spotting on your walls are certain signs you need to call gutter cleaning as soon as possible. If you leave these issues unattended, you’re likely to fall into a bigger problem later on. Any damage to your home structure, walls or your rooftop can be disastrously expensive, especially if mold starts to grow. We suggest you do your research before hiring a service to do the job for you. You’ll need someone who’s experienced and knowledgeable enough to resolve your leakage issues for you.
7. Waterfalls forming on your downspout
Waterfalls of rainwater dripping from your downspout are a sign your gutter is clogged somewhere. You may need to install a new one or get an extension to fix this issue. Seek advice from your trusted gutter-cleaning service before you take any further steps. If a clog has formed deep in the system, you won’t be able to push it out without using professional equipment and pumps.
Overall, rainwater waterfalls are a sign there’s something wrong with your gutter that pushes out the water in this way. It could possibly be a clog or a crack in your system, which is easy to fix in its early stages.
The bottom line
Knowing when your gutter system requires some cleaning services can be a bit tricky. Your best bet is to create a maintenance routine according to your specific circumstances. You can ask your cleaning company to advise you on making the best possible plan for your system.
We hope our article helped you learn more about gutter system maintenance and cleaning and we want to wish you the best luck in all of your future endeavors.
