- Damage and debris can cause your gutters to clog and overflow.
- Clogged gutters can lead to damage both inside and outside of your property if not taken care of timely and appropriately.
- Contact Rain Guard for professional gutter cleaning services!
When it’s wet and rainy outside, your first priority is always to stay dry. Not too complicated, right? Well, if your gutters are clogged, the difficulty goes from zero to one-hundred fast. Before you know it, you’re scrambling for buckets to catch leaks and watching your freshly remodeled basement fill with water. If only you caught those clogged gutters in time, you could have been taking a rainy day nap instead of worrying about flooding. If you are suspicious that your own gutters may be clogged, let us walk you through figuring out next steps.
The Function Of Gutters
Gutters function to divert water away from your home. As simple as they may sound, gutters protect your home’s foundation, landscaping, and exterior from all sorts of rainwater damage. Without properly working gutters, your home is at risk of leaks, mold, mildew, rust, flooding, and foundation damage. If that’s not bad enough, the CDC states clogged gutters can be a breeding ground for mosquitos.
Reasons Gutters Might Get Clogged
Gutters can get clogged for a variety of reasons. Clogged gutters typically come from debris that made its way into your gutter. This can be anything from fallen limbs or windswept leaves. Another common reason for clogged gutters is damage. Damaged gutters prevent water and debris from flowing through properly, keeping everything stuck. Animals, like squirrels and other rodents, are known to create homes in gutters. This can clog up your gutters as well.
Signs Your Gutters Are Clogged
There are many different signs of clogged gutters varying from inconvenient to downright stressful. Everything from plants growing in your gutters to mysterious leaks in your home can be signs of leaking gutters. Below, we will be breaking down the different signs of clogged gutters.
Sagging or Collapsing Gutters
When gutters become too full of water, snow, or debris they can begin to sag. If the sagging goes on for too long the gutters will eventually start breaking down at the seams or separating from the fascia of the house. If this happens, you may have to install new gutters or at the very least, invest into repairs.
Water Spilling Over
The next time it rains, step outside and look at your gutters. If water is flowing from over the sides of your gutters and onto your siding, then they are definitely clogged. Although this sign happens after it starts raining, it is an easy and surefire way to check if your gutters are clogged.
Standing Water
If you notice standing water along the foundation of your property, then something could be wrong with your gutters. Your gutters should be directing water away from the home and foundation, not allowing water to collect.
Stained Siding/Exterior mildew
If you have clogged gutters, water and debris will begin pouring over the sides of the gutters and onto the siding of your home. This often leads to staining from excess exposure to water and debris. This staining is called Tiger Striping. The moisture can also lead to mildew growing on the side of your home.
Plant Growth In Gutters
When you have clogged gutters, leaves and sticks from nearby trees can get stuck in your gutters. Not only does this further clog your gutters, but the trapped seeds can lead to plants growing in your gutters.
Animals In Gutters
Once your gutters are full of plants and debris, they are very comfortable and inviting to little critters. Types of critters that enjoy living in gutters include squirrels, birds, mice, opossums, ants, termites, and even snakes. When cleaning your gutters, keep an eye out for birds’ nests and rodent dens!
Water In Living Spaces
The most daunting sign of clogged gutters is unexplained water in your living space. This can be anything from water on your kitchen walls to flooding in your basement. The leaking can also lead to mold and mildew within your home.
How To Unclog Your Gutters
You’re 100% certain that you have clogged gutters. Now what? Of course, you could clean the gutters yourself, but this could be dangerous. Know that you’ll need to get on a ladder. If heights are not your thing, we definitely recommend calling a professional. If you are okay with heights, and have taken all safety precautions, then you’ll need to gather your supplies. You’ll need gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris, a bucket for your debris, and an extension tool for hard to reach areas. Use your gloved hands or a scoop to remove all of the junk from your gutters. You will have to move your ladder around as needed to ensure each section gets cleared. This process is very tiring and time consuming. If damage is the underlying cause of the clog, you will need to call a professional.
Gutter Cleaning Services From Rain Guard Inc.
If the process of cleaning your gutters sounds daunting, you can always save yourself the energy and call a professional. Here at Rain Guard Inc, our trained professionals can clean your gutters and check for damage, so you don’t have to worry about it. Check out our website to see our downspout and other drainage systems, we also have gutter accessories, water collection systems, as well as gutter maintenance services. Schedule your free estimate, stop by in person, or give us a call today! Remember, when rain falls, call Rain Guard Inc.
OKC Office
Edmond Office
Norman Office