Clogged gutters aren’t just an eyesore—they can spell trouble for your home, from costly water
damage to attracting unwanted pests. But how do you know when it's time to clean them? If
you’ve noticed water spilling over the edges during a rainstorm or even plants sprouting from
the gutters, it’s a sign that your gutters need attention.
Regular gutter cleaning can help prevent major problems, like foundation damage or pest
infestations. Learn to recognize the signs that your gutters are clogged and how routine
maintenance can protect your home from expensive repairs.
Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning
Regularly maintaining your gutters ensures they function correctly and keep your home
protected. Watch for these common signs that indicate it’s time for a cleaning:
● Overflowing water during rain. If you notice water flowing over the sides of your
gutters when it rains, there may be a blockage in the gutter. Excess water flowing down
the sides of your home can damage your home's siding, landscaping, and foundation.
● Sagging or pulling away from the roof. Gutters filled with heavy debris can start to
sag or pull away from your roof. This looks unsightly, damages your fascia boards, and
affects how well your gutter system works.
● Plant growth. Seeds carried by the wind can settle in debris-filled gutters and start to
sprout. The growing plant roots can cause blockages, leading to water overflow, while
the extra weight can cause the gutter to sag or pull away from your home.
● Visible debris. Leaves, twigs, or dirt accumulating along the edges of your gutters are
signs that the gutters need to be cleaned; what you can see from the ground is often just
a fraction of what’s inside.
● Animals and pests. Leaf matter inside gutters can become a nesting and breeding
ground for birds, squirrels, and insects. If you notice increased animal activity around
your roofline, clogged gutters might be to blame.
● Water stains or mildew around the foundation. When gutters can't properly channel
water away, it often leads to water stains or mildew growth, which can cause cracks in
the foundation or wood rot on your siding.
● Peeling paint or rust on gutters. Continuous moisture exposure from clogged gutters
can cause paint to peel or metal gutters to rust. Besides the cosmetic damage, leaks can
further weaken the gutters and compromise your home’s exterior.
● Pooling water near your foundation. If you see puddles or consistently wet areas
around your home’s foundation after rain, your gutters might not function properly. Over
time, this can lead to foundation cracks, soil erosion, or basement flooding, all of which
can compromise the structural stability of your home.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
For most homes, cleaning gutters twice a year—once in late spring and once in late fall—is
ideal. North Carolina residents may need to have their gutters cleaned as often as once every
three months due to the climate and foliage typical to the state. However, there are some other
reasons why you might need to clean your gutters more often:
● Surrounding trees. If your property is surrounded by trees, especially pines or other
evergreens that shed year-round, you might need to clean your gutters three to four
times a year due to the increased debris.
● Storms and high winds. After severe weather events, like storms or hurricanes, always
check your gutters for debris blown there by the wind.
● Age of your home. Older homes with mature trees often require more frequent gutter
maintenance. Mature trees usually have larger canopies that shed more leaves and
branches.
● Gutter guards. Even though gutter guards help block debris like leaves and twigs, they
aren’t foolproof. Small particles, dirt, and seeds can still get through or accumulate on
top, so checking and cleaning them periodically is important to keep water flowing
properly.
● Roof slope. Steeper roofs tend to shed more debris into gutters because of their incline,
potentially requiring more frequent cleaning.
When To Call the Professionals
While DIY gutter cleaning can help keep visible debris at bay, it can also come with certain
risks, especially for homes with steep roofs or surrounded by tall trees. Climbing ladders and
handling tools at heights can be hazardous, and it’s easy to miss hidden debris or blockages
that may be lodged deep inside the downspouts.
For a thorough and safe cleaning, professional gutter cleaning services have the right tools and
experience to access difficult areas and ensure no debris is left behind. They can also inspect
for issues that are often missed, like small cracks or weak spots in the gutter system, preventing
more severe problems.
They may also recommend combining gutter cleaning with power washing services. This can
help keep your home’s exterior, including your roof and walls, free of dirt, mildew, and grime to
ensure your gutters are flowing properly and your home looks clean and well-maintained.
Protect Your Home: Schedule a Gutter Cleaning Today With The Service Pros
Keeping your gutters clean is essential for protecting your home from water damage, foundation
issues, and costly repairs. If you’ve noticed any of the blocked gutter warning signs, it’s time to
contact a gutter cleaning service near you.
The Service Pros offers comprehensive pressure washing services and gutter maintenance to
keep your gutters flowing freely, even during the heaviest North Carolina downpours. Our
experienced team delivers reliable service backed by a one-year guarantee. Contact us today
for a free estimate.
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