If you live in an area that receives a significant amount of rainfall, you’ll need gutters around your house. Gutters are designed to collect water and then direct it away from your home’s foundations. However, gutters can easily become clogged due to leaf buildup. If you have a number of trees on your property, your gutters will clog up quickly. Clogged gutters occur when materials from the roof build-up and block the downspouts.
If you notice you have clogged gutters, get them cleared as soon as possible. Here are some of the top signs you need to watch for which indicate your gutters are full.
Overflowing water
If you notice that water is flowing over your gutters when it rains, this is one of the top signs that your gutters are full of debris. Even when it rains hard, your gutters shouldn’t overflow unless they are blocked in some way. You should also check the water flow coming out of the downspouts. If the water is just coming out as a trickle during moderate or heavy rainfall, that is a sign that the downspout is blocked.
Sagging
When your gutters are full they start to sag. It is most likely full of debris, causing water to back up. Sagging is usually more visible on long gutters.
Staining
If water is coming over the top of a full gutter, you may have staining on the siding of your home. Damage to your fascia boards is another clear sign that water is flowing over your gutters.
Plant growth
If you notice that there are weeds or other types of plant growing out of one of your gutters, this is a sure sign that your gutters are full – and gutter cleaning is necessary.
Now that you know some of the top signs that your gutters are full, it is important to clean your gutters in order to avoid damage to your home. Water from overflowing gutters can cause damage in several different ways.
Soil erosion
When water pours over your gutters, it will come down by the foundations of your home and cause the dirt around the foundations to wash away. Over time, this can lead to major structural problems.
Foundation damage
If water from overflowing gutters gets up against the foundation for a prolonged period of time, it can cause cracks in your foundations and will lead to water getting into your home’s basement or crawlspace.
Siding, fascia and door damage
When water comes over your gutters, it will often hit the siding and doors of your home. If your siding and doors are made from wood, this can lead to costly repairs. Any fascia boards near to the gutters can also become water damaged.
As a general rule, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year. You will need to do this more often if you have multiple trees. Some people aren’t comfortable getting on a ladder to clean their gutters, but there are professionals who can clean and maintain your gutters to protect your home against water damage. Contact the ProClean team today for a free estimate!