Plumbing 101: 5 Telltale Signs Your Gutters Are Clogged

A house might be the most expensive thing most people can buy in their lifetime. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to protect your investment because you will most likely live the rest of your life in it. The easiest way of doing this is cleaning and maintenance, which extends to your gutters.

The gutters are part of your house’s foundation and a crucial element of its drainage system. They’re located under your roof so they will have a lot of weight on them. While cleaning the gutters might seem straightforward, the tricky part lies in knowing when to clean them. It might be too late when this happens, and your gutters will sustain damage. For this reason, one must understand the signs that the gutters should be cleaned. These include:

#1 – Water Spills on the Sides

Cleaning a gutter takes much effort and time, so, understandably, you would want to avoid it. However, you should know that ignoring this problem can be dangerous as it may lead to severe damage. If you notice that water begins to pool on the sides of your house or even spilling outside your property, you should clean the gutters as soon as possible, as it might lead to water leaking inside your home.

#2 – Mould Growth

Since the gutters channel water, mould is also often found on them. Mould growth is one of the most common problems in houses with blocked gutters. Sometimes, it can take the shape of a greenish fungus which is more unsightly than harmful. However, it can also take the form of a blackish growth which is very poisonous.

If you notice that your gutters are covered in mould, the gutters should be cleaned right away. If left unhandled, mould can cause allergic reactions and even trigger serious illnesses.

#3 – Plant Growth

Moss and algae are two common plant growths found in gutters. As you know, plants need water to live and grow, so if your gutters are blocked for long enough, the plants will start to grow right on top of the gutters. This can cause the gutters to become heavy and eventually leak.

Since blocked gutters can trigger the growth of these plants, it’s best to clean up the gutters as soon as possible. Apart from being unsightly, they can be toxic.

#4 – Birds and Pests Settle In Your Gutters

Birds and pests might be interested in making your gutters their new home. While it might not seem like a big deal at first, this can cause many problems. Birds can cause a lot of damage to the gutters, while they also leave behind droppings. This can be an issue if the droppings collect water, which can turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Aside from mosquitoes, birds can also attract other pests such as mice.

#5 – Presence of Black Streaks

Black streaks on your gutters can be caused by water residue, which can signify that the gutters are blocked. When water is trapped inside the gutter, the minerals and debris in the water will start to corrode the gutter and clog it. Once that happens, the water will have a hard time getting to the ground, and black streaks will start to form on the roof and edges of the roof.

#6 – The Gutter Sags Down

Gutters are supposed to be rigid to prevent water leakage. However, if the gutters are blocked, the water will not correctly be channelled to the ground. This can cause the gutters to sag down, eventually leading to the gutter falling off your roof. It’s best to perform routine maintenance to prevent this from happening.

Conclusion

Cleaning your gutter is a challenging task, but it’s necessary if you want to protect your home and your family from any potential harm. By regularly cleaning the gutters, you can lessen the risk of water damage and mould growth that can harm your property. You’ll be glad you did because you’re preserving the quality of your gutters and, by extension, your home.

Diamond Cleaning provides top-quality services for gutter cleaning services in Calgary. Our professional cleaners use comprehensive cleaning solutions to ensure your home is a pleasant place to live, all for an affordable price. Simply go to our website to book an appointment!