Gutters don’t get enough attention—but they should. Many homeowners skimp on gutter maintenance until it’s too late. The thing is, gutters need to be cleaned frequently to prevent issues like clogging, insect infestations, and even structural damage. Don’t know if your gutters need cleaning? You’ve come to the right article.
Below we will discuss five tell-tale signs that your gutters need cleaning. Plus, find out just how often you should be cleaning your gutters. Hint: it’s probably not what you think.
5 Signs That You Need Gutter Cleaning
It’s easy to tell when your gutters need cleaning. From overflowing water to excessive debris, learn how to spot the signs that it’s time to call the professionals at My Gutter Pro.
1. Overflowing
Gutters are designed to flow water away from your property. So when water starts spilling over the edges of your gutters, you know it’s time to bring in the professionals. Overflowing water not only ruins your landscape, but the standing water can seep into your foundation and cause cracks over time. Overflowing could be due to clogged downspout for example which would require gutter cleaning.
2. Gutters Sagging or Collapsing
Your gutters won’t defy gravity. If your gutters are sagging, then you likely have an excessive amount of debris and water built up. Sagging gutters can lead to a full collapse, so you must clean your gutters out before the damage worsens. With regular gutter maintenance, you can prevent this type of issue.
3. Critters Living in Your Gutters
We all want to live harmoniously with our fellow critters—but we don’t want them living in our gutters. If you find that your gutters have become home to animals like squirrels, birds, and mice, then you should give our team at My Gutter Pro a call.
4. Water Damage on Walls & Siding
Have you ever noticed homes with stains swept across their siding? Do you have stains on your home’s exterior? If so, then this is a sign that your gutters need cleaning ASAP. Streaks along your home’s siding are a direct result of overflowing water. Without regular gutter cleaning, the water will hit your siding and run down the walls, creating unsightly streaking.
4. Excessive Debris
Finally, excessive debris and plants are a surefire sign that your gutters are overdue for a cleaning. Gutters are supposed to move water down their downspouts. When debris and plants block rainwater, a slew of issues can crop up. From mold problems to insect infestations, gutter clogs must be dealt with as soon as you notice them with a thorough gutter cleaning.
Gutter Cleaning Frequency: General Guidelines
Now that you’ve made it to this part of the article, you’re probably wondering just how frequently you should clean your gutters. We recommend you clean your gutters six times a year. That’s because gutters can easily get clogged year-round—especially in a state as rainy as Maryland.
Regular gutter maintenance help eliminate debris and minimize the risk of clogs. Even though spring and fall are ideal times to clean your gutters, the winter and summer months can also produce a lot of problems. The frequency of your gutter cleaning schedule can also be swayed by a few factors, such as:
- Climate
- Trees and plants
- Roofing material
Do Gutter Guards Help?
Gutter guards are perforated stainless steel screens designed to filter water into a gutter. Despite their popularity, gutter guards don’t help. In fact, gutter guards can make clogging problems worse. These guards will eventually become clogged themselves and will cause a headache that you don’t need.
What Months Are Best To Clean Gutters?
The best months to clean your gutters are in the spring and fall. However, we recommend cleaning your gutters six times a year to ensure your gutters are free from debris at all times.
The Benefits of Regular Gutter Cleaning
Many homeowners forget the importance of their gutters. When you take care of your gutters, your gutters will take care of the rest of your home.
1. Prevent Water Damage
Overflowing water can severely damage your home’s foundation.
Water buildup around your home can find its way into your home’s foundation, which can freeze during the winter. When the water freezes and defrosts, your foundation can develop cracks.
2. Protect Your Home
Cleaning your gutters helps keep your home safe. Regularly cleaning your gutters prevents your home from harmful mold growth and infestations while ensuring the integrity of your foundation.
3. Avoid Pest Infestations
Pest infestations can wreak havoc on your home. From mosquitos to rodents, infestations put your home at risk. Eliminate the risk of infestations by calling the professionals at My Gutter Pro.
DIY vs. Professional Gutter Cleaning
Even though homeowners love to save a buck by cleaning gutters themselves, a DIY gutter cleaning is never advised. Ladder falls are dangerous and could be fatal. Instead, call My Gutter Pro for professional gutter maintenance. Our technicians are specially trained to handle ladders of all sizes.
Want to know how much your gutter cleaning will cost?
Let the Pros Handle Your Gutters
Scheduling a gutter cleaning service with My Gutter Pro is easy. Simply use our online form to schedule an appointment or go seasonal with our worry-free seasonal cleanings. The best part is that you don’t even have to be home. Sign up for the gutter cleaning service Maryland homeowners trust.
