1. You Spot Birds or Pests By Your Roof
If you are noticing animals or pests scurrying around your gutters, this can be a big sign your gutters are clogged. Birds find gutters to be a convenient place to make a nest.
Here at Handyman Network, we’ve seen it all when it comes to pests making their gutters a home. We’ve encountered possums, birds, mice, and squirrels – even snakes! It’s important to ensure that you do not have any pests clogging your gutters so water can flow freely away from your home.
2. Water is Spilling Over the Sides
If you notice water spilling over the sides of your gutters like a waterfall, it’s a tell-tale sign you have clogged rain gutters. The obstruction can force water over the sides of your gutter, leading to expensive water related damages. For example, if you notice your basement flooding during a rain storm, it’s usually because water is spilling over the sides of your gutters!
3. Sagging Gutters
Your sagging gutters are a sign that your gutters are clogged. The weight of the debris, leaves, shingle grit and pine needles can cause your gutters to bend in the middle and sag. Unfortunately, your gutters will be ineffective at carrying water away from your home.
If enough debris remains in your gutters for long periods of time, the excess weight will begin to wear on the guttering itself. Your gutters may even pull away from your home, causing even more issues and homeowner headaches!
4. Staining on your Siding
Any signs of staining on the siding of your home can be a sign of standing water in your gutter system. Rain water that is stagnant could end up causing costly damage to the fascia boards behind the gutters and on the shingles of your roof.
5. Plant Growth
Have you ever looked up and notice a gutter in your garden? This is an obvious sign of clogged gutters. Seeds can accumulate in your gutters and along with dirt and debris, a gutter garden can form! Plant growth is a glaring sign that your gutters need a cleaning. Foam gutter guards are notorious for encouraging plant growth in your gutters.
6. Can’t Remember the Last Time You Cleaned
If you can’t remember the last time you climbed the ladder to clean your clogged rain gutters, it’s likely that you’re in need of a serious cleaning. Your gutter system should be cleaned each season to ensure your home is properly protected against expensive water related damages.
