Gutters are your home’s primary defense against rain and water damage. When gutters start to clog and sag, they can put your home’s roof, walls, and foundation at risk.
As your gutter specialists in Maryland, we highlight common signs your gutters are clogged and need professional cleaning.
1. Water is spilling over the sides
Gutters are designed to direct runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt from your roof to a designated drainage area.
When gutters are clogged, the opposite happens. Water is forced to run over the sides of your gutters instead of flowing through them. This results in costly water-related problems such as basement flooding.
The next time it’s raining, keep an eye on where the water’s flowing. Excess water spilling over the edges is a clear sign that you need professional gutter cleaning.
2. Gutter channels begin to sag
All types of debris can settle in your gutters over time. The excess weight of dirt, sticks, leaves, twigs, pine needles and roofing materials can make gutter channels sag and pull away from your home.
Once the debris is eliminated, you may be able to reshape or re-attach the gutters to safeguard your home. In cases of severe roofing damage, you may need to replace your gutters entirely.
3. Birds and pests reside around the gutters
Clogged gutters offer a convenient and safe haven for pests, birds, rodents, insects, and other wild animals. The warmth and moisture created by decaying leaves and debris make gutters an ideal nesting spot.
Pests can spread or trigger a variety of health risks. Infectious diseases such as rabies, Lyme disease, and Zika virus can be carried by mosquitoes, rodents, and other animals.
Similarly, ants and termites are silent destroyers that can cause severe damage to the foundation of your house. They can also ruin wooden structures such as furniture and can cause ceilings and floors to collapse.
Ignoring clogs puts your home at risk for damage and pest infestation. Regular gutter maintenance can help you get rid of pests before they cause damage to your home. You can also install a gutter protection system to prevent debris from building up and attracting pests. Both solutions are a lot cheaper than hiring a pest control professional or replacing your roof completely.
4. Icicles appear during winter
Icicles can look beautiful, but they’re extremely dangerous, too. Large, falling icicles can put you at risk of broken bones and serious bruises. They can also be a sign that your gutters are clogged.
Icicles form when your gutters are blocked by debris, causing excess water to back up and settle on your roof. Icicles and ice dams in your gutters can also loosen shingles, tear off your gutters, and cause water to back up and work its way into your home.
Keep your gutters in pristine condition
For gutters to function properly, they must be kept clear of any dirt or debris buildup. At G.H. Clark, we offer professional gutter cleaning services and gutter protection systems in Maryland.
To know more about our gutter solutions, visit our showroom in Prince Frederick or contact us for a no-pressure quote today.