Especially now in the lower mainland where we haven’t had any rainfall in over a month, it’s easy to forget about the gutters. Gutters and downspouts are part of the roofing system that protects your home from the elements. Even a small clog can have a big impact on your home’s exterior. To do the job they are intended to do, gutters must be in optimal working order. Here are some common signs your gutters are clogged.
Regular Home Maintenance
Cleaning out the dryer vent, installing weatherstripping around drafty windows, and winterizing the yard are some of the things you do to keep your home running smoothly. Gutters should be on your regular home maintenance checklist too. If you can’t remember when the last gutter cleaning was done, it’s time to pay attention. Cleaning the gutters at least twice a year for maximum functionality reduces the chances of material buildup resulting in clogged gutters. When you don’t have a lot of trees growing next to the house, you might need to clean the gutters only once a year.
Mold or Mildew Growth
When mold or mildew appears anywhere on your home’s exterior including inside the gutters, outside of the gutters, or on siding, it is typically a sign of moisture issues. Standing water in gutter channels or when the gutter system constantly overflows can be a symptom of clogs in the gutter channel, at the gutter outlet, or inside the downspouts.
After a Storm
After a storm, inspect the lawn – if it’s covered with leaves, broken branches, and other types of debris, then some of it has landed on the roof and in the gutters. Even if the gutters have been cleaned recently, check inside the gutters. They might not need a thorough gutter cleaning, but at least ensure that the gutter outlet is clog-free and there’s no debris trapped anywhere in the gutter channel.
Birds Hanging Around
Let’s face it, if you’re a bird looking for a new home gutters are the perfect place – they are sheltered by the roof overhang and out of the way of predators. But it’s not so good if you’re a homeowner. While one nest might not clog up the gutters, the original builders might return to the scene of the crime or the existing nest can be claimed by new bird parents. Whichever scenario, this means the nest will be added to with feathers, bits of twigs, leaves and over time it can become heavy enough to decrease water flow and provide plenty of material for clogs.
Formation of Puddles
When puddles form on the ground, it is generally because of clogs in the gutter system. If the puddles are directly below the eaves, the water can’t flow around the clog so it spills over the edge of the gutter, usually at the back. Puddles that form around the foundation near the downpipes are often caused by debris buildup at the gutter outlet or somewhere inside the downspouts.
