• By Liam Ridings
• In Blog
• Tags roof repairs

What are the Signs That Your Gutters Need Cleaning?

Gutters play a primary role in keeping your home clean by preventing mould, mildew, and other water damage. When it rains, the gutters on your roof will channel the rainwater through downspouts towards an appropriate area outside your home. Without an efficient gutter system, your roof will accumulate a lot of leaves and debris. This can cause water to stagnate and overflow, which can cause severe water damage. To avoid gutter overflow and stagnation, it’s essential to clean them whenever necessary. In this article, we’ll take you through when you should clean your gutter, how often, and why.  

Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning 

When it comes to roof gutters, prevention is key. Keeping a close eye on your home and taking note of early warning signs can help you avoid severe damage. If you notice any of the following signs in your home, check and clean your gutters immediately.

Sagging gutters

When gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, they may sag or pull away from the roof. If they are not cleaned out, your roof, siding, and gutter system may be damaged.

Overflowing water during rainfall

If your gutters overflow when it rains, and water spills over the sides, they are probably blocked. This can lead to water damage to your house, so check your gutters for blockage as soon as you notice any overflowing or spillage.

Leaking roof

If your gutters are blocked, the rainwater can build up on the roof and may eventually leak through the ceiling into your home. A leaking roof can be expensive to fix, so avoid this by cleaning your gutter out regularly.

Plant growth

If there are plants, grass, or weeds growing in the gutters, they’re long overdue for a cleaning. This means there’s enough soil and nutrients in there to support plant growth — that’s a lot, so be sure to get them cleaned out as soon as possible.

Insect and animal life

If you’ve been hearing scurrying on your roof or noticed an abundance of birds, mosquitoes, and insects around your gutters, it’s a sign that your gutters are full of dirt that attracts animal life. You may even end up with a rodent problem.

Stains and mildew

A sure sign gutters need cleaning is if you notice staining and mildew around your gutters. This can be on your walls, brickwork, siding, and roof, and it happens because of overflowing and stagnant water. If you see or smell stains and mildew, get your gutters cleaned immediately.

Eroded or cracked foundation

When water leaks into your home, it can erode your foundation and cause cracks in your walls and floors. This can be an expensive problem to fix, so be sure to look out for the other signs before this happens.

When to Clean Gutters

Cleaning your gutters may be the last chore you want to add to your list, but the good news is that you don’t have to do it that often. It’s generally recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year. If you’re in a leafy area, you may be required to clean them out every three months. The best time to clean your gutters is just after spring and autumn. These two seasons are the most likely to result in leaves and debris littering your roof, so clearing them at these times will ensure that your gutters remain unblocked for the next few months.

How Often Should You Clean Gutters?

Depending on various factors, you might need to clean your gutters more frequently than usual. Homes surrounded by trees that shed often will probably need cleaning more often. Similarly, areas that receive frequent rain, snowfall, or storms may need extra cleaning to ensure they can handle the water flow. Old or damaged gutters may need more cleaning to maintain functionality. If your gutters are prone to clogging, consider having them inspected or replaced.

Why Clean Gutters?

Cleaning your gutters is essential to maintaining a clean and stable home. Get your gutters cleaned as soon as you notice any signs that they are blocked, damaged, leaking, or otherwise faulty. You’ll prevent water damage, avoid foundation issues, reduce the risk of pests, extend the life of your gutters and roof, and maintain the aesthetics of your home.

Vertec Roofing’s Professional Gutter Cleaning

While you can clean your gutters yourself with the proper tools and safety equipment, it’s always best to consult a professional to ensure they are well-maintained and serviced. Vertec Roofing provides the best expert gutter cleaning services in Sydney. We can unblock debris from your gutters and downpipes and install leaf guards to prevent future build-up. Don’t hesitate to contact our expert gutter cleaners if you notice that your gutters are blocked or faulty. We’ll help you ensure the longevity of your roof and gutter system to protect your home from damage, saving you time and money in the future.