How to Tell if Your Gutters Are Clogged

If you’re worried your gutters aren’t doing their job, you’re not alone. Many homeowners deal with clogged gutters on a regular basis, and there are a few telltale signs that your gutters are filled with leaves and other debris. Keep reading to learn more about how to tell if your gutters are clogged and what you can do about it.

Looking for gutter cleaning in Raleigh or nearby? Peak Performance can help! Keep reading to learn more and contact us today for a free quote.

The Dangers of Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause some serious problems for your home if left unchecked. The most obvious issue is the build-up of water that can result in water damage inside and outside your home.

When your gutters are clogged, standing water will accumulate and eventually seep into the walls of your home, leading to rotting wood, crumbling mortar, peeling paint, and mold growth. This can be especially dangerous if there are wires in the wall — water and electricity just don’t mix.

Clogged gutters also increase the risk of pest infestation. Leftover leaves and debris provide ideal breeding grounds for critters such as rats, roaches, and mosquitoes which can carry harmful diseases like West Nile virus or Lyme disease.

Lastly, clogged gutters can lead to expensive long-term repairs. If left unchecked, it can lead to foundation damage as well as problems with your roofline such as warped shingles or cracked tiles due to excess moisture buildup.

Signs That Your Gutters May Be Clogged

It’s crucial to keep an eye on your gutters and make sure they’re clear of debris so you don’t have to endure any costly repairs or deal with a potential health hazard later on down the road. Here are some ways to tell whether your gutters are clogged:

• Examine the flow of water – Use your garden hose to run water through your gutter system, watching to see if the flow of water is slow or obstructed in any way. If water pools, spills over, or backs up, you likely have a clog.
• Look for standing water – gutters that are clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris cannot effectively channel water out and away from the home. Rather, the water may spill over the sides of the gutters and pool directly next to the foundation of the home.
• Listen for strange noises – Sometimes clogged gutters will produce a gurgling noise when it rains. You can test this by using your hose to run water through your gutter system and listening closely.
• Check for mold and mildew – The presence of mold and mildew in your gutters can indicate a lack of proper drainage. You may notice an unpleasant smell coming from your gutters, or see green, yellow, or black patches of mold.
• Inspect nearby plants – Take a look at the surrounding plants and shrubs; if they are showing signs of being overwatered, this could be a sign that your gutters are overflowing onto your landscaping.
• Do a visible inspection – Shine a flashlight into your gutters to see if there is any debris or build-up blocking the flow of water.

How to Unclog Your Gutters

If you find that your gutters are clogged, the best thing to do is to get them cleaned out as soon as possible. There are a few different ways you can go about this depending on your comfort level with DIY, the severity of the clog, and the types of gutters you have.

DIY Methods

If you’re looking to clean out your gutters yourself, the easiest way is to use a pressure washer or hose attachment with a nozzle. This will help to blast away any buildup of leaves, twigs, and dirt quickly and efficiently. However, if the clog is more substantial or you have an enclosed gutter system, then you may need to use an auger or plumber’s snake in order to properly loosen and remove the debris. It’s also important that you wear protective eyewear when working with a pressure washer due to potential eye injury from flying particles.

Once your gutters are clear again make sure that you check them regularly for continued build-up of debris. Additionally, make sure that downspouts are angled away from your home’s foundation so any water runoff does not cause water damage or erode the surrounding soil. Doing these things will help ensure that your gutters remain free-flowing and functioning properly for years to come.

Professional Gutter Cleaning

Professional gutter cleaning is the best way to ensure that your gutters are thoroughly cleaned and free of clogs. It can be dangerous to attempt to clean out your own gutters so it’s best to enlist the help of a professional gutter cleaning service. A professional cleaner will have the tools and experience necessary to safely and effectively remove any debris from your gutters without causing damage.

The process typically includes using powerful vacuums, scrubbing brushes, or pressure washers to loosen any dirt or debris stuck in the gutters while also being careful not to cause damage.

Professional gutter cleaning services like ours at Peak Performance Gutter Cleaning in Raleigh are affordable and can save you a lot of time and hassle compared with attempting to do it yourself. Make sure that you get regular checkups for your gutters so that any potential problems can be addressed quickly before they become bigger issues down the road. This proactive approach can help keep your home’s foundation safe from water damage due to clogged gutters.

Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are an excellent way to help keep your gutters from becoming clogged with debris. These covers fit over the top of your gutter system and they act as a barrier against leaves, twigs, and other debris while also allowing water to flow freely. Gutter guards, particularly metal construction, are super durable and come in different heights and widths that fit any size of gutter system.

Gutter guards can save you time and money by preventing clogs from forming in the first place. They also reduce the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance during the year. Installing these guards is relatively easy but it’s best to hire a professional so that the job is done right the first time. This small investment can help ensure that your gutters remain free-flowing for years to come.

If you are looking for gutter cleaning or gutter guards in Raleigh or a nearby community, there’s no better choice than Peak Performance. Give us a call today with questions and to learn more about how we can help you keep your gutters working great!