Is it Time to Clean your Gutters?

As a homeowner, we know that there are many things to consider when it comes to maintenance and protecting the integrity of your home. Gutters play a very big role in protecting your home. How to know when you need a gutter cleaning service or when you might be at risk of needing a gutter replacement isn’t something we expect homeowners to know a ton about, so we’re excited to pass along helpful tips in today’s blog.

When gutters become clogged beyond repair, you might find yourself in a situation that requires expensive repairs to not only your gutters but to your roof and other parts of your home. That’s why keeping them cleared out and free of debris is so important. It is recommended that you clean your gutters two to three times a year, but we would also recommend maintenance after any severe weather, and here’s why. Whether it’s winter weather or seasonal rain/storms, excess water can actually travel through cracks and seams of your roof and the siding of your home. Your gutters are meant to catch this excess water, but when they are clogged, that water has nowhere else to go, so it could push back up onto your roof structure and through the seams of your home. After that, the issues begin unfolding with roof leaks, staining to the exterior of your home, potential mold/mildew, pest infestations, foundation problems, and more.

So how do you know when your gutters need some attention? Here are 5 signs that it’s time to get your gutters cleaned or replaced!

1. Rainwater is overflowing from the gutters. If you have water overflowing from the gutters, that is a clear sign that they are probably long overdue for a cleaning. When any severe weather hits and sends excess water through your system, something that is sure to cause an issue is if you have clogged gutters. That buildup will prevent the gutters from doing their job, which is to send water away from the home, and it will start to overflow. This brings us to our next sign…
2. Water around the foundation of your home. Your gutters are meant to protect the foundation of your home from damage by sending water away. When your gutters don’t do their job properly, water could pool around the perimeter of your home and cause severe damage over time. Trust us, you don’t want to have to worry about your homes foundation cracking or shifting on top of roof damage.
3. Sagging gutters. If the debris build up gets bad enough, it can cause your gutters to sag or break completely. Here in Columbus, we get rain all year long, even through the winter months, and that water can cause gallons of weight and stress to your gutters, so keeping them clear is extremely important!
4. Plants are growing. As leaves decompose and debris get blown into your gutters, it can create a perfect environment for spouting plants. This is obviously a concern because it will add weight to your gutters that could cause them to break.
5. Pests and birds are flocking to your home. Birds, insects and other rodents love to make a home in your gutters, but that is an infestation you don’t want to deal with. When you have built up debris in your gutters, you not only risk attracting pests on and around your home but inside it as well. The presence of pests and birds around your home is a sure tell sign that something isn’t right. There are a multitude of reasons that could create this problem, but checking your gutters should be at the top of your list of areas to check around your home.

The truth is, if your gutters have been clogged for an extended time, it is likely that your home will need some TLC. But don’t worry, our team is fully equipped to assist you in dealing with your gutters. Whether you need them cleaned or replaced, we offer services that will get your gutters in great condition, so that they can protect your home efficiently.

At Newman Roofing, we want gutter cleaning to be the last of your concerns. We provide a convenient, simple program so that our customers never have to think about their gutter cleaning again. So call us to schedule your cleaning and we’ll make sure your gutters are ready to protect your home!