After a heavy rainstorm passes through and drenches your home with rainwater, your gutters act as one of your home’s main lines of defense. Water that isn’t diverted and managed by properly maintained gutters can pour down near the foundation of your home and cause erosion issues.
Naturally, most homes have gutters to prevent these kinds of problems. However, if your gutters are clogged or damaged, they might as well not be there at all. It can be easy to overlook clogged gutters. Most people don’t notice a problem until water damage starts to occur. It’s best to be proactive about the health of your gutters and look out for these three common signs of trouble:
- Overflowing Water. Keep an eye on the sides of your gutters for overflowing water. If you notice water consistently pouring out from the sides of your gutters, that’s usually a strong indication that something is blocking the water from flowing freely through your gutters. This overflow can even find its way into your home and lead to water damage.
- Plant Growth. A small plant making a home in your gutters might not seem like a big deal, but beneath every plant is a complex root system. Roots can cause blockages in your gutters, and if left unaddressed, can grow and spread.
- Nesting Birds. Baby birds may be cute, but the damage their nests cause while in your gutters definitely isn’t. A large bundle of sticks and debris packed into your gutters is a recipe for disaster. Birds are common pesky nesters when it comes to gutters, but other animals such as squirrels and insects can also make themselves at home there.
What Can You Do About Problematic Gutters?
The first thing on your list should be maintenance. Cleaning the gutters may not be your favorite way to spend an afternoon, but it’s necessary for maintaining the health of your home and family. Preventative measures include installing gutter protectors, which are designed to keep debris and anything that shouldn’t be in your gutters out.
If you’d prefer to leave the hassle of gutter cleaning to the professionals or if you want more information about gutter protectors, contact us today to learn more about our products and services.