How to Tell If Your Gutters Are Desperate for Cleaning
Let’s face it—gutter maintenance isn’t exactly thrilling. But when you…
Let’s face it—gutter maintenance isn’t exactly thrilling. But when you ignore it, you’re practically inviting water damage and costly repairs to your doorstep. The good news? Your home gives you plenty of clues.
Here are the most common—and often ignored—signs that your gutters need a good clean-up, shared with real-life homeowner stories to keep things relatable.
💦 1. Water Pours Over the Sides During Rain
Notice a dramatic water show flowing over your gutter edges? That’s not normal—it’s a sign your gutters are blocked and rainwater has nowhere else to go.
“I thought the overflow was just heavy rain. Turns out it was ruining my porch paint.” – Lisa, Florida
🌱 2. Something’s Growing Up There
If your gutters look like they’ve been turned into a flower box, complete with moss or weeds, it means organic debris is stuck and creating soil-like buildup.
“One spring I saw actual grass coming out of my gutter. Not ideal.” – Mark, Ohio
🐀 3. Unwanted Visitors (With Tails or Wings)
Birds nesting? Mosquitoes partying? That damp gunk in your gutters is basically an Airbnb for insects, rodents, and other pests.
📉 4. Your Gutters Are Sagging or Separating
Clogged gutters can become so heavy that they start to pull away from the house. That’s not just a visual issue—it’s structural.
🌧️ 5. Water Damage or Mold Around Your Foundation
Clogs force water to overflow or leak behind the gutters, which can damage siding or cause leaks in your basement. Mold, rot, and water stains are major red flags.
🗓️ 6. Can’t Recall Your Last Cleaning? That’s Your Answer
If it’s been more than a few months—or worse, a couple of years—it’s definitely time for gutter maintenance. A quick cleaning now saves you thousands in potential repairs later.
“I realized it was bad when plants started popping out of the downspout. Lesson learned.” – Jen, North Carolina
🧹 What Should You Do Next?
Spotted any of these warning signs? Time to grab a ladder or hire a professional gutter cleaning service. Clean gutters mean a safer, drier home—and peace of mind.
Don’t Wait for an Indoor Waterfall
Ignoring your gutters won’t make the problem go away—in fact, it usually makes it worse. Catch the warning signs early and take action before minor neglect becomes a major (and expensive) disaster.