6 Signs You Have Clogged Gutters

You may not realize that something small – like a clogged gutter – could have a big impact on your home. Unfortunately, clogged gutters can wreak havoc on your entire home.

When your gutters become clogged, water will be unable to properly divert away from your home. Instead, the water will spill over the side of your gutters, leading to a number of different issues like foundation damage, structural issues, mold and mildew and basement flooding. These issues can be expensive, costing homeowners thousands of dollars in damage.

The best way to avoid these problems is to check your gutters frequently. Here are some signs you could have clogged rain gutters.

1. You Spot Birds or Pests By Your Roof

If you are noticing animals or pests scurrying around your gutters, this can be a big sign your gutters are clogged. Birds find gutters to be a convenient place to make a nest.

Here at LeafFilter, we’ve seen it all when it comes to pests making their gutters a home. We’ve encountered possums, birds, mice, and squirrels – even snakes! It’s important to ensure that you do not have any pests clogging your gutters so water can flow freely away from your home.

2. Water is Spilling Over the Sides

If you notice water spilling over the sides of your gutters like a waterfall, it’s a tell-tale sign you have clogged rain gutters. The obstruction can force water over the sides of your gutter, leading to expensive water related damages. For example, if you notice your basement flooding during a rain storm, it’s usually because water is spilling over the sides of your gutters!

3. Sagging Gutters

Your sagging gutters are a sign that your gutters are clogged. The weight of the debris, leaves, shingle grit and pine needles can cause your gutters to bend in the middle and sag. Unfortunately, your gutters will be ineffective at carrying water away from your home.

If enough debris remains in your gutters for long periods of time, the excess weight will begin to wear on the guttering itself. Your gutters may even pull away from your home, causing even more issues and homeowner headaches!

4. Staining on your Siding

Any signs of staining on the siding of your home can be a sign of standing water in your gutter system. Rain water that is stagnant could end up causing costly damage to the fascia boards behind the gutters and on the shingles of your roof.

5. Plant Growth

Have you ever looked up and notice a gutter in your garden? This is an obvious sign of clogged gutters. Seeds can accumulate in your gutters and along with dirt and debris, a gutter garden can form! Plant growth is a glaring sign that your gutters need a cleaning. Foam gutter guards are notorious for encouraging plant growth in your gutters.

6. Can’t Remember the Last Time You Cleaned

If you can’t remember the last time you climbed the ladder to clean your clogged rain gutters, it’s likely that you’re in need of a serious cleaning. Your gutter system should be cleaned each season to ensure your home is properly protected against expensive water related damages.

Avoid Gutter Cleaning with LeafFilter

Do you hate climbing the ladder to clean your gutters? We understand your pain. Gutter cleaning is a tiresome, dirty task. Plus, it’s dangerous!

Fortunately, there is a solution.

LeafFilter Gutter Protection installs right on top of your existing gutters, preventing debris, leaves, shingle grit, pine needles – everything but water – from entering and clogging your gutters. With a lifetime transferable warranty, you’ll never have to worry about gutter cleaning again!

Learn more about our product or call us at 800-290-6106 for a free estimate and gutter inspection!