Top 8 Signs Your Gutters Need Power Washing Right Now
Quality home maintenance for your home includes exterior cleaning on a regular basis. This matters for both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Clogged gutters create a huge number of problems, yet they are one of the most often overlooked tasks on a homeowner’s long list. Luckily, pressure washing services from professional teams can take care of this for you.
How do you know if your gutters need cleaning? Look for these eight signs. Any one of them should convince you to call The Cannon and make an appointment for residential exterior cleaning right away.
- Water Overflowing the Gutters
Since you do not have a bird’s eye view of what’s going on in your gutters all the time, one of the first signs of trouble is overflowing water. If water spills over the sides or ends when it rains or directly afterward, it is a big sign that blockages exist. Power washing gutter cleaning can clear these blocks or buildups of dirt and debris to get the water flowing smoothly again. If you do not have this done promptly, serious problems may arise. Water going where you do not want it to is one of the biggest causes of structural damage and dangerous things like mold growth around the home. - Gutters Sagging or Bending
If your Athens, GA area home does not get rain for a while or if the inclement weather comes at night or while you’re at work, you may not notice overflows right away. Do a quick visual inspection of the roof line to check for sagging or bending of your existing gutters. This means that there is extra weight inside weighing them down. Even if they aren’t clogged by debris, they could have loose nails or screws you should have repaired soon. - Visible Debris Sticking Out
Leaves, twigs, or other debris visible above the top of the gutter is a sure sign that you need power washing services in the near future. While these things do not build up as much down here as for people living in the northern parts of the country, wind and storms can still knock them down. A single twig can cause a log-jamb of issues that will back up everything and cause problems. - Plant Growth or Overhanging Weeds
Neglect things too long, and whatever debris exists in your gutters will begin to sprout new growth. Seed of weeds and even trees are carried around by the wind, birds, and other animal life and can end up on your roof. A poorly maintained gutter provides fertile ground for them to germinate and grow. It is much better to opt for professional exterior cleaning before things get to this point, so schedule regular seasonal services. - Pests Infestations or Insects
Organic growth, rotting debris, and standing water are all optimum breeding grounds for insects and other pests. One of the first signs of this problem in your gutters actually comes from something you might not mind seeing: birds. If the local avian wildlife is taking a keen interest in your gutters, they are finding food there. You may also notice an increase in mosquito activity, crawling insects, or even signs of rodents using your gutters as their home base. - Damage to Your House’s Walls
No matter what type of siding you have on your house, it will get damaged and not look its best if water and debris is falling out of your gutters in the wrong places. Vinyl and fiber cement siding will show discoloration and growth like mildew and algae where water runs. The same thing holds true for brick, stone, and stucco. In these cases, however, continuous flows of runoff can damage the materials even more. Metal siding is safer from the ravages of water, but you still need properly functioning gutters to keep it in good condition for decades. Take the time to walk around your residential property on a regular basis and check things out. Catching problems before they get bigger can save you a lot of headaches and money. This will also give you a great indication whether you should opt for pressure washing services for your siding as well. We do it all to keep your home looking its best and lasting its longest. - Peeling Paint, Rust, or Corrosion
Newer vinyl gutters may not show aesthetic damage much, but many homes have older aluminum or steel options. All of them have metal screws or supports that can deteriorate over time. Look for signs of rust or corrosion on the metal parts. Also, scan the upper edges of your house for peeling or bubbling paint or other disruption or damage to the siding. These are all signs of too much water sitting for too long in the gutters, a sure sign of blockages and poor flow. Besides hiring The Cannon team for roof and gutter cleaning services, make sure to have corroded hardware replaced. Gutter brightening can help them look like new again. - Landscape or Basement Flooding
Water falling over the edges of the gutter can lead to flooding or severe damage to your landscaping and gardens. It will dig a groove in the soil, knock down plants, and even damage shrubbery if you let it go on for too long. This is why homes have gutters and downspouts in the first place. If you have a basement, this excess water near the foundation can cause even more serious issues. The last thing you want is the rain seeping into the bottom levels of your house, puddling on the floor, or weakening the foundation. This is a serious structural problem that can end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Deal with your gutters regularly, and you can avoid a lot of this risk.
Your Georgia home deserves the best care, and there are some jobs you should not tackle on your own. Skip the danger, mess, and headache of cleaning your own gutters by calling in the professionals. The Cannon PW offers gutter power washing and brightening services you can count on.
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE FROM The Cannon Pressure Washing IN GAINESVILLE!