How to Tell if your Gutter Needs Cleaning

We know that life can get busy – juggling your time between work, PTA meetings, and everything else that fills our days – things such as gutter cleaning can easily take the back burner.

Gutter cleaning services are essential to maintain the health of your home’s gutters. Neglecting to clean your gutters can cause various problems, including water damage to your home’s foundation, rotting wood, and the formation of ice dams in the winter. The accumulation of leaves, twigs, and other debris can also clog your gutters, preventing rainwater from flowing freely through the system. This can cause water to overflow, damaging your home’s exterior and potentially causing water damage to your foundation.

Ideally, gutters should be cleaned annually, or better yet, bi-annually, to keep them clear of debris allowing rainwater to run smoothly down to the ground. Failing to do so can lead to expensive gutter replacements or extensive water leaks into your home, leaving you and your home vulnerable.

It’s important to contact a professional gutter cleaning service, like Umbrella Property Services, to ensure that your gutters are properly cleaned and functioning. Regular cleaning can help prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of your home’s gutters.

Seven Warning Signs your Gutter Needs Cleaning

There are a few signs that will tell you that it’s time to clean the gutters. However, you don’t want to wait to see any of these signs to have them cleaned! 

Here are some warning signs to keep an eye out for:

Rainwater Spillover

If gutters are full and clogged with debris, rainwater won’t be able to flow through and will spill over the sides of the gutters. Over time, this can cause expensive damage to your home’s sidings, fascia boards, and foundation just to name a few – all of which are easily avoidable through regular removal of debris.

Plants in your Gutters

With all the debris that gutters can collect through the seasons, it can create a lovely environment for healthy grass and weeds to grow. We’ve even had a few SOS emails from people telling us that they have a little tree growing in the gutter! This is a sure sign your gutters need cleaning.

Fun fact: gutters do such a good job in housing plants that they are often used in urban gardens!

Birds’ Nests

Gutters can be a convenient location for birds to build a home. All their supplies are provided and the gutters are a solid and safe foundation for their nest. Gutter guards, spikes, decoys, and sound wave devices can help keep birds away. However, if they have already taken residency in your gutters, then you know it’s time to do something about it. Bird nest material can easily clog gutters and you’ll end up with overflowing gutters during the rainy season.

Sagging Gutters

After much neglect, gutters can become weakened which can lead to sagging. At this point, the gutter will most likely need to be repaired or you may even need to replace the whole gutter system. Having your gutters cleaned once or twice per year will help you avoid these unnecessary expenses.

Insect Infestation

Gutters that are left uncleaned can become a breeding ground for insects and pests. Mosquitoes, termites, and other pests thrive in moist environments and can make their homes in clogged gutters. This can lead to an infestation, which can be difficult to get rid of and cause damage to your home.

Mold and Mildew

Another issue that can arise from dirty gutters is the growth of mold and mildew. When water is unable to flow through the gutters due to blockages, it can accumulate and create a damp environment where mold and mildew can thrive. This can not only damage the gutter system, but it can also pose a health hazard to you and your family if left unchecked.

You Can’t Remember the Last Time you Cleaned your Gutters

To keep your gutters well maintained they should be cleaned annually or bi-annually, so if you can’t remember when they were cleaned last, it is certainly time!

If you have questions about the state of your gutters and/or are still not sure if you should have them cleaned, give us a call! We will be happy to help.

Regular cleaning of gutters can prevent these problems and ensure that your gutters are functioning properly. It’s important to schedule regular cleaning services to maintain the health of your home’s gutter system and prevent any costly repairs in the future.

How Often Should you Do Gutter Cleaning?

The frequency of gutter cleaning for your residential or commercial property will depend on a few factors such as the location of your property, the number of trees around your property, and the amount of rainfall in your area. Since Vancouver is a rainfall-heavy area, as a general rule of thumb, we recommend that you clean your gutters at least twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall.

For properties that have a lot of trees around them, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. This is because more debris will accumulate in the gutters, which can lead to clogging and potential water damage. In such cases, it may be necessary to clean your gutters every three to four months.

In addition to the frequency of cleaning, it’s important to note that regular inspections of your gutter system by our experienced technicians will help prevent any blockages or damage to your gutters that could lead to bigger problems. It’s also a good idea to schedule gutter cleaning after any major storms or weather events to ensure that your gutter system is functioning properly. 

How Umbrella Property Services Can Help with your Gutter Cleaning Needs

At Umbrella Property Services, we understand that every property is unique, so, we work with you to understand your gutter cleaning needs and provide customized solutions for you.  We have flexible scheduling options to ensure that your gutter cleaning is carried out at a time that is convenient for you, with minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Our team of trained and experienced professionals uses the latest equipment and techniques to clean your gutters and make sure they are free from any debris or blockages. We even conduct a comprehensive inspection of your gutter system to identify any potential issues or damage that could lead to bigger problems down the line. 

If you need professional gutter cleaning services in the Greater Vancouver area, Umbrella Property Services is your go-to company for all your gutter cleaning needs. Our team of technicians is committed to providing exceptional customer service, leaving your property looking its best year-round. Contact us today for a free quote.