Q: What are some signs that it’s time to clean my gutters?

• <div>It&rsquo;s best to schedule regular gutter cleanings before there&rsquo;s a major issue, but sometimes life gets in the way. Luckily, a few telltale signs will let you know when to clean your gutters ASAP:<ul><li>You notice built-up debris in your gutters.</li><li>Your gutters overflow with water when it rains.</li><li>Water doesn&rsquo;t readily flow from your downspouts.</li><li>Your gutters are damaged or visibly leaking.</li><li>You notice evidence of leaking along your roof, siding, yard, or pavement.</li><li>Your gutters have pulled away from your roofing or exterior walls.</li><li>You see water damage on your soffits or fascia.</li><li>You have weeds growing in your gutters.</li><li>You start to see ants or other insects around your gutters or in your home.</li><li>You suddenly have issues with leaks in your crawl space or basement.</li></ul></div>

Question 1

What are some signs that it’s time to clean my gutters?

Accepted Answer

•

It’s best to schedule regular gutter cleanings before there’s a major issue, but sometimes life gets in the way. Luckily, a few telltale signs will let you know when to clean your gutters ASAP:

You notice built-up debris in your gutters.
Your gutters overflow with water when it rains.
Water doesn’t readily flow from your downspouts.
Your gutters are damaged or visibly leaking.
You notice evidence of leaking along your roof, siding, yard, or pavement.
Your gutters have pulled away from your roofing or exterior walls.
You see water damage on your soffits or fascia.
You have weeds growing in your gutters.
You start to see ants or other insects around your gutters or in your home.
You suddenly have issues with leaks in your crawl space or basement.

Question 2

How do I maintain PVC gutters?

Accepted Answer

•

Clean regularly to prevent clogs, check for cracks, and ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

Question 3

Are there downsides to rain chains?

Accepted Answer

•

Yes, there are several downsides to installing rain chains. For one, rain chains have a lower flow capacity than a typical gutter and downspout system. This means that if there is a rainstorm, the rain chain can stop working completely. Rain chains also cannot redirect rainwater away from your house. In homes with a sloped yard, this could cause water damage in your foundation or basement.

Question 4

How to determine if my downspout drain is clogged?

Accepted Answer

•

There are several ways to tell if your gutter downspout drain is backed up. The most obvious sign is when you see water flowing over your gutter edges. This can occur during everything from light rain to a rainstorm. Additional signs can include peeling paint around your downspout, visible dirt around your downspout, and moisture on the side of the house. If you're having ongoing problems with clogs caused by a poorly designed or worn-out gutter system, consider getting a quote for gutter replacement cost.

Question 5

​​Do buried downspouts freeze?

Accepted Answer

•

Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.