If you live in Eastern Washington or North Idaho, you know that preparing your home for winter is a must-do task. While you’re probably focused on winterizing your sprinkler system, buying snow shovels, or even prepping firewood, it’s easy to overlook a critical area of your home—your gutters. At Dryer Ducks, we know that neglecting your gutters, especially before the harsh winter months, is a mistake that can cost you later. Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to costly water damage, ice dams, and even foundation issues.
Five Signs Your Gutters Need to Be Cleaned Before Winter
1. Visible Debris Piling Up
One of the most obvious signs that your gutters need attention is when you can see leaves, twigs, or other debris sticking out of them. While it’s normal for gutters to collect some debris, seeing this build-up means they’re likely clogged and need to be cleaned. If not addressed before winter, this debris will trap moisture, freeze, and cause your gutters to sag or even pull away from your home.
2. Water Overflowing from the Gutters
During a rainstorm, do you notice water cascading over the sides of your gutters instead of flowing through the downspout? This is a clear indication that your gutters are clogged. Blocked gutters prevent water from draining properly, leading to overflow. When winter hits, this overflowing water can freeze, causing ice dams that will damage your roof and increase the likelihood of leaks.
3. Sagging or Detached Gutters
If your gutters are sagging, pulling away from the roof, or even coming loose, this is a red flag that they are full of debris. The weight of wet leaves, dirt, and even water can cause gutters to bend or detach from your home. Sagging gutters won’t drain properly and risk collapsing under the additional weight of snow and ice. If you notice this, it’s time to call a professional like Dryer Ducks to prevent further damage.
4. Plants Growing in the Gutters
Believe it or not, gutters filled with dirt and debris can become fertile ground for growing weeds and small plants. If you see greenery sprouting from your gutters, it’s a clear sign they haven’t been cleaned in a while. Left unchecked, the roots from these plants can worsen clogs and damage the gutter structure. Plus, the extra weight from frozen soil can cause further damage during the winter months.
5. Peeling Paint or Rust Stains on Your Home’s Exterior
If you’ve noticed peeling paint, rust stains, or other water damage on your home’s exterior, it could be due to water overflow from clogged gutters. As water spills over the sides and repeatedly runs down your walls, it can erode paint and siding. Winter only exacerbates these problems, as freezing temperatures and moisture can make paint peel even more. Addressing clogged gutters before winter can save you from costly exterior repairs.
Why Choose Dryer Ducks for Gutter Cleaning?
If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be time to get your gutters professionally inspected and cleaned before the winter weather sets in. At Dryer Ducks, we offer free inspections to assess the condition of your gutters if you live in North Idaho or Eastern Washington. Our team is licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can trust us to get on your roof and tackle those tasks you may not have the time or equipment to handle.
We specialize in full-service gutter cleaning, removing all debris, flushing downspouts, and verifying that your gutters are ready to handle whatever winter throws at them. Our work is timely and thorough, and we’ll give you our honest opinion on whether your gutters need cleaning or repair.
Contact Dryer Ducks Today
Don’t wait for winter to reveal problems that could have been prevented! Contact Dryer Ducks today for a free inspection and price quote. Visit our website or give us a call for more information.
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