When gutters stop doing their job, your home pays the price. Most problems start small, and you don’t always notice them right away. But once you understand the warning signs, you spot trouble fast. And the sooner you schedule gutter cleaning Tacoma homeowners rely on, the easier it is to protect your roof, siding, and foundation.
Here are the top five signs your gutters need attention. If any of these look familiar, it’s time to schedule an inspection with Rusty’s.
Overflow is the clearest sign your gutters are clogged. Water should move through the system and out the downspouts. When it spills over the sides, your gutters are packed with leaves, dirt, or roof debris.
Overflow sends water down your siding. It pools around your foundation. It even pushes moisture under shingles. You end up with mold, peeling paint, or soft spots in your yard.
If you see this during the next Tacoma rainstorm, don’t wait. Overflow means your gutters need cleaning now.
When gutters fill with dirt and stay wet, they turn into a planter box. Moss, grass, and even small weeds take root. This is a common problem around Tacoma because our climate stays wet most of the year.
Plants mean the gutters stay blocked. Water sits in place instead of draining. Over time, the extra weight bends the gutters or pulls them away from the house.
If you notice green patches along the roofline, schedule gutter cleaning Tacoma services as soon as possible. A clean gutter doesn’t support plant life. If you see growth, the blockage has been there for a while.
Gutters only work when they stay level and firmly attached. When they sag, water stops flowing toward the downspouts. It gets stuck in the low point. The weight builds. And the sag gets worse.
Sagging happens for two reasons: clogged gutters become too heavy, or the fasteners loosen over time. Both problems need attention. And the longer you wait, the more likely the gutter system will bend or break.
If you see gaps between your roofline and your gutters, take it seriously. This is a structural issue, not a cosmetic one.
Water stains tell you the gutter system failed somewhere along the path. Stains often show up under corners, behind downspouts, or near sections where debris collects. You may see streaks, dark patches, or peeling paint.
These stains mean water has overflowed or leaked for a while. And when water soaks into wood trim or fascia, it leads to rot. Once rot starts, repairs get expensive.
Cleaning the gutters stops the leak. But you also avoid long-term damage. If you spot stains, don’t ignore them. They won’t fade on their own.
Downspouts need to send water several feet away from your foundation. If they’re clogged, water backs up into the gutter system. If the lower section disconnects, water pours straight down at the base of your home.
When this happens, you get soil erosion, basement moisture, and foundation problems.
A quick check helps: during the next rain, step outside for a moment and look at each downspout. If water isn’t coming through, the gutter system needs cleaning.
Tacoma weather plays a big role. We get long stretches of rain. We get wind storms that blow needles, leaves, and moss across roofs. And many homes sit under tall trees that shed debris year-round.
This mix creates perfect conditions for clogged gutters. Even newer gutter systems need regular attention here. It’s not about age or design. It’s about how much debris reaches the roof.
A clean gutter system protects your home through every season. And when you stay ahead of the problems, you avoid expensive repairs later.
Clean gutters do more than move water. They protect every part of your exterior. When the system works, you prevent:
Clogged gutters do the opposite. They trap water, add weight, and create pressure where you don’t want it. Cleaning the system gives your home a clear path for rainwater, and that path reduces risk across the entire structure.
Rusty’s offers friendly, professional service across Western Washington—from Tacoma to Bellingham and everywhere in between. Under one umbrella brand, Rusty’s Window Cleaning and Rusty’s Holiday Lights cover a wide range of services for homeowners who want reliable help.
You get:
Rusty’s also supports you through seasonal services like holiday light installation and full window cleaning for residential and commercial properties. Keeping your gutters clean works hand-in-hand with keeping your windows clear and your holiday lighting safe.
If you see any of the five signs above, it’s time. Overflow, plant growth, sagging, stains, or blocked downspouts all point to the same thing: your gutters need attention.
Most Tacoma homeowners benefit from gutter cleaning at least twice a year—once in spring and once in fall. Homes under heavy tree cover need more frequent cleaning.
Regular service protects your roof and siding. It also gives you peace of mind during our long rainy season.
If you’re ready to fix a problem or you want to check your system before the next storm, schedule an inspection with Rusty’s. The team looks at your gutters, clears blockages, and lets you know what needs attention.
Contact us today for a gutter cleaning.
Your home stays safer when your gutters stay clear. And Rusty’s is ready to help.
