Just like your patio furniture and siding, your gutters are constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, sediment, sap, pollutants, and allergens build up resulting in gutters that are just plain dirty.
Dirty gutters start as an eyesore, but, without proper maintenance, they are a sign of a bigger problem.
Where do tiger stripes come from?
That sounds like the opening of a joke, but we can assure you, grungy gutters are nothing to laugh about. Believe it or not, those gross streaks on outside of your gutters have a name:
tiger stripes. Â
Tiger stripes occur when water is overflowing your gutters, creating stripes in the dirt just like a kid drawing on a dirty car window. This should be a red flag. Gutters might be overflowing because of a blockage, incorrect slope, or even animal infestation. Â
To be clear, stripes on your gutters should not be ignored or postponed. Many people underestimate the significance of overflowing gutters. The longer you wait to have the issue addressed, the bigger the problem becomes. Instead of cleaning off some dirt, you could be battling a flooded basement or a leaky ceiling.Â
How to get rid of streaks on gutters
If you can’t remember what color your gutters were originally, now is the perfect time to have them polished.
By proactively maintaining your gutters, you can keep the tiger stripes at the zoo and out of your home.