Dirty Thoughts!

What Lies Beneath: Get your mind into the Gutter!

Congratulations to the GTA and beyond — you've just about survived another winter! The ice storms, the slushy sidewalks, the mystery lumps hidden under snowbanks that could be anything from a wayward recycling bin to last year’s patio furniture. We're almost there!

But soon that the snow will be melting, what’s lurking beneath isn’t just forgotten dog toys or the neighbour’s rogue Amazon packages — it's months of winter’s greatest hits clogging up your home's gutters and downspouts.

Those charming twigs, ice chunks, and helicopter seeds that danced down from your trees in the fall? They’ve been hibernating in your gutters, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash soggy chaos on your home. And that moment, dear homeowner, is coming soon.

Why Should You Care About Your Gutters Anyway?

I get it — gutters aren’t exactly the sexiest part of home maintenance. But hear me out: they’re the unsung heroes protecting your home from the kind of water damage that makes wallets cry.

If your gutters are clogged, that beautiful spring melt can’t drain properly. Instead, water backs up under your roofline, spills down your siding, and pools around your foundation. That’s when you get leaks in your basement, cracked foundations, and the kind of damp, musty smells that scream, “Hey, I bet there’s mold down here!”

What’s Lurking in There?

Picture a winter-long stew of frozen leaves, twigs, pine needles, Christmas light clips, and whatever Timbit-sized treasures the squirrels forgot to claim. All that gunk creates perfect little dams that stop water from flowing where it should — away from your house.

What Should You Do About It?

1. Inspect: Once the ice has fully melted, take a peek at your gutters from ground level. Do you see anything sticking out? Are your downspouts attached and aimed away from your foundation?

2. Clean: Get up there (safely!) or hire someone who will. Clear out all the debris and flush the system with water.

3. Repair: Look for loose fasteners, sagging sections, or downspouts that have shifted in the ice.

4. Extend: Add downspout extensions to direct water at least four feet away from your home — your foundation will thank you.

The Bottom Line

Gutter maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of those small things that saves you from expensive headaches down the road. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching water flow freely through freshly cleaned downspouts — like spring cleaning for your soul.

So, before you start plotting out your patio garden or dusting off the BBQ, give your gutters a little love. Your home (and your future self) will thank you.

If you need an extra set of eyes to see what winter left behind, I’m always happy to take a look — from the top of your roofline to whatever mysteries lie below the snow.

#TrustedHomeInspectionPros  #TRUSTED  🏡 🔍 👍