13 home exterior issues to watch for during the cold seasons.

1. Puddles around your home’s foundation.

One of the most obvious signs that your gutters are in dire need of cleaning is water overflowing from the sides. When leaves, twigs, and debris accumulate in your gutters, rainwater has nowhere to go, leading to overflow. This excess water can pool around your home's foundation, causing potential damage. 

Throughout the fall and winter, keep an eye out for puddles or erosion near the foundation after heavy rain. If you spot one of these signs, it's probably time to clean those gutters.

2. Eroded or damaged landscaping.

A less obvious but equally important sign is eroded or damaged landscaping around your home's foundation. If you notice soil displacement, puddling, or washed-out mulch near your house, it might be related to your gutters.

Faulty gutters or downspouts can deposit large volumes of water around your home's foundation, leading to soil erosion, damaged plants, and even unstable ground. This can ultimately threaten the structural integrity of your home's foundation.

3. Sagging, bowing, or droopy gutters.

Do your gutters appear to be sagging or pulling away from the house? This is a fairly clear indication that debris has accumulated, weighing down your gutter system. The added weight can lead to detachment, rendering your gutters ineffective — especially as more leaves and debris begin to accumulate in the fall and winter. 

If you notice your gutters sagging, it's high time to clear out the debris and ensure they're properly secured to your home. 

4. Wood rot, mold, and mildew (inside your home).

High humidity during the summer can cause mold to grow in and outside your home. But mold can also appear during the colder months — and it could be due to issues with your home’s exterior.

While mold and mildew may not seem directly related to your roof or downspouts, they can actually be an early sign of clogged or malfunctioning gutters. When gutters don't effectively direct water away from your home, moisture can accumulate on the roof and walls, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth inside your house. 

A hole or crack in your roof (or siding) can also allow moisture to seep in, causing mold and mildew growth inside your home. The water can also cause the wood to rot and deteriorate.

If you spot these signs, it's essential to address your gutter and downspout issues promptly. Hire a roofing contractor or gutter repair professional to inspect your exterior.

5. Cracked, warped, rotted, or loose siding.

As the temperatures change throughout the seasons, it can cause a lot of stress on your home’s siding. Vinyl siding can get brittle and form cracks. Wood siding can start to rot. Strong winds during a snowstorm can cause tree branches to hit and damage your siding — and you may even notice loose or missing boards.

If these siding issues are not fixed, moisture can seep through the cracks and damage your home’s internal structure and systems. Plus, cracks in your siding (or roof) mean warm air can escape from your home — wasting energy and money. 

So, frequently expect your home’s siding to spot early signs of damage before major repairs are needed.

6. Constant dripping sounds. 

As you cozy up inside during a rainstorm, listen carefully. Do you hear a constant dripping sound? This might be a clear sign that your gutters are clogged and water is being trapped, causing leaks. 

Ignoring this issue can lead to water damage to your roof, siding, and even your home's interior. If you're hearing more drips than your morning coffee maker, it's time to give your gutters some attention.

Related: Weird sounds and smells in your home you should never ignore.

7. Ice dams on the roof or gutters.

As winter arrives, the combination of snow, freezing temperatures, and clogged gutters can lead to ice dams. Ice dams form when melting snow can't flow through clogged gutters and instead freezes at the edge of your roof. This ice buildup can damage your roof's shingles and gutters and even cause leaks inside your home.

If you notice icicles forming at the edge of your roof, it's a sign that your gutters need cleaning before winter sets in. Throughout the winter, make sure you remove excess snow from your roof and keep your gutter clear of debris.

8. Peeling paint and visible rust spots.

While your home's exterior might endure various weather conditions, peeling paint and rust spots on your gutters, downspouts, and siding shouldn't be taken lightly. These issues can arise when your gutter system isn't effectively channeling water away from your home.

If left unaddressed, these signs can lead to costly repairs. For example, you may need to replace your gutters and siding. Throughout the fall and winter months, examine these areas for any paint issues or rust spots. 

9. Roof shingle granules in the downspouts.

When you're cleaning out your gutters or downspouts, take a closer look at what's accumulated there. If you find an excessive amount of granules from your roof shingles, it could be a sign that your roof is shedding its protective layer. 

Asphalt roof shingle granules have a sand-like texture and serve a dual purpose, acting as both a safeguard against UV radiation and providing a fire-resistant element. If you have an older roof, it's wise to inspect it firsthand (or hire a roofer to do it for you). 

Should you observe shingles where a significant portion of the granules has worn away, you might need to consider a replacement. These granules offer a vital protective layer, and without them, the shingles become vulnerable — which often leads to rapid deterioration.

10. Basement flooding.

As you know, your gutter system plays a crucial role in diverting rainwater away from your home's foundation. When gutters are clogged or not functioning properly, water can seep past your home's foundation and cause your basement to flood. 

If you start noticing dampness or water in your basement, this could be a red flag that your gutter system needs attention to prevent further water damage.

Related: What do I do if my house floods? How to prepare and repair.

11. Water stains and paint problems inside your home.

The effects of a malfunctioning gutter system aren't limited to the exterior of your home. If water isn't properly channeled away from your roof and walls, it can seep into your home's interior. 

Water stains on ceilings or walls, as well as peeling paint, can indicate that your gutters are allowing water to infiltrate your home. Promptly addressing this issue can prevent further interior damage and mold growth.

12. A greenhouse’s worth of plants growing along your roofline.

If you spot tiny saplings or various vegetation sprouting from your gutters or along the edge of your roof, you're witnessing a clear sign of distress. Nature has found a way into your roof or gutter system, and it's time to evict it.

Seeds from surrounding trees, along with organic debris, often find their way into roofs and gutters. When they sprout, it's not only an eyesore but also a sign that this critical infrastructure might be in disrepair. 

Repairing any issues with your roof or cleaning out your gutters and downspouts can prevent this from happening.

13. A moss-clad roof fit for a hobbit.

While it may be aesthetically pleasing — particularly if your name is Bilbo or Frodo — a roof covered in moss or algae is most likely a big problem. 

Moss and algae thrive in damp environments, which can indicate poor drainage due to clogged gutters and downspouts or other roofing issues. More importantly, moss can hold moisture against your shingles, accelerating their decay. 

If your roof has become a green oasis, it's time for a thorough inspection and cleaning. 

Related: 5 signs that your roof is in need of repair ASAP.

Protect your home’s exterior with help from Thumbtack pros.

Incorporating regular maintenance into your home care routine can save you from costly repairs down the line. By staying vigilant and recognizing these signs, you can ensure that your siding, gutters, downspouts, and roof remain in top-notch condition, ready to face the challenges of fall and winter weather. 

While some homeowners might be handy with a ladder and a toolbelt, others may prefer leaving the repairs to the professionals. If you're not comfortable navigating heights or dealing with potentially hazardous conditions, it's a wise choice to hire a professional for the job. 

Download the Thumbtack app today. With Thumbtack, you can easily connect with local contractors who specialize in roof repairs, gutter cleaning, siding repair, and other critical home maintenance tasks. Whether you're facing a leaky roof or clogged gutters, don't hesitate to find a pro and ensure your home is ready for the changing seasons ahead.

Up next: Here's your winter home maintenance checklist.