Gutters are an important part of any home, helping keep rainwater away from your foundation and protecting your roof from water damage. But if you’ve noticed black streaks on your gutters, it’s time to act. The appearance of these streaks could indicate a larger problem that needs to be addressed—but what is causing the black streaks?
Our team at The Rhino Gutter Company discusses the causes of black streaks on gutters and how to prevent them in the future with gutter guards. Let’s dive in!
What Are Those Black Streaks, Anyway?
Those ugly black stains that you may have noticed on your gutters are often referred to as “tiger stripes” or “zebra stripes,” and they are the result of a chemical reaction between the asphalt in your roof’s shingles and the anodized aluminum in gutters.
The black streaks are caused by an electrostatic bond —like how road gunk gets stuck to the underside and sides of your car—and traditional house washing chemicals that remove mold, mildew, and other contaminants just won’t cut it.
Black streaks can also be created by leaves, twigs, and other debris that has accumulated in your gutter system. As this debris begins to rot, it causes dark stains that can be especially noticeable if your gutters are clogged.
The Benefits of Gutter Guards
Though black streaks caused by the asphalt shingles on your roof cannot be completely avoided, clogged gutters can be with our patented Rhino Gutter Guards.
Our gutter guards are made from stainless steel micro-mesh that prevents all debris such as leaves, twigs, and pollen from entering your gutter system. The embossed texture deters debris from sticking by minimizing the surface contact areas, thus the debris is shed easily.
Cleaning Black Streaks Off Gutters
Black streaks on your gutters can be unsightly and can be quite hard to clean. Follow these tips from our gutter pros to get them back to squeaky clean.
Before cleaning, make sure to wear protective gear including gloves and eye protection. If you intend to use a brush to clean, ensure that its bristles are not hard or made of metal, as this could damage your gutter’s surface.
Be sure to test the cleaning solution before using it on your entire gutter system, as some harsh chemicals can cause hazing, removal of paint, or other reactions.
- Step #1: Use a garden hose with a nozzle attachment to get the gutters wet.
- Step #2: Place a liquid cleaning agent like “Gutter Butter” in a bucket and fill it with water; this is going to break down the black streaks.
- Step #3: Use a scrub brush to clean the black stains with the cleaning solution.
- Step #4: Rinse the cleaning solution off your gutters. Repeat as needed.
Voila! Your gutters should be free of those ugly black streaks!
Read More > 3 Tips for Preventing Mold Growth on Your Gutters
Keep Your Gutters Squeaky Clean
Clean gutters are free of debris and ugly tiger stripes. To prevent clogging and staining, consider installing Rhino Gutter Guards! Our patented product helps protect your roof and foundation, and yes, can help you avoid that pesky seasonal gutter maintenance too!
Spend more time doing what you love best and call our team at The Rhino Gutter Company for professional seamless gutter and gutter guard installations at (888) 407-4466!
