Gutter tiger striping can be solved by regular cleaning and maintenance

Dirt, pollen, and pollutants are attracted to the droplets of dew that form on the lip of rain gutters. When the droplets are big enough they roll over the front of the gutter in streams. These streams deposit the grime and form streaks on your gutters better known as gutter tiger striping.

Tiger striping is a natural process that can happen to a variety of surfaces such as rain gutters, cars, metal roofs, and even the siding of your home. It is not a failure of the paint or gutter system, and it does not breach your warranty.

Prevent Gutter Tiger Striping

Metal surfaces with baked on paint require cleaning from time to time, and your gutters are no exception. Generally, you should clean your rain gutters at least once a year. This may vary based on where you live and you may have to clean them more often, especially if you live in an area with high humidity or industrial activity.

To clean, use a soft rag, sponge, or brush to gently rub the surface. Do not scrub too vigorously, as this can lead to glossy areas over the gutter’s satin finish.

Important: do not use a cleaner with abrasive particles, ammonia, solvents or paint thinners as these can damage the paint finish. Several gutter cleaners are available on the market, but any nonabrasive household detergent will do.

Get Rid of It

It is easier to prevent gutter tiger striping than it is to get rid of it, but it can be done. For stubborn stains, use a heavy duty cleaner such as SC Johnson Fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner. Tough deposits may not come out during the first cleaning, so you may need to wash more frequently until they’re gone.

In some climates, gutters may suffer from mold or mildew. In this case, the troubled area should be cleaned with the following solution:

1/3 cup detergent (e.g. Tide®)
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (e.g. Savogran™)
1 quart 5% sodium hypochlorate solution (e.g. Clorox® bleach)
3 quarts water

Q: My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

A: Not necessarily. If your roof is leaking, you should call and have a knowledgeable professional inspect it for the cause of the leak and the extent of any damage. Ignoring a roof leak for any length of time however will almost certainly end in having to have your roof replaced and possibly have some structural repairs made. Having a roof leak inspected right away is the best way to not have to replace the entire roof.

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