Gutters are an essential part of any home in Chicago. They protect the foundation from water damage, and keep your roof from becoming mouldy or infested with pests. It's important to give them regular check-ups, or else you might be facing costly repairs! (Not only that,) but if your gutters aren't kept clean, it can lead to serious problems such as flooding and erosion. So how do you know when it's time for a cleaning? Here are some signs:

1) Your gutters are full of leaves, twigs and other debris – If this is the case, than it's definitely time for a cleaning. Leaves clog up gutters and prevent them from draining properly which can cause water to back up on your roof. Not only that, but rotting vegetation can also attract bugs and other critters into your home!

2) You've noticed pools of water around the base of downspouts – Whenever you see standing water around the base of downspouts, it’s a sure sign that your gutters aren't draining properly due to clogs or blockages. It's important to get these issues fixed immediately before they have a chance to cause further damage.

3) There is rust and discoloration along the gutter edge – Rusting or discoloration along the gutter edge means moisture has been sitting there for too long which could lead to corrosion over time. As well as being unsightly, this can weaken the structure of your gutters making them more susceptible to damage during heavy rainstorms.

4) You're seeing mold growing on exterior walls – When mold appears on exterior walls near gutters, it usually means that there is excessive moisture coming off them due to bad drainage and/or improper drainage angles. This should be addressed right away before it becomes worse!

So if you spot any of these signs then it’s likely (time) for a gutter cleaning! Don't wait until it gets out of hand because fixing things at this stage will cost much less than waiting until major repairs become necessary! Exclamation mark