If your gutters look like someone took a dirty paintbrush and wiped brown and black streaks down them, that is what is called tiger striping. These marks are common on many gutter systems and are most obvious on white ones. And while tiger striping doesn’t interfere with the job of the gutters, they are one of the most frequent complaints homeowners have about their systems.
More than dirt, tiger striping is stubborn to remove. However, there’s good news. With the right cleaning methods, tiger striping can be cleaned, and with the right habits, homeowners can prevent it from coming back as quickly. In this guide, we will dig into the mystery of tiger striping, explaining what they are, where they come from, and how to remove them. Perhaps most helpful, homeowners will learn about the factors in Traverse City that contribute to tiger striping and how to prevent them from returning once they’re removed. To begin, let’s take a closer look at what tiger striping really is.
What Exactly Are Tiger Stripes on Gutters?
Dark black and brownish streaks that form on the face of gutters are often referred to as tiger striping. More than dirt, tiger striping is the result of runoff from the roof, along with the residue it carries, in combination with environmental pollutants that bond to the gutter surface and oxidation. As rain runs down the roof, water picks up particles from the asphalt shingles, along with dirt, organic material, and other airborne contaminants. Once this contaminated water reaches the gutters, if it spills over the lip, the concentrated residue will stain them. Over time, this repeated cycle makes the streaks increasingly pronounced, especially on lighter colored gutters. That is why a simple spray-off with the gutter hose usually won’t work to remove tiger striping.
What Causes Tiger Striping?
As mentioned above, tiger striping results from a combination of factors. And while tiger striping can appear on different gutter materials, it is particularly noticeable on aluminum with painted finishes. The following factors work together to create these streaks:
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roofing choices for many homeowners today. As rain washes over asphalt shingles, tiny particles of shingle material, oil, and other granules wash off the roof and contribute to the dark color of tiger striping.
Airborne Pollutants and Organic Debris: Both airborne pollutants and organic debris like pollen, dust, tree debris, and pollutants from vehicles or industrial sources not only land on the gutter surface but can also be picked up by runoff from the roof.
Oxidation: A primary factor in tiger striping on aluminum gutters, oxidation is a chemical reaction with water and air that creates a surface that holds onto stains.
Water Flow: Obviously, water has to run over the lip of the gutter system to deposit stains on the outside surface. When gutters are allowed to overflow, the chance of tiger striping increases.
Along with these factors, local conditions can also intensify the problem. Let’s take a look.
Why the Traverse City Climate Encourages Gutter Staining
Every home is as unique as the state it’s located in. Each region experiences distinct weather and environmental conditions that affect the home’s exterior, and Traverse City is no exception. Because of our proximity to Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, this area experiences increased humidity and lake-effect precipitation. In addition to the increased moisture levels, many homes are surrounded by abundant tree cover, which contributes to the accumulation of organic debris. Meanwhile, wet-dry and freeze-thaw cycles encourage oxidation that helps organic material stick. Of course, this doesn’t mean every gutter installation will develop tiger stripes. However, with the combination of moisture, roof runoff, and environmental debris, our area has all the conditions for staining to develop.
Now that we have a greater understanding of what tiger stripes are and what contributes to their appearance on gutters, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of how to get them clean.
Five Cleaning Solutions Available to Homeowners
There are many products available to homeowners today for cleaning tiger stripes; however, not every stain requires the same cleaner. For example, classic black tiger stripes benefit from solutions formulated for oxidation removal, while streaking from organic material such as moss and algae benefits from chelated copper-based solutions. Before reaching for the strongest chemical you can find, first identify what you are actually dealing with and consider the gutter’s material and finish. Here are five types of commonly used and readily available products:
Gutter Butter: This specialty gutter cleaner is designed to battle oxidation, black streaks, and stubborn staining. This is a popular biodegradable solution for brightening aluminum and removing oxidation.
Gutter Brite: Marketed specifically for tiger strip removal, Gutter Brite is designed to break down the bond between black residue and the surface of the gutters.
Chomp Black Streaks Cleaner: This non-toxic cleaning solution is safe for aluminum, steel, and vinyl gutters and is specially formulated to remove dirt, debris, and stains from runoff and oxidation.
Krud Kutter Gutter Wash: This cleaner is widely available to homeowners nationwide dealing with tiger striping on their gutters. Touted as one of the most effective gutter cleaners on the market, this cleaner removes oil, sap, dirt, black streaks, grime, oxidation, algae, mold, mildew, and more.
TigerStrike Gutter Wipes: One of the newer cleaning products on the market, these pre-moistened wipes are designed to remove dark streaks from aluminum gutters with minimal effort. Used by both gutter professionals and homeowners, TigerStrike wipes are an easier way to improve gutter appearance without harsh chemicals or rinsing.
These are just a small sample of the cleaners available today. No matter which solution you choose, always read (and follow) the product label. With the cleaning solutions out of the way, let’s learn how homeowners should go about trying to remove tiger striping from their own gutter system.
How to Clean Tiger Stripes From Your Gutters
Once a homeowner has identified tiger striping on their gutters and chosen the appropriate cleaning product, the cleaning process itself is pretty straightforward. Keeping safety in mind and donning the appropriate personal protective wear (gloves, glasses, non-slip boots), grab a buddy and get to work. For the best outcome, make sure the gutter system is clean before working on the outside staining to ensure proper gutter flow. If gutters are allowed to spill, there’s no point in cleaning the stains since they will just come right back.
Plan and Prepare: Clean tiger striping from gutters when fair weather is predicted. Climbing ladders in the wind and rain is never a good idea. Prepare the surrounding area by wetting the landscaping, covering vulnerable plants, and moving anything that could be damaged during the process. Make sure to have a garden hose with a spray nozzle attached, hooked up, and ready to use.
Perform a Test Spot: In a small, well-hidden area, apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to ensure it doesn’t damage the gutters. Some chemicals, especially harsher ones, could discolor, dull, or even completely remove the finish on gutters.
Prepare and Apply Cleaner: Always follow the directions found on each specific cleaner’s label. Some solutions will be concentrated and need to be diluted, while other types, like pre-moistened wipes, can be used right out of the package.
Wait: Most cleaners recommend letting the solution work for a set time before scrubbing and rinsing it off. Follow the specific instructions for the cleaner you choose.
“Scrub”: Gently scrub or agitate the product (as needed) with a soft-bristled brush to loosen the stain, not scrub it away.
Rinse: Using the garden hose, rinse the gutters from the top down until all the cleaning solution is gone.
Inspect (and Repeat if Necessary): Sometimes staining is difficult to remove, especially when it has accumulated for an extended period. If the first cleaning improved the tiger striping but did not completely remove it, repeat the cleaning.
Preventing Tiger Stripes from Returning
If you’ve done the dirty work once and scrubbed tiger striping off the gutters, you know prevention is where it’s at. Cleaning restores the appearance of the gutters, but with these preventive measures, homeowners can keep them from returning so quickly:
Regular Maintenance: Dirty gutters are one of the main culprits causing tiger stripes on gutters. Every property has a unique cleaning schedule, but every gutter system is recommended to be cleaned at least twice a year.
Keep Downspouts Flowing: A gutter’s ability to move water is only as good as the flow coming through the downspouts. When downspouts are blocked or damaged, preventing water from running out of the gutters, it will inevitably spill over the edge, streaking down the sides of the gutters.
Consider a professional Inspection: When in doubt, let the professionals work it out. Professional inspections are really helpful when gutters are hard to reach (multi-level homes), when staining keeps returning, or when there are signs of bigger problems (improper gutter slope). Periodic inspections are also beneficial for identifying other gutter problems and increasing the system’s longevity.
Sometimes, no matter what steps a homeowner takes, a gutter system is simply too damaged or worn to avoid staining. In this case, homeowners may want to consider a new gutter installation to restore the appearance of their home’s exterior and the protection a properly functioning gutter system provides.
When It’s Time to Consider Gutter Installation
When tiger striping is accompanied by other signs of an aging gutter system, it’s time to consider installing a new system. Cleaning tiger stripes off of gutters will not solve the problem if they are:
- heavily corroded
- constantly leaking
- pulling away from the structure (fascia)
- always blocked, regardless of how often they are cleaned
And while considering gutter replacement, the wisest homeowners will also address the roof. If the roof shows signs of wear or the roof edge components are contributing to tiger striping, choose a contractor experienced in both roofing and gutters to streamline the process. Having a high-quality Traverse City gutter installation paired with proper roof detailing will deliver optimal performance and long-term protection against both functional and cosmetic issues.
Mystery Solved: From Streaked to Sleek
Nobody wants tiger stripes on their gutters, yet many homeowners across the country struggle with this very problem. Although they are an eyesore, tiger stripes don’t have to be permanent. With the right cleaner and a little elbow grease, most homeowners can effectively remove stains from their gutters. Add a regular maintenance routine, and homeowners can keep their gutters functioning and looking their best. But when the stripes keep coming back along with other signs of a deteriorating gutter system, a professional evaluation is warranted. Whether it’s determined that a cleaning or minor repair is sufficient, or that a new installation is necessary, an experienced professional can help identify the smartest long-term solution. The goal is not just gutters that look good, but a system that functions the way it’s supposed to.