Rain Gutter Maintenance: A Homeowner’s Guide

Gutters carry rainwater off the roof and away from the walls and foundation. When they work, nobody notices them. When they stop working, the damage shows up somewhere else: stained siding, rotted fascia, a wet basement. A little routine care keeps them doing their job.

Why gutter care matters

A blocked or sagging gutter does not just look untidy. Water that cannot drain has to go somewhere, and it usually goes where it does the most harm:

• The foundation. Overflow pools against the house and can lead to cracking and settling.
• The roof edge and siding. Backed-up water works under the shingle edge and behind the siding.
• The basement. Poor drainage at the surface is one of the most common causes of basement water.
• Pests. Standing water in a clogged run attracts mosquitoes, birds and rodents.

Six habits that keep gutters working

1. Clear them twice a year

Late spring and late fall are the usual times, after the trees have dropped their seeds and their leaves. Houses under pines or heavy tree cover may need it more often. A sturdy ladder, gloves and a small scoop are all the equipment it takes.

2. Run water through afterward

Once the debris is out, run a garden hose down each run. It washes out the fine grit and shows you whether the downspouts are flowing. Water that backs up points to a blockage further down.

3. Look for leaks and sagging

Check for drips at the seams, rust spots, and sections pulling away from the roofline. Sagging usually means the hangers have loosened or the wood behind them has softened, and that is worth a closer look before winter.

4. Carry the water away from the house

Downspouts should discharge several feet from the foundation. Extensions or splash blocks are an inexpensive way to get the water out into the yard instead of against the wall.

5. Trim back overhanging branches

Branches over the roof drop leaves, twigs and seeds straight into the gutters and scrape the shingles in the wind. Keeping them trimmed helps both.

6. Consider gutter guards

If the twice-yearly cleanout is the part you dread, gutter guards are the long-term answer. The GutterDome guards we install keep leaves and debris on the surface while water passes through, and they carry a 30-year transferable warranty.

Staying safe on the ladder

• Use a sturdy ladder on firm, level ground.
• Have someone steady it and stay nearby.
• Wear gloves; gutter edges and fasteners are sharp.
• Stay off the ladder in wind, rain, or when the roof is wet.

When to have a professional look

Two-story homes, gutters that keep overflowing after they have been cleared, and runs that are pulling away from the house are all good reasons to have someone look at the whole system. Sometimes the gutters are simply undersized for the roof; sometimes the fascia behind them needs attention. A free inspection tells you which, and whether guards on your existing gutters or new seamless gutters with guards is the better fit.

The short version

Gutters are the first line of defense against water damage. Keep them clear, keep the water moving away from the house, and check them after big storms. If you would rather not climb a ladder twice a year for the next thirty years, gutter guards end that job.