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Gutters can easily become clogged with leaves and other debris; inspect and clear them in both spring and autumn. You also may have to loosen dirt that has blown into the gutters and scrub them with a stiff brush. Flushing gutters with a stream of water from a hose will clear material that has become lodged in the downspouts.
The slope of gutters may also need to be adjusted from time to time. Run water through them, and if they drain slowly, reposition them so that they slope toward the downspouts at a rate of 1 inch for every 20 feet.
Also check downspouts for rust, flaking or peeling paint, leaks, and that they are affixed tightly against the fascia boards. Check the fascia boards themselves for dry rot or other damage and if need be replace with lumber treated with wood preservative and finished to match the other boards.
To keep leaves and roof debris from clogging your gutters and downspouts, install mesh screens or a leaf-catching system. If you buy one of these systems, be sure to get a type that can be easily removed when it’s time to clean the gutters.
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