Gutters serve a vital purpose by preventing water damage around your home. While they're mostly out of sight, they shouldn't be out of mind, as gutters can easily become clogged or damaged, which can lead to big problems.
Here are three ways to repair and maintain your gutters so they remain effective at guiding water away from your home.
Check for Blockages
Leaves, dirt, and debris can quickly block the path of water that would otherwise drain down your gutter. Blockages force the water to find another path, which is often down the side of your house. That can lead to rotting fascia boards and possibly water entering the attic. It's best to inspect your gutters in the spring and fall, and anytime after a big storm that may have dropped debris and leaves onto your roof.
Clearing a blockage can be done by hand, while wearing a glove. Just remove the blockage and make sure you don't simply leave it on the roof but instead pack it away and dispose of it. A trowel or gutter brush can be helpful for removing a lot of sediment and dirt.
If your gutters are susceptible to collecting a lot of leaves, you can install gutter guards made of mesh or stainless steel. These allow water to pass through but block larger items from falling into the gutter.
Inspect for Leaks and Broken Sections
While looking for gutter blockages, also check for obvious broken sections that would cause the gutters to leak. If the broken area is large, it's possible to cut out that section of gutter and replace it. Better yet: If you have an extra piece of gutter lying around, cut a small piece and place it over the hole, using gutter tape to secure it. For smaller leaks you can use gutter-repair tape or gutter seal to cover holes and tears.
For a gutter that is hanging and pulling away from the house, you can install these fascia gutter hangers. They will reattach your gutter to your house and help support it.
If you notice that water is flowing down behind your gutter along the fascia, you'll need to repair the flashing or install a gutter apron, which will redirect the water from the roof back into the gutter.
Check the Downspouts
The gutters guide the water to the downspouts that direct the water away from your home. The downspouts can also get clogged, so the best way to clean them is by using a gutter brush attached to a pole.
Make sure the downspouts release the water on a slope that is angled away from your home. If the water settles into a puddle or collects around the edge of a building, it can quickly drain into the foundation or basement, and over time cause major problems. Use a splash block to quickly direct water away from your home.
Timothy is a lifelong DIY enthusiast who is fixated on smart home tech, beautiful tools, and wrenching on his FJ62 Land Cruiser. He’s the DIY editor at Popular Mechanics and also the founder of the home improvement site, Charles & Hudson, the Webby-nominated family site, Built by Kids, and Tool Crave. When not working, you’ll find him on his board or bike enjoying the LA weather with his family and friends. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
