Summer storms might bring much-needed relief from the heat—but they also bring high winds and heavy rain that can do a number on your home’s gutters.
When gutters get clogged, damaged, or detached, rainwater can overflow and cause costly problems, from rotted fascia boards and flooded basements to ruined landscaping. The good news? A little proactive care goes a long way to get your gutters storm-ready so they can do their job all summer long.
Why Gutters Matter
Gutters may not be the most exciting thing about your home, but they are absolutely critical in protecting it by collecting rainwater from the roof and channeling it safely away from your foundation.
If the gutters are clogged or damaged, water can back up and spill over the edge, leading to:
• Water damage at the roofline
• Foundation cracks
• Mold and mildew in the basement
• Soil erosion around your home
• Wood rot on siding or trim
That’s why it’s so important to stay ahead of problems—especially before and after summer rainstorms.
Clean Gutters are Happy Gutters
The first and most important step you can take is to clean out gutters. Leaves, twigs, seed pods, and shingle grit can collect in your gutters, especially after strong winds and heavy rains. Here’s how to clean them out:
1. Gather your tools: Use a ladder, work gloves, a gutter scoop, a bucket or yard bag, and a garden hose with a spray nozzle.
2. Scoop out debris: Remove leaves, pine needles, and gunk by hand or with the scoop.
3. Flush the gutters: Use the garden hose to clear any remaining debris and check that water flows freely through the gutters and out of the downspouts.
4. Inspect as you go: Check for any sections that sag, loose screws, or rust and corrosion.
If your home is more than one story, or if climbing a ladder isn’t your thing, consider hiring a pro.
Install Gutter Guards for Less Cleaning
Want to clean your gutters and forget about them? Gutter guards can help. These protective screens or mesh covers sit on top of your gutters and keep out larger debris like leaves and sticks while still allowing water to pass through. Gutter guards aren’t completely maintenance-free (some debris can still settle on top), but they cut down on the frequency of cleanings and help water move more efficiently. Watch this video to learn how to install them:
Check the Downspouts—And Consider a Tilt-and-Swivel Extension
Clean gutters won’t do you any good if the downspouts aren’t directing water away from your home. After a heavy rain, check to make sure that water can flow freely out of all downspouts and that there’s no water pooling near your house. You may want to add a Wedge Downspout Screen to make sure debris stays out of your downspouts.
If water is pooling near the foundation, a tilt-and-drain downspout extender can direct water away from your home. This clever solution improves drainage, and you can easily flip it up and out of the way when mowing or doing other landscaping, then tilt it back down to control the flow of water.
Quick Fixes for Common Gutter Problems
Cleaning is important, but your gutters also need other routine maintenance to prevent bigger issues down the road. Here’s how to fix a few common gutter problems:
1. Sagging Gutters If your gutters are pulling away from the house or sagging in the middle, check if the hangers or brackets need to be tightened or replaced.
2. Leaky Seams Older gutters often have seams that can split or crack. Use gutter sealant or silicone caulk to seal up any leaks.
3. Disconnected Downspouts After a heavy rain or wind, make sure downspouts haven’t pulled loose from the gutters. If they have, reattach them with screws or brackets and seal the connection with caulk.
4. Overflow During Rain If water spills over the sides even after cleaning, your gutters might be too small or not pitched correctly. You may need to check the pitch (they should drop ¼-inch per 10 feet of gutter length), add an additional downspout to improve drainage, or upgrade your gutter system.
Get Gutters Storm-Ready in a Weekend
You don’t need fancy tools or a big budget to keep your gutters working through storm season. Cross these simple DIYs off your list this month to protect your home from the costly damage that summer storms can bring.
