When you consider that your roof's drainage
system annually diverts thousands of gallons
of water from your house's exterior and
foundation walls, you can see why it merits
a semi-annual inspection.

A gutter system consists of 10-foot lengths
of gutter outlets, elbows, leaders, 10-foot
downspouts, and three basic types of gutter
hangers-a strap nailed to the roof sheathing,
a fascia bracket attached to the fascia, or a
spike and ferrule driven through the gutter
into rafter ends.

All gutters must slope slightly toward their
outlets. From there, an elbow connects
with a leader, then another elbow, the
downspout, and a third elbow that directs the spout outlet away from the wall.

Check gutters and downspouts every spring before heavy rains begin and late in fall after leaves have fallen. Remove all debris that is clogging the system, and be vigilant for low spots where water may be standing.

Because water causes most gutter problems, make sure the gutters slope toward their outlets. To check this, pour some water into the gutter and watch what happens. Eliminate sags by lifting the gutter section slightly. Look for and repair loose hangers, or bend up the hangers with a pair of pliers. If this doesn't do the trick, install an additional hanger.

A good way to make a tool for getting
debris out of gutters would be to
fasten a metal angle to the end of a
long pole or board, then use it to rake
debris toward you.

Hose or pressure wash (low setting)
your gutters clean, beginning at the
high end of each run- or in the middle
of runs having spouts at both ends.
Often you can blast out spout
blockage with water pressure or a
plumber's snake. Otherwise, you
may have to dismantle the
downspouts.

Splash blocks must be pitched away from the foundation walls. Raise and shim underneath with gravel. You can also install perforated roll up hose instead of having a splash block. These extend like a party noisemaker when the water comes down. You can also install wire cage strainers to eliminate downspout clogging.