What gutters do
Gutters collect roof water and carry it away from the foundation. Without them, water splashes onto siding, erodes soil and pools near the house.
Common problems
Clogs, loose hangers, sagging runs, leaking seams and downspouts that dump water at the foundation are the usual issues.
Cleaning schedule
Clean at least twice a year, after leaves drop in fall and after seeds drop in spring. Heavy tree cover calls for more.
Slope and flow
Gutters need a slight slope toward the downspout. Standing water means the slope is wrong or a hanger has failed.
Downspouts
Extend downspouts several feet from the house or tie into buried drains. Short downspouts cause foundation and crawl space moisture.
Gutter guards
Guards reduce but do not eliminate cleaning. Some styles clog with fine debris, so choose carefully.
Keep water moving and away from the foundation, and the house stays dry.
