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# 1 Check downspout outlets. Most gutter problems begin here. Small build-ups can cause your gutters to overflow. Downspouts need 1 square inch of opening for every 100 square feet of roof.
#2 Inspect gutters for leaks at seams and fascia board. Over time, gutter seals wear. Usually small water marks appear indicating a bad seal. Reseal leaks with a sealer specific to the type of gutter material. Aluminum gutters require a latex type sealer. Copper and galvanized steel gutters require a non-latex type sealer (i.e. Parbond).
#3 Are your gutters sloped properly? If gutters hold water, problems will ensue. Mosquitoes breed in summer and seals wear quickly. Gutters need to slope 1/4" every ten lineal feet towards downspout openings.
#4 Install larger downspouts at problem areas. Many homes are built with inadequate downspouting. Standard 5" gutters typically come with standard 2x3 downspouts. You can adapt a 3x4 downspout to a 5" gutter and triple the drainage. Larger downspouts are less likely to clog.
#5 Install downspout strainers. Though strainers are minimal protection, they will help prevent obstructions from accumulating at the gutter's drain openings. Strainers will also filter debris from entering underground drain pipes. Downspout strainers are inexpensive and well worth the investment.
#6 xt heavy rain, grab an umbrella and observe how your gutters are performing. Heavy rains will help you identify problem areas like drip edges, bad seals, and inadequate downspouting.
#7 Clean gutters often. Don't wait until late fall. The best time to clean gutters is when downspout openings have build-ups of debris. Homeowners often wait until all the leaves fall and many gutters stay clogged for months.
#8 Inspect you home's foundation. Look for erosion problems where downspouts drain at foundation walls. Bad drainage at foundation can bring unwanted moisture in crawl spaces and slabs. Extend downspouts further with additional pipe or extender (i.e. Flex-A-Spout).
#9 Install diverters at problem areas. Gutters with inside corners and steep roofs are an invitation to water over shooting gutters. Homes with hip roofs and gable fronts often have this problem. A raised diverter will deflect water into gutter and prevent a host of problems.
#10 Install some form of gutter protection. Filtering much of the debris causing clogged gutters can help prevent moisture damae to home's structure. Understand that gutter guards are not fool proof and need to be maintenanced periodically (i.e. screen type guards). Gutter guards come in all shapes and sizes. Select a guard best for your situation.