A large roof can shed upwards of 600 gallons/hour during a heavy rainstorm. A properly-installed, functioning gutter and downspout system is essential for moving water away from the house. Otherwise it falls at the home’s perimeter where it is likely to penetrate the foundation and erode the grading, leading to more intrusion. Gutters must be secured, properly-sloped, and free-flowing. Downspouts and extensions must be in place. Regardless of the extension type, the goal is to move the water well away from the building.
Whenever possible, view the gutter interiors for debris. Inspect for looseness, overflowing, or leaks. Step back to look for proper slope towards the downspouts. Are the downspouts intact and secured to the gutters and the house? Do they terminate near the ground at a splash block or extension, or are they too high and pouring down water and eroding the grading? If you see concerns outside, including no system at all, connect the dots when inside the home. Poor water management always has consequences.
There are no gutters and downspouts. Water intrusion and/or erosion occurs due to a lack of roof water run-off control. Install a gutter and downspout system to direct water away from the structure.
The gutters are filled with debris. This affects proper water control and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Clean the gutters.
The gutters are improperly sloped. This affects proper water control and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Repair or replace the gutters to carry water away from the structure.
The gutters have inadequate support brackets. This can allow them to loosen, sag, and leak resulting in damage to other materials and components. Replace the brackets or install new brackets.
The gutters are loose. This affects proper water control and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Secure the gutters.
The gutters are damaged. This affects proper water control and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Repair or replace the gutters to carry water away from the structure.
The gutters are leaking. This affects proper water control and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Repair or replace the gutters to carry water away from the structure.
The gutters are deteriorated. This affects proper water control and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Repair or replace the gutters to carry water away from the structure.
The downspout is missing. This affects roof runoff control, and permits erosion, water intrusion, and deterioration. Replace the downspout.
The downspout elbow is missing from the base of the downspout. This permits erosion and water intrusion. Replace the downspout elbow.
The downspout is disconnected. This affects its ability to carry away roof run-off water from the foundation and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Connect the downspout.
The downspout is not properly secured to structure. This makes it vulnerable to damage and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Secure the downspout.
The downspout is damaged. This affects the downspout’s ability to carry roof run-off water away from the foundation. Repair or replace the downspout.
The downspout is too short. This affects the downspout extension’s ability to carry roof run-off water away from the foundation. Repair or replace the downspout.
The downspout is deteriorated. This affects its ability to carry roof run-off water away from the foundation and permits intrusion and deterioration. Replace the downspout.
The gutters discharge onto the roof covering. This will cause premature wear of the roof covering. Add extensions to direct the discharge away from the roof.
The downspout extension is missing. Downspout extensions are required to carry roof run-off water away from the foundation. Replace the downspout extensions.
The downspout extension is damaged. This affect its ability to carry roof run-off water away from the foundation. Replace the downspout extension.
The downspout extension is routed upward. It will not function properly and will retain water. Re-route the extension or regrade the soil as required to direct water downhill away from the structure.
The downspout extension is disconnected from the downspout. This can allow water to accumulate at the structure and cause water penetration to occur. Connect the downspout extension.
The downspout is disconnected from the underground drain pipe. This affects the system’s ability to carry roof run-off water away from the foundation, and permits water intrusion and deterioration. Reconnect the downspout extension.
The underground downspout extension shows signs of blockage and overflow. This will not carry water away from the property and will permit intrusion. Repair or replace the extension.
