When storms roll in, gutters do the quiet heavy lifting. They move thousands of gallons of water away from your roof, siding, and foundation — and in wind events, they’re also your first line of defense against flying leaves, needles, and debris. A simple pre-storm inspection can be the difference between “no problem” and “call the roofer, drywaller, and painter.”
What Gutters Actually Protect
-
Roof & fascia: Prevents water from backing up under shingles and rotting the fascia/rafters.
-
Siding & paint: Stops dirty runoff streaks, swelling trim, and peeling paint.
-
Foundation & slab: Moves water away to reduce heaving, cracking, and crawlspace moisture.
-
Landscaping & hardscape: Keeps planters from eroding and walkways from pooling.
-
Attic air quality: Reduces chances of hidden leaks that lead to mold.
Why You Need a Check Before Storms
-
Wind loads the system with debris. Santa Ana-style gusts strip leaves/palm fronds = instant clogs.
-
First rains are the dirtiest. Summer dust + ash + needles = sludge that overflows fast.
-
Small issues snowball. A loose bracket today can become a ripped-off section tomorrow.
-
Downspouts are bottlenecks. If outlets or elbows are blocked, the whole run overflows at the eaves.
-
Insurance & resale optics. Documented maintenance helps prevent claims headaches and inspection notes.
Signs Your Gutters Need Attention
-
Water marks on fascia or drip lines on siding
-
Sagging sections, separated seams, or pinhole leaks
-
Plants/moss growing in the troughs (free landscaping!… in the wrong place)
-
Splashing at door thresholds or mulch washouts below downspouts
-
Birds/wasp nests near outlets; rattling during wind
What a Pro Inspection Covers
-
Cleanout & Flushing – Remove debris, then run water to verify pitch and flow.
-
Seam & Hanger Check – Reseal miters/ends; replace loose spikes with hidden hangers.
-
Downspout Health – Clear outlets, elbows, and ground drains; confirm extensions direct water 4–6 ft from the foundation.
-
Slope & Capacity – Correct back-pitch; recommend added outlets or larger downspouts where runs overflow.
-
Roof Edge & Flashing – Inspect drip edge, underlayment exposure, and shingle overhang.
-
Guard & Screen Options – Match guard type to local debris (needles vs. broadleaf vs. palms).
-
Report & Photos – Before/after pics with simple punch-list and any repair quotes.
Wind + Rain: Special Considerations
-
High-wind fastening: Upgrade to hidden hangers with stainless screws on long, exposed runs.
-
Expansion joints: Long aluminum sections need room to move — prevents oil-canning and seam stress.
-
Valley splash control: Add diverters/splash guards where roof valleys overshoot the gutter.
-
Tree proximity: Trim branches that shed directly over eaves and clear service drops.
-
Ground drainage: Verify pop-ups/French drains aren’t clogged; add splash blocks where needed.
Gutter Guards: Worth It?
-
Great for heavy leaf zones or limited maintenance access.
-
Choose wisely: Micro-mesh for needles; perforated covers for broadleaf; avoid products that trap fines.
-
Still inspect: Guards reduce cleanings but don’t eliminate seasonal checks.
DIY vs. Pro
-
DIY: Single-story, light debris, safe ladder footing, and proper PPE.
-
Call a pro: Two-story+ homes, steep slopes, complex rooflines, visible damage, or downspouts tied to underground drains.
Recommended Schedule
-
Pre-season check: Early fall (before first major rain/wind).
-
Mid-season touch-up: After the first big wind event.
-
Spring reset: Post-storm clean and repair planning.
Quick Preventive Upgrades
-
Hidden hangers (12–24″ OC), bigger outlets, extra downspouts on long runs
-
Splash guards at valleys, hinged downspout extensions, leaf traps at the base
-
Micro-mesh guards matched to local debris
Ready for the Next Storm?
A 45–60 minute inspection can save you weeks of repairs. Book a pre-storm gutter check and we’ll clean, tighten, flush, and photo-document everything so your home is ready for rain and wind.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
At least twice a year; more often if you have pines, eucalyptus, or palms nearby or experience strong winds.
Why do my gutters overflow in front of downspouts?
Usually a blocked outlet, undersized downspout, or back-pitch. A pro can enlarge outlets or add a second downspout.
Do gutter guards mean I never have to clean again?
No. They reduce debris but still need periodic rinsing and checks, especially after wind events.
Can overflowing gutters cause roof leaks?
Yes. Backed-up water can wick under shingles and rot fascia/rafter tails.