Gutters & Downspouts Inspection

Gutters must slope toward downspouts (minimum 1/16" per foot). Must be securely fastened. No sagging, leaking, or overflowing.

1. Pour water into gutter at the high end — should flow freely to downspout

2. Check for standing water in gutters — indicates insufficient slope or clog

3. Inspect gutter hangers/brackets — spaced every 2-3 feet maximum

4. Check for sagging between hangers (need additional support)

5. Inspect seams and joints — no leaks (run water and check underneath)

6. Verify gutters are not pulling away from fascia board

7. Check gutter size — standard 5" K-style for most residential (6" for large roofs)

- Gutters not sloped properly (water stands, mosquitoes breed, gutters overflow)

- Sagging gutters from inadequate hangers (water spills over)

- Leaking seams and joints

- Gutters too small for roof area (overflow in heavy rain)

- Gutters pulling from fascia (rotted fascia board behind)

- Debris clogged gutters (consider gutter guards)

Downspouts must discharge water at least 6 feet from the foundation. Underground drains must have clear outlet. Splash blocks positioned correctly.

1. Check that downspouts discharge at least 6 feet from the foundation

2. Verify extensions or underground drains are in place (not just dumping at foundation)

3. For underground drains: verify outlet is clear and water flows through

4. Check splash blocks — should direct water away from foundation

5. Verify enough downspouts for the gutter length (one per 30-40 feet of gutter)

6. Check downspout connections to gutter — secure with no leaks

7. Verify downspouts are properly strapped to the wall

- Downspouts dumping water at foundation (most common cause of wet basements)

- Extensions removed or missing (water pools at foundation)

- Underground drain clogged (water backs up and overflows)

- Insufficient number of downspouts (gutters overflow between them)

- Splash blocks pointing wrong direction

- Loose downspout connections (water sprays on wall)