9 Gutter Mistakes That Cost Homeowners the Most | HomeJolly
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9 Gutter Mistakes That Cost Homeowners the Most

Gutters are easy to ignore until water ends up in your basement. These are the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.

6 min read
Illustration of a covered gutter along a roof edge with leaves resting on top
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Gutters protect your foundation, siding, and landscaping by moving water away from the house.
Most expensive gutter problems start with clogs or downspouts that drain too close to the house.
Clean gutters at least twice a year, more often if you have overhanging trees.

1. Skipping cleanings

Clogged gutters overflow, and the water spills right where you don't want it: against the foundation and siding. Clean them in late spring and again after most of the leaves have fallen.

2. Downspouts that dump water next to the house

A downspout that empties at the foundation defeats the purpose of having gutters. Add extensions or splash blocks so water lands several feet from the house and drains away from it.

3. The wrong slope

Gutters need a slight slope toward the downspouts. Too flat, and water sits and overflows. Too steep, and water rushes past the downspout. Standing water after rain is a sign the pitch needs adjusting.

4. Ignoring leaks and separated seams

Small drips at the seams and corners slowly rot fascia boards and stain siding. Reseal leaking joints with gutter sealant and refasten any sections that are pulling away.

5. Gutters that are too small

Large or steep roofs shed a lot of water. If your gutters overflow during heavy rain even when they're clean, you may need larger gutters or more downspouts.

6. Unsafe ladder work

Falls from ladders send many people to the emergency room every year. Use a sturdy ladder on level ground, keep three points of contact, and never lean out to reach. For two-story homes, hiring a pro is often worth it.

7. Overlooking rotted fascia

The fascia board behind your gutters holds them up. If it's soft or rotted, gutters sag and pull loose. Replace damaged fascia before reattaching gutters.

8. Assuming gutter guards mean zero maintenance

Guards cut down on clogs, but debris still collects on top. Check and brush them off once or twice a year, especially after fall.

9. Ignoring ice dams

In cold climates, ice dams form when heat from the attic melts snow that refreezes at the roof edge. Clean gutters help, but the real fix is better attic insulation and ventilation.

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