Introduction When you consider that your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house's exterior and foundation walls, you can see why it merits a semiannual inspection. All gutters must slope slightly toward their outlets. From there, an elbow connects with a leader, then another elbow, the downspout, and a third elbow that directs the spout outlet away from the wall.

Well-maintained gutters protect your siding and plantings, and help keep water out of your basement.

Check gutters and downspouts every spring before heavy rains begin and late in fall after leaves have fallen. Remove all debris that is clogging the system, look for rust or corrosion, and be vigilant for low spots where water may be standing.

Because standing water causes most gutter problems, make sure the gutters slope toward their outlets. To check this, pour some water into the gutter and watch what happens.

Eliminate sags by lifting the gutter section slightly. Look for and repair loose hangers, or bend up the hanger with a pair of pliers. If this doesn't do the trick, install an additional hanger.

1. Remove debris Debris clogs up gutters and downspouts and holds moisture that causes rust, rot, and corrosion. Fasten a metal angle to the end of a long pole or board, then use it to rake debris toward you.

2. Wash out with a hose Hose your gutters clean, beginning at the high end of each run -- or in the middle of runs having spouts at both ends.

3. Blast out blockage Often you can blast out spout blockage with water pressure or a plumber's snake. Otherwise, you may have to dismantle the downspouts.

4. Scrape gutter clean If the inside of a gutter is rusting, scrape and wire-brush it clean, then apply a thin coat of roofing cement.

5. Sand and seal wood gutters Sand wooden gutters down to bare wood, apply linseed oil, let dry, then apply two coats of roofing cement.

BHG

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