Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. Your gutters are clogged with gunk—leaves, shingle grit, all that stuff. That's why water's pouring over the sides. Nine times out of ten, you can get on a ladder with a bucket and some gloves and just scoop it out yourself for basically zero cost, maybe $10-$30 for tools. Then flush the downspouts with a hose. If you're seeing sagging gutters, rotted wood behind them, or big water problems, it's more serious. A pro cleaning will typically run you $100-$250, but ignoring it can lead to thousands in foundation or roof repairs. Don't.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Do a 'ground-level recon.' Walk around your entire house looking for obvious signs like sagging, stains, or water pooling near the foundation.
Step 2
Safely set up a sturdy ladder and get your eyes on the inside of the gutter. Look for debris, standing water, and pay special attention to the downspout opening.
Step 3
After clearing major debris, run a garden hose into the far end of the gutter. Watch to see if the water flows freely and exits forcefully from the bottom of the downspout.
Step 4
If water backs up during the hose test, you've confirmed a downspout clog. Try to flush it with high pressure from the hose.
Step 5
Inspect the fascia board and siding for any softness, rot, or water damage, which indicates a long-term problem that needs more than just a cleaning.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic Gutter Cleaning | $0 - $30 | $100 - $250 | 2-4 hours |
Unclogging a Downspout | $0 - $10 | $100 - $250 | 30 mins - 1 hour |
Minor Gutter Re-sloping/Re-securing | $25 - $150 | $150 - $400 | 1-3 hours |
Fascia Board Repair (Rot Damage) | $50 - $250 | $400 - $1,200+ | 4-8 hours+ |
When to Call a Professional Roofing
- If you are even slightly uncomfortable working on a ladder at height. It's not worth the risk.
- For any home that's two stories or taller, or has a very steep roof pitch.
- When gutters are visibly bent, damaged, or pulling away from the house.
- If you find significant rot in the fascia board behind the gutter.
- When a clog in the downspout can't be cleared with a hose or a simple snake, indicating a deeper problem.
- If you want to install a new gutter system or a professional-grade gutter guard.
Prevention Tips
- Clean your gutters twice a year, in late spring and late fall. No excuses.
- Install a high-quality micro-mesh gutter guard system, not the cheap plastic junk.
- Trim back any tree branches that are hanging directly over your roofline.
- Ensure your downspouts have extenders that carry water at least 4-6 feet away from your foundation.
- Periodically do a visual inspection from the ground to catch sagging or damage early.
Frequently Asked Questions
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