Gutter and Downspout Inspections

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Gutter and Downspout Maintenance Tips

Your home’s gutters and downspouts work hard year-round to direct rainwater away from your roof and foundation. But when they get clogged or disconnected, you can end up with roof leaks, siding damage, or even foundation issues.

To ensure you never have to worry about that, take a little time to do a quick inspection and cleaning in the fall and spring; it can help prevent costly repairs down the line.

🧼 Clean Gutters in Fall and Spring

Why it matters:

  • Leaves, sticks, and debris can clog your gutters and block water flow, especially during heavy rains or snow melts.

What to do:

  • Use a ladder to safely check your gutters for leaves, pine needles, or buildup.
  • Scoop out any debris by hand (wear gloves!) or use a gutter scoop.
  • Flush the gutters with a hose to make sure water flows freely to the downspouts.

🍂 Fall Tip: Clean after most leaves have fallen.
🌷 Spring Tip: Check again after winter storms. Snow and ice can knock debris into the gutters or cause sagging.

🔍 Inspect Downspouts

This is important because if downspouts are clogged or disconnected, water will spill over the sides and pool near your foundation.

What to check:

  • Make sure each downspout is securely attached to the gutter.
  • Confirm there is no blockage by running a hose through.
  • If water is backed up or trickles out, there is most likely a clog. Try using a plumber’s snake or spray nozzle to clear it.

Splash Blocks and Extensions

Splash Blocks: Plastic trays that sit at the end of the downspout to direct the water away from the home and prevent soil erosion.

Downspout Extenders: Flexible attachments to the end of the downspout to carry water several feet away from the home.

🔧 Maintenance Tips:

  • Make sure splash blocks or extenders are properly positioned and haven’t been knocked out of place by lawn equipment, pets, or weather.
  • Remove any dirt, leaves, or mulch blocking the path.
  • Adjust anything that’s causing water to drain back toward your foundation or into low spots.
  • Look for signs of trouble, like water stains on siding, puddles near the foundation, or sagging gutters.

✅ Next Steps:

      1. If the issue is more serious, submit a warranty ticket and a Patterson Company new home professional will be in touch.
      2. If this solved the issue and you have an open Customer Service request with Patterson Company, email service@buypatterson.com to close the ticket.
      3. Review Section E.5.a-b in PWSC for warranty concerns.