Post-Storm Gutter Checklist: What to Inspect!

After any storm, check your gutters for clogs, sagging, leaks at seams, detached downspouts, loose hangers, standing water, fascia/soffit rot, rust, dents, and foundation pooling. Clear debris, re-secure hardware, seal small leaks, and schedule professional repairs if you see cracks, separation, or overflowing during the next rainfall.

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Why Post-Storm Gutter Checks Matter

Storms push leaves, needles, and shingle grit into your gutters. If water can’t flow, it overflows at the eaves, saturates fascia/soffit, and pools near your foundation—leading to rot, basement leaks, and landscaping damage. A 15-minute inspection after each big storm saves you from expensive structural repairs.

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Safety First

• Avoid the roof when it’s wet or windy. If in doubt, stay on the ground and call a pro.

• Work with a stable ladder on level ground; have a spotter.

• Wear gloves and eye protection; wet debris can hide sharp fasteners.

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Tools You’ll Need

Gloves, bucket/trash bag, plastic scoop, garden hose with spray nozzle, cordless drill/driver, gutter screws/hangers, exterior-grade sealant, plumber’s tape for downspouts, small level, phone/camera for documentation.

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15-Point Post-Storm Gutter Checklist

1. Ground scan (first): Walk the perimeter. Look for overflow streaks, mulch washouts, and soil erosion under the eaves—clear signs of prior gutter overflow.
2. Downspout discharge: Ensure each downspout discharges 4–6 ft from the foundation. Re-seat or extend if it’s too close or has separated.
3. Clogs at outlets: Check strainers/outlet funnels where gutters meet downspouts; remove leaves and twigs.
4. Standing water: After you flush, any puddling in the gutter indicates improper slope or sagging.
5. Sagging runs: Sight down each gutter line. If it bows, tighten or replace hangers (recommended spacing ~24–36″).
6. Loose fasteners: Replace popped spikes with gutter screws for better bite into rafters.
7. Leaky seams & end caps: Inspect mitered corners and end caps; dry & reseal with exterior gutter sealant if you spot drips.
8. Cracks or splits: Hail and debris can crack plastic or dent aluminum. Small hairline splits can be sealed; larger damage needs section replacement.
9. Fascia & soffit condition: Look for staining, softness, or peeling paint—signs of chronic overflow.
10. Rust, pitting, or paint blistering: Surface rust can be sanded/primed; extensive pitting suggests replacement.
11. Downspout dents & separations: Re-align crushed elbows; re-rivet or screw loose joints.
12. Elbow & underground drains: Run a hose from the top. If water backs up, you’ve got a hidden clog—snake or disconnect and clear.
13. Gutter guards: Lift a panel to check for trapped shingle grit or pine needles. Clean and confirm panels are snug.
14. Roof edge & shingles above the gutter: Scan for missing tabs, heavy granule loss, or exposed underlayment feeding debris into the gutter.
15. Final water test: Flush every 20–30 ft segment with a hose. Watch for leaks, slow flow, or overflow at valleys and corners.

“If water can’t leave the gutter, it will always find a way into your house.”

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Quick Diagnostics Table

Symptom you see	Likely Cause	Fast fix	When to call a pro
Overflow during rain	Clog at outlet, undersized downspout	Clear debris, add outlet strainer	Persistent overflow after cleaning
Water sitting in gutter	Sagging or poor slope	Add hangers, re-pitch run	Long runs or multiple low spots
Drips at corners	Failed seam sealant	Clean/dry and reseal	Leaks return or seams are gapped
Soil erosion at eaves	Chronic overflow	Clean, upsize downspout	Erosion near foundation walls
Stained/soft fascia	Backflow into eave	Re-seal back edge, fix slope	Rot replacement needed
Downspout separation	Loose screws, storm impact	Re-fasten, add strap	Repeated separation or crushed pipe

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What to Do If You Find Damage

Minor issues (DIY-friendly):

• Clear debris, reseal seams, tighten hangers, re-fasten downspouts, add splash blocks or extensions.

Call a pro when:

• Sections are warped, crushed, or deeply rusted
• Fascia/soffit wood is soft or visibly rotted
• Water is entering the basement or you see interior drywall stains
• You’re uncomfortable on ladders or the roof pitch is steep

Good moment to consider upgrades:

• Larger downspouts (3×4″) for needle-heavy areas
• Continuous (seamless) aluminum to reduce leak points
• Quality guards matched to your tree type (micro-mesh for pine needles)
• Underground drainage to move water well away from the foundation

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When to Call a Pro

Don’t wait for the next downpour to test your system. Get a post-storm inspection and gutter cleaning today.
→ Request your free estimate
→ Prefer to talk? Call/Text (971)328-2122

Download: Post-Storm Gutter Checklist (FREE PDF)

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