Before we get to the summer heat, we have to get through the rainy season. Asheavy water flows through your eavestroughs and downspout, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are protecting your home by making sure water is diverted away from your foundation. Maintaining, repairing, and replacing your drainage system should be at the top of homeowners’ to-do lists this spring and here’s why.

When should you have your gutters and downspouts inspected and cleaned? 

Gutters should point at least two to three feet (60 cm to 90 cm) away from your home, so water doesn’t pool there, says Ryan Fahie, owner of Northern Seamless Gutters in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Because heavy snow and ice can push eavestroughs out of position, Fahie recommends twice yearly inspections and cleanings, during spring and fall.

“Having damaged gutters or no gutters at all can cause fascia rot and damage to shingles and the flashing around the roof, leading to leaks, mould and mildew on siding, windows and inside your home,” says Fahie. “Once pooling water gets into your home’s foundation, it can cause cracks or leaks into your basement. Retaining walls, walkways, decks and driveways can be also compromised by excess water pooling, especially during freeze and thaw cycles.”

If you do notice damage to your foundation, be sure to reach out to a qualified foundation repair specialist who can help assess the best path forward. For issues regarding your drainage system itself, a guttery company should be called in for an inspection. They’ll be able to tell you if the issue requires roofing professionals to get involve to repair any damage.

How can you tell if your gutters need replacing?

Several warning signs indicate it’s time for new eavestroughs, notes Fahie.

“Leaking seams and corners are a big one, and probably the most noticeable,” he says. 

Look for loose screws or nails or deformed gutters. Check if the gutter is sagging or pulling away from the fascia board and you can see a gap underneath, adds Fahie. You might also notice water stains on the underside of the gutter or even on the fascia board.

“Gutters have a very similar lifespan to a roof—about 20 to 25 years—so if you’re thinking about getting your roof replaced, it’s probably also time to upgrade your gutters,” he suggests.