Gutter guides & tips

15 quick gutter tips

1. Clean gutters in late November after leaf drop, and again in late spring after fir cones and pollen fall.
2. Always flush every downspout. Most overflow comes from a plugged outlet or first elbow, not the gutter itself.
3. Extend every downspout three to five feet from the foundation.
4. Gutters should slope about 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward the downspout.
5. Plan one downspout for every 30 to 40 feet of gutter.
6. Choose 6-inch gutters and 3x4 downspouts for steep or large roofs.
7. Stainless micro-mesh is the guard that stops fir needles. Skip foam inserts.
8. Never pressure wash asphalt shingles to remove moss.
9. Hidden hangers every 24 inches (18 under heavy trees) keep gutters from sagging.
10. Never lean a ladder on the gutter. Use a stabilizer.
11. Test underground downspout lines every fall with a hose.
12. Reseal dripping corners in dry summer weather, before the rain returns.
13. Trim branches touching the roof to cut debris and moss.
14. After ice storms, let ice melt. Do not chip it off gutters.
15. For repairs and installation, verify an Oregon CCB license or Washington L&I registration.