LOS ALTOS — There are areas in every home where proactive maintenance is critical for preventing water damage. One of these areas is the rain gutter and downspout system. Few homeowners realize that malfunctioning gutter and downspout systems are one of biggest sources of property damage, and repairing that damage is often an expensive process.
When there isn’t a controlled means for rainwater to get from the roof to the ground, it can splash back onto the house and cause water damage to doors, windows, and siding. Also, if rainwater falls too close to a home’s foundation, it can lead to issues like settlement and cracking.
To avoid these kinds of problems, it’s critical to make sure your gutter and downspout system is functioning properly. The best way to do this is to keep it clear of debris. When leaves and other debris are left to accumulate in your gutters, they can clog the downspouts and cause the gutters to overflow. In a worst-case scenario, the weight of the water will pull the gutters away from your house, resulting in structural damage.
Some modern gutter and downspout systems are equipped with features that greatly simplify maintenance. For instance, some systems have demountable downspouts for easy removal and cleaning. Another feature is a trap door clean-out near the bottom of the downspout, which keeps leaves and other debris from washing into your underground drainage.
If your current drainage system isn’t equipped with these types of features, consider installing a gutter protection system. Situated along a home’s roof line, gutter protectors keep debris out of the gutters while allowing water to pass through. They can be pricey to install, but they’ll save you a substantial amount of money in the long run by guarding against catastrophic damage.

by Steve Spratt, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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