Gutters and Downspouts: what a handyman does
A handyman can clean gutters, reattach loose sections, add downspout extensions and check that gutters slope toward the downspouts. Roofing, gutter replacement and any work that needs roof access go to a gutter contractor or roofer. For ladders, OSHA says keep three points of contact and set the base a quarter of the ladder's working length from the wall.
Jobs we take on
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- Clear leaves and debris from gutters and flush the downspouts
- Reattach loose gutter sections and hangers to sound fascia
- Reseal small leaks at joints and end caps
- Reconnect separated downspout sections and replace missing brackets
- Add or replace downspout extensions and splash blocks
- Check gutter slope with a level and readjust hangers
- Install snap-in leaf guards on existing gutters
- Photograph problem spots and note where roof water lands
Signs it is time to call
- Water spilling over the gutter edge during rain, or stains on the siding below
- Plants, shingle grit or standing water in the gutter
- A section that sags or pulls away from the fascia
- A downspout that ends right at the foundation, or puddles beside the house
- Water marks on basement walls near a downspout
What is not a handyman job
Roofing, flashing, shingles and anything done from the roof go to a licensed roofing contractor. Full gutter replacement, seamless gutter installation and two-story work go to a gutter contractor. Rotted fascia or soffit is a carpentry repair, and regrading the yard or tying downspouts into underground drains goes to a landscape or drainage contractor.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We look at the gutters from the ground first and tell you if the height or condition is beyond safe ladder work.
- We set ladders on level, stable ground and keep clear of power lines, and we do not use metal ladders near them.
- We bag and remove the debris from the gutters.
- We run water through the system when practical to confirm it drains and does not leak.
Common questions
How far should downspouts discharge from the house?
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's building guide says to carry downspout water to a sloping final grade at least 5 feet from the foundation, or to an underground catchment at least 10 feet away that is not tied to the foundation drain. A few inches of rain can send thousands of gallons off a roof.
Is it safe to clean gutters from a ladder?
With care. OSHA says to keep three points of contact, face the ladder, set it on stable, level ground, and place the base a quarter of its working length from the wall. Do not stand on the top rungs and stay away from power lines. Two-story gutters call for a contractor.
Why does my gutter overflow even though it is clean?
Likely causes are a section that has pulled out of slope, a clogged or kinked downspout, or too much roof area for one downspout. We check the slope and downspout flow. If the system is undersized, a gutter contractor can resize it.
Should the extension go above or below ground?
An above-ground extension or splash block is the simple fix we install. Buried drains and connections to storm drains are contractor work. Check that the ground beside the extension slopes away from the house so water does not pool at the foundation.