Annual Gutter Inspection Checklist

Regular gutter inspection is the best way to prevent expensive water damage. Most problems start small: a loose hanger, a leaking seam, a section sagging. Caught early, they are cheap to fix. Ignored, they lead to rotted fascia, basement leaks, and foundation problems.

This guide provides a spring and autumn gutter inspection checklist. It covers what to look for, how to inspect safely, and when to call a professional. It is written for homeowners who want to maintain their gutter system before problems become emergencies.

If an inspection reveals leaks or loose sections, see our gutter repair.

When to inspect

Inspect your gutters at least twice a year:

Spring: After winter snow and ice, before spring rains
Autumn: After most leaves have fallen, before snow and freeze-thaw cycles

Additional inspections are recommended after major storms, high winds, or if you notice overflowing, leaks, or water stains.

Safety first

Gutter inspection often involves a ladder. Follow these safety rules:

Use a sturdy extension ladder rated for your weight
Place the ladder on firm, level ground
Maintain three points of contact at all times
Do not overreach; move the ladder instead
Do not work from the roof
Do not clean or inspect during rain, snow, or high winds
Have someone hold the ladder if possible

If you are not comfortable on a ladder, hire a professional. Many contractors offer inspection-only visits.

What you need

Extension ladder
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Garden hose
Small mirror or phone camera (for seeing inside gutters)
Notebook or phone (to record findings)
Flashlight (for downspouts and dark areas)

Exterior inspection (from the ground)

Start by walking around your home and looking at the gutters from the ground. You do not need a ladder for this part.

Check for overflow signs

Look for water stains or streaks on the fascia board below the gutters. These indicate water has been escaping from the gutter system. Look for soil erosion or washed-out mulch directly under the gutter edges. These indicate overflow during rain.

Check downspout discharge

Look at where each downspout discharges water. Water should flow away from the foundation, not toward it. Check that extensions and splash blocks are in place. Look for pooling near the foundation after rain.

Check for sagging

Look at the gutter line from a distance. Gutters should be straight or gently sloped toward downspouts. Sections that sag, dip, or pull away from the house need attention.

When damage is widespread, compare repair with gutter installation options.

Check for visible debris

Look for leaves, sticks, or other debris sticking out of the gutters. Debris visible from the ground means the gutters are likely clogged inside too.

Check downspout connections

Look at where downspouts connect to gutters. Water should flow smoothly into the downspout. Gaps or separations at the connection point cause leaks.

Ladder inspection (closer look)

If it is safe to use a ladder, inspect the gutters more closely.

Check the inside of gutters

Climb the ladder and look inside the gutter. Check for:

Standing water
Leaves, pine needles, and debris
Rust or corrosion
Separated seams or joints
Loose or missing end caps
Damage from branches or ladders

Check hangers and fasteners

Look at the hangers that fasten the gutter to the fascia. They should be secure and evenly spaced. Look for hangers that are loose, bent, or pulling out of the wood. Look for missing hangers.

Check fascia condition

Look at the fascia board behind the gutter. Check for:

Peeling paint
Water stains
Soft or rotted wood
Gaps between the fascia and the gutter
Rot at the ends where hangers attach

Rotted fascia cannot hold gutters securely. It must be replaced before new gutters are installed.

Check downspouts

Look inside the downspout opening at the top. Check for blockages. Run water through the downspout with a garden hose and confirm water flows freely from the bottom. Listen for gurgling, which indicates a partial blockage.

Another useful read for this project is Ice Dams and Gutters in Canadian Winters.

Check pitch

Gutters should slope toward downspouts. Pour a small amount of water into the gutter and watch where it goes. If water pools in the middle or flows away from the downspout, the pitch is wrong and needs adjustment.

Seasonal checklist

Spring inspection

Clear winter debris from gutters and downspouts
Check for ice dam damage from winter
Look for gutters pulled away by snow weight
Inspect fascia for water stains from ice dams
Confirm downspouts discharge away from foundation
Check for new leaks or separated joints after thaw

Autumn inspection

Clear leaves and debris before snow
Check that downspouts discharge away from foundation
Look for sagging sections that will hold snow
Inspect hangers and fasteners before winter load
Check fascia condition before winter
Install or check gutter guards if you have them

After major storms

Check for overflow during heavy rain
Look for new leaks or separated joints
Inspect for damage from fallen branches
Confirm downspouts are still connected and discharging properly

Repair versus observation

Some issues you find during inspection can wait. Others need prompt attention.

Monitor these

Minor paint peeling on fascia
Small amounts of debris that will be cleaned at the next scheduled visit
Minor staining that does not indicate active leaking

Fix these soon

Loose hangers
Separated seams or end caps
Clogged downspouts
Sagging sections
Visible rust on steel gutters

Fix these immediately

Gutters detaching from the house
Water leaking inside the house
Major overflow during normal rain
Rotted or crumbling fascia
Downspouts discharging against the foundation

Documentation

Keep a simple record of each inspection. Note:

Date of inspection
What you found
What you cleaned or repaired
What needs attention
Photos of problem areas

This record helps you track the condition of your gutters over time and is useful when talking to contractors.

When to call a professional

Call a professional if:

For additional context, continue with Signs You Need New Gutters.

You are not comfortable on a ladder
You find rotted fascia
Gutters are detaching or sagging significantly
Downspouts are blocked and will not clear with a hose
You see water stains or leaks inside the house
You need re-pitching or section replacement
You want a professional assessment before winter

Real-world inspection examples

Example 1: The hidden leak

A homeowner inspected the gutters in spring and found water stains on the fascia behind a section of gutter. The gutter itself looked fine from the ground. On closer inspection, the seam was separated and water was leaking behind the gutter. The contractor resealed the seam. Cost: under $200. If left unnoticed, the water would have rotted the fascia.

Example 2: The sagging section

A homeowner noticed one section of gutter was lower than the rest. On inspection, two hangers had pulled out of the fascia. The fascia was soft and rotted. The contractor replaced the fascia and hangers. Cost: about $500. Caught early, the repair was minor. Left longer, the whole section could have fallen.

Example 3: The blocked downspout

A homeowner ran water through the downspout and found it backed up immediately. The downspout elbow was packed with leaves. The contractor cleared the elbow and installed a downspout screen. Cost: about $150. The overflow would have damaged the foundation if left unchecked.

Detailed spring inspection checklist

Ground-level checks

Walk around the home and look at gutters from all angles
Check for water stains on fascia below gutters
Look for soil erosion under gutter edges
Check downspout discharge points
Look for sagging or detached gutter sections
Check for visible debris in gutters

Ladder-level checks

Look inside gutters for standing water
Check for leaves, pine needles, and debris
Inspect seams and joints for separation
Check end caps for damage
Inspect hangers for looseness or damage
Check fascia for rot, stains, or gaps
Run water through downspouts and check flow
Look for pitch problems by pouring water in gutters

Documentation

Take photos of any problems
Note the date of inspection
Record what was cleaned or repaired
List what needs attention

Detailed autumn inspection checklist

Ground-level checks

Look for leaves and debris in gutters
Check downspout discharge points
Look for sagging sections
Check for ice dam warning signs (icicles at roof edge)

Ladder-level checks

Clear all leaves and debris from gutters
Flush downspouts and confirm flow
Inspect hangers before winter load
Check fascia condition
Verify gutters are pitched correctly for winter

Maintenance calendar by season

Spring

Clear winter debris from gutters and downspouts
Check for ice dam damage
Look for gutters pulled away by snow weight
Inspect fascia for water stains
Confirm downspout flow

Summer

Check for sagging or loose sections
Inspect fascia paint condition
Check for new leaks
Trim overhanging branches

Autumn

Clear all leaves and debris
Flush downspouts
Inspect hangers and fasteners
Check fascia condition
Verify pitch before winter

Winter

Monitor for ice dams
Check for ice in gutters
Watch for overflow during thaws
Do not climb on icy roofs

Repair priority guide

Fix immediately

Gutters detaching from the house
Water leaking inside the house
Major overflow during normal rain
Rotted or crumbling fascia
Downspouts discharging against foundation

Fix within a month

Loose hangers
Separated seams or end caps
Clogged downspouts
Sagging sections
Visible rust on steel gutters

Monitor

Minor paint peeling on fascia
Small amounts of debris
Minor staining without active leaking

Documentation template

Create a simple inspection log with:

Date of inspection
Weather conditions
What was found (section by section)
What was cleaned or repaired
What needs attention
Photos of problem areas
Contractor recommendations (if applicable)

When to call a professional

Call a professional if:

You are not comfortable on a ladder
You find rotted fascia
Gutters are detaching or sagging significantly
Downspouts are blocked and will not clear with a hose
You see water stains or leaks inside the house
You need re-pitching or section replacement
You want a professional assessment before winter

Quick reference FAQ

How often should I inspect gutters? At least twice a year, in spring and autumn. More often if you have heavy tree coverage.
Can I inspect gutters without a ladder? You can check for overflow signs and water stains from the ground, but a closer inspection requires a ladder.
What should I look for during inspection? Standing water, debris, separated seams, loose hangers, rotted fascia, and downspout blockages.
Can I fix a sagging gutter myself? You can if you are comfortable on a ladder and have the right tools. Otherwise, call a professional.
How do I document inspection findings? Take photos, note the date, record what you found, and keep a simple log for future reference.

Final takeaway

Inspect your gutters at least twice a year, in spring and autumn. Look for overflow signs, sagging, debris, loose hangers, rotted fascia, and downspout blockages. Use a ladder safely or hire a professional. Document what you find. Small problems caught early are cheap to fix. Ignored, they become expensive water damage. Regular inspection is the cheapest insurance for your home's drainage system.

For an estimate based on your roofline and access, request a free quote.

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