The most common problem with gutters is clogging from debris like leaves, blossoms, and seeds from surrounding trees. This debris can block downspouts, leading to improper drainage and water overflow.

Other common issues include:

• Leaks and holes, which can often be repaired with gutter sealant or caulk.

• Rust, sagging, or detachment from the roofline.

• Damage from strong storms.

• Improperly pitched gutters that don't drain correctly.

Regular cleaning in the spring and fall is the best way to prevent most of these problems. You may need to clean them more often during periods of heavy leaf fall.

It is possible to repair your own gutters, but we don’t recommend it. First, gutters need to sit at a precise slope to direct water toward the downspouts but also appear level from the yard, and this task is challenging to get right through DIY gutter repair. Second, any mistakes you make could be costly if they cause water damage or foundation damage. It might seem unnecessary to spend $400 on professional gutter repair, but it pales in comparison to what you might pay if you make a mistake doing the work yourself.

How you stop water from leaking between your gutters and fascia depends on the cause of the leak. Some leaks can be fixed simply by cleaning out clogged gutters or downspouts. Other leaks require you to seal holes or cracks in your gutters. Meanwhile, some leaks are a structural issue that requires replacing, changing, or adjusting your gutter system.

Yes, it’s possible to replace only one section of a gutter, and it’s a common repair. Often, a tree limb will damage a gutter on one side of the house, or constant weather will cause early corrosion. Gutters are often joined together with couplings that are easy to remove and swap out. For this reason, some homeowners will purchase extra gutters when they install them to have spare sections to use for replacement later.