Quick fixes to your common gutter problems

Gutters serve the sole purpose of channeling water off your roof and away from the foundation of your home. It seems like a simple task, but any homeowner knows that a lot of things can go wrong with gutters. Whether they're leaking, sagging or not draining properly, it's essential to keep up on gutter maintenance.

"Gutters are one of those things where routine maintenance and inspecting them can really prevent bigger problems down the road," Jason Stutzman, director of home maintenance and repair for Brothers Redevelopment in Denver, told House Logic.

If you notice your gutters aren't performing like they're supposed to, use these quick fixes to address some of the most common problems.

Leaky gutters
Your home's gutters are connected by a series of joints that are sealed with a special type of caulk. If you notice that the joints are leaking, you may need to do a little maintenance on the seams. House Logic noted that you can purchase a tube of special sealant for around $5, so there's really no excuse to let your gutters leak down the side of your home. If the hole can't be fixed with caulk alone, the job might require a patch, but is still easy to complete yourself.

Obnoxious dripping
Sometimes the problem is that the noise of water dripping through the gutter drives you crazy. This is especially prominent if your gutter isn't a straight shot down. To quickly fix this issue, Family Handyman recommended dropping a rope through your downspouts. Simply tie a thin rope made of synthetic materials onto one of your gutter hangers, then drop the length down into the spout. Water will cling to the rope on its way down and reduce the loud, annoying drips you hear.

Draining into the basement
One major issue you might run into is that runoff from your downspouts is ending up in your basement. This often happens when the gutters are draining too close to the foundation. It's especially important that you fix this problem, otherwise the structure of your home could be compromised. The easy solution to this issue is to simply purchase downspout extenders. Don't be afraid to give your spouts an extra four or five feet of extension to ensure that water is being channeled far enough away from your home.

After you fix up your gutters, be sure to take another important step to protect your home and invest in a TotalProtect® Home Warranty.

The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.