All-Pro Gutter Installation Team
25+ years of gutter expertise in Houston, TX • Published 2026-01-05
Houston's most intense rainfall typically hits between April and October. Before the first big spring thunderstorm arrives, take 30 minutes to check these five things. It could save you thousands in water damage. For the full year-round plan, see our seasonal gutter maintenance checklist.
1. Clear All Debris
Winter in Houston is mild, but it still deposits debris in your gutters. Oak leaves, pine needles, seed pods from sweetgum trees, and general windblown material all accumulate during the cooler months.
What to do: Clean all gutters thoroughly, or schedule a professional cleaning. Pay special attention to valley areas where two roof sections meet — these collect the most debris.
2. Flush Every Downspout
A gutter full of leaves is obvious. A clogged downspout is invisible until water starts pouring over the gutter edge during a storm.
What to do: Run a garden hose into each downspout from the top. Water should flow freely out the bottom within seconds. If it backs up, there's a clog. Try flushing it with higher water pressure. If that doesn't work, the downspout may need to be disassembled to clear the blockage.
3. Check the Pitch
Over time, gutters can shift due to hanger movement, fascia settling, or the weight of debris and water. Even a slight change in pitch can create low spots where water pools.
What to do: Run water into the gutter with a hose and watch from the ground. Water should flow steadily toward the downspouts with no pooling. If you see standing water after the hose is off, the pitch needs adjustment.
4. Inspect Hangers and Mounting
Houston's soil movement can shift fascia boards, and wind events can loosen hangers. Loose gutters don't channel water properly and can pull away from the house during heavy rain.
What to do: Look for gaps between the gutter and fascia board. Push gently on the gutter at several points — it should feel solid, not wobbly. If you see any sections pulling away, have the hangers checked before storm season.
5. Verify Downspout Discharge
Where does your downspout water go? If the answer is "right next to my foundation," you have a problem waiting to happen.
What to do: Check that all downspout extensions are in place and pointing water at least 4 feet from the foundation. If you have underground drainage, verify the pop-up emitters are clear and functioning by running water through the system.
Bonus: Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you're not comfortable on a ladder — or if it's been more than a year since a professional looked at your gutters — schedule a free inspection. We'll check everything listed above plus:
- Fascia board condition
- Joint and sealant integrity
- Gutter guard condition (if installed)
- Roof edge and drip edge alignment
- Signs of pest activity
A 30-minute inspection now can prevent a very expensive emergency call during the first big storm of the season. Also read our hurricane gutter preparation guide to stay ready all season. Contact us for a free inspection.