Gutters and downspouts are the type of equipment on a house that perform without much notice... until they stop working. Then it's hard to ignore the cascades of water and flooding that can occur.

When gutters and downspouts become clogged or fail, heavy rainwater flowing down house walls to the ground below can cause a great deal of damage. At the very least, this water taxes paint and wriggles into cracks, contributing to eventual decay of siding and house structure. At its worst, it penetrates windows, invades walls, undermines foundations, and floods basements.

This is why it's important to maintain clear, effective gutters and drainage systems. They must be able to handle rainwater removal without fail to prevent these things from happening. But to keep this important equipment working well, you must be vigilant. You can't wait for the next storm to point out clogs, sags, and leaks.

That's where this section of HomeTips comes in. It will show you how gutter systems work, explain the various types of gutters and downspouts available, and give you step-by-step advice for repairing and improving your existing gutters.