5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts

In Northwest Arkansas, spring brings more than flowers and green hills—it brings rain. Lots of it. And when those first heavy showers roll in, your home’s gutter system becomes your front line of defense against water damage. That’s why preparing your gutters before the season starts isn’t just smart maintenance—it’s home protection.

Whether you live in Fayetteville, Rogers, or Bella Vista, taking time to inspect and prepare your gutters before the rainy season can save you hundreds (even thousands) of dollars in repairs. Here are five essential steps every homeowner should take before gutter season begins.

1. Clear Out All Debris

The first and most critical step is simple: clean your gutters. Over the winter, leaves, sticks, and roof grit accumulate, forming blockages that prevent proper drainage. When spring rains hit, that debris can quickly cause overflows, sagging, and water pooling near your foundation.

How to do it right:

• Use a stable ladder and heavy gloves.

• Scoop debris by hand or with a gutter scoop.

• Rinse gutters and downspouts thoroughly with a hose to check flow.

If you find standing water or slow drainage, that’s a sign of a hidden clog or incorrect slope—both issues best inspected by a professional.

Pro Tip: Consider installing gutter guards to minimize future debris buildup. Legacy Gutters NWA offers durable, low-maintenance guard systems tailored to Northwest Arkansas homes.

2. Inspect for Loose or Damaged Sections

Once the gutters are clean, take a close look at their condition. Winter weather in Northwest Arkansas—especially freeze-thaw cycles and occasional ice storms—can loosen fasteners or create small cracks that worsen over time.

Check for:

• Gutters pulling away from fascia boards

• Visible spikes or rusted screws

• Sagging sections or uneven slope

• Cracks, holes, or separated joints

A gutter that looks slightly off now can become a major issue when heavy rain arrives. If you see loose spikes, rust, or water stains on your fascia, it’s time to call Legacy Gutters for a secure, modern upgrade using hidden hanger technology—built to last through our region’s toughest weather.

3. Test Downspouts for Proper Flow

Downspouts are often overlooked, but they’re just as important as the gutters themselves. Even if your gutters look fine, a blocked or poorly directed downspout can undermine your home’s water control system.

What to do:

• Run a strong stream of water through each downspout.

• Ensure water exits freely and away from your home.

• Add extensions if the discharge point is too close to your foundation or landscaping.

Proper drainage is critical in areas like Bentonville and Springdale, where heavy rainstorms can drop multiple inches in a matter of hours. Redirecting water 3–5 feet away from your home helps prevent erosion and siding damage.

4. Check Your Fascia and Roof Edge

A strong gutter system relies on a solid foundation—and that means your fascia boards and roof edges need to be in good shape. Unfortunately, these areas are prone to rot and deterioration, especially if you’ve had spike gutters or water intrusion in the past.

Inspect for:

• Soft or discolored wood

• Peeling paint near the roofline

• Gaps where water can enter

If you find any soft spots, have them repaired before installing or re-securing gutters. A stable fascia ensures your gutter system will stay secure for the long haul, even through Arkansas’ unpredictable spring storms.

Hypothetical Example: The Martins of Fayetteville discovered peeling paint along their roof edge last March. What looked like a minor cosmetic issue turned out to be water damage caused by loose spikes from their 20-year-old gutters. After replacing the fascia and upgrading to seamless gutters with hidden hangers from Legacy Gutters, they haven’t had a single drainage issue since—even through last year’s record rains.

5. Schedule a Professional Gutter Inspection

Even the most diligent homeowner can miss subtle issues that lead to big problems. A professional inspection ensures your system is fully ready for the season ahead.

At Legacy Gutters NWA, we provide thorough inspections that cover every inch of your gutter system—from slope and attachment points to downspout alignment and fascia condition. Our team knows exactly what to look for in Northwest Arkansas homes, especially those built with older spike-and-ferrule systems or aging sectional gutters.

What a professional inspection can reveal:

• Hidden leaks or seam separation

• Improper pitch or water flow direction

• Rust or corrosion in metal systems

• Early signs of wood rot behind the fascia

An expert tune-up before spring rains begin is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent future repairs.

Bonus: Consider Upgrading to Seamless Gutters

If your current system is more than 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Seamless gutters not only look cleaner—they perform better. Because they’re custom-cut on-site to fit your home, they reduce leak points, resist rust, and provide a more efficient drainage path.

Benefits of seamless gutters:

• Stronger connections with hidden hangers

• Fewer joints (and therefore fewer leaks)

• Improved water flow during heavy rains

• Enhanced curb appeal

In a region known for its intense spring storms and sudden downpours, seamless gutters from Legacy Gutters NWA are an investment in both performance and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Pays Off

Taking time to prepare your gutters before the rainy season hits isn’t just maintenance—it’s protection. Northwest Arkansas weather is beautiful but unpredictable. A little preparation today can prevent costly damage tomorrow.

Before the next storm rolls in, give your home the care it deserves. Clean out debris, inspect for damage, test your drainage, and, if needed, call in the experts.

Ready to make sure your gutters are storm-ready? Call Legacy Gutters NWA at (479) 244-2411, email legacyguttersnwa@gmail.com, or visit https://legacyguttersnwa.com/.

Because when gutter season starts, your home deserves the strength, reliability, and craftsmanship that only a Legacy system can deliver.

Common Questions

Q: Why is it important to prepare your gutters before spring rain in Northwest Arkansas?

A: Prepping early prevents overflow, water damage, and costly repairs when heavy rains arrive. It’s essential home protection, not just maintenance.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: What’s the first and most important step in gutter prep?

A: Clean out debris like leaves and roof grit to restore water flow and prevent sagging or overflow.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: How can you tell if your gutters need professional cleaning or repair?

A: Standing water, slow drainage, or visible sagging mean it’s time for an inspection to correct slope or remove clogs.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: What damage can loose or rusted spikes cause?

A: They loosen gutters, allowing leaks behind fascia and creating hidden rot that worsens during heavy rain.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: Why should homeowners check their downspouts before spring?

A: Blocked or short downspouts can flood foundations—redirecting water 3–5 feet away prevents erosion and siding damage.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: How do you test if your downspouts are working properly?

A: Run water through each one to ensure clear flow and proper discharge away from the home.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: Why is fascia inspection critical before gutter season?

A: Damaged fascia can’t support gutters—soft wood or peeling paint signal rot that must be fixed before installation.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: What are the benefits of a professional gutter inspection?

A: Experts detect hidden leaks, poor pitch, and early fascia rot—preventing costly problems before storm season.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: When should you consider upgrading to seamless gutters?

A: If your system is 15+ years old or shows leaks, seamless gutters offer better flow, fewer joints, and improved curb appeal.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.

Q: How can seamless gutters and gutter guards simplify maintenance?

A: They block debris, prevent rust, and minimize cleaning—saving time while improving performance year-round.

For more information, read our blog on 5 Things You Must Do Before Gutter Season Starts.