Before the first rain

Look along the gutter line

Stand back far enough to see the length of each run. A visible dip, a loose corner or a section pulling away from the roof edge is worth recording. A gutter needs a small fall toward its outlet, so looking perfectly horizontal isn't the goal. What you are looking for is a change in shape or attachment that stands out from the rest.

Staining or peeling paint behind the channel may show where water has been spilling, but it doesn't identify the cause on its own. A blockage, a damaged connection or a roof-edge problem can need different work. Photograph the location and describe when you noticed it. That is more useful than deciding from the yard that every gutter needs replacement.

Don't overlook the downspouts

Leaves rarely settle evenly across the whole system. Debris can gather at the opening into a downspout or inside an upper bend while much of the visible gutter remains clear. If you remember one pipe draining slowly during the last rain, include that in the cleaning request. The pipe needs attention as well as the channel above it.

A hollow or dull sound from tapping metal is not enough to confirm that a drain is open. Nor should a plug simply be forced farther down the pipe without knowing where it will go. Ask for the outlet and bends to be checked as part of the work. A complete cleaning should leave you with a better understanding of the drainage, not only an empty-looking trough.

Check the discharge at ground level

A downspout can be clear and still empty into the wrong place. Look for a lower elbow that has moved, a disconnected extension or a splash block that no longer sits under the outlet. Garden work and everyday activity can shift those pieces during the dry months. Note any location where the previous rain left standing water or washed a groove into the soil.

Follow the intended route visually. A border or raised planting bed may hold runoff beside the wall even when the pipe points away from it. If the drain enters the ground, note that connection for the inspection rather than assume it remains clear. The gutter and its final discharge need to be considered together when planning the work.

Ask about the wood behind loose gutters

When a run pulls away, stronger screws aren't always the whole repair. The fascia behind it may have been wet for some time and may no longer provide a sound fixing point. An inspection should assess that support before the gutter is fastened back into place. You do not need to probe the board yourself to establish that a professional check is warranted.

Ask whether the estimate includes necessary wood repair or only work to the metal channel. Those are different scopes, and knowing the distinction helps when comparing quotes. A useful proposal explains the observed condition and how the gutter will be supported afterward. Planning this during dry weather also gives you time to understand the recommendation before the next period of rain.