Button Up Your House For Fall

When gutters aren't pitched at the right angle, they overflow—and can threaten your once dry basement. Properly pitched gutters slope between 1/16 inch and 1/8 inch per foot, directing water to the leader and out the downspout. Check the pitch by holding a level even with the gutter; on longer runs, pour in water from a hose and check the flow's direction. Get instructions for keeping your gutters in good working order.