An ounce of prevention... includes the proper maintenance and cleaning of your home's gutters and downspouts. Proper maintenance can help prevent damage to your home's interior due to flooding through the foundation and from walls caused by leaks in the roof due to seepage of water from backed-up gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned and checked for signs of necessary repairs at least twice a year. Typically, the best times to do this are during the spring and fall cleanups. In Nova Scotia we should inspect for problems frequently as we live in an extremely rainy climate. Look at adding gutter and downspout care to your regular maintenance program.