Discover the top 5 gutter repairs to tackle in early spring—before heavy rain hits! Fix sagging gutters, seal leaky joints, and get ahead of water damage.

Spring is here—birds are singing, snow is melting and everything’s waking up from its long winter nap. But wait… so are your gutters. Or at least, they should be.

If you’ve lived through a Canadian winter (especially in Mississauga), you know what ice, snow and temperature swings can do to a home. And your gutters? They take a beating. That’s why early spring is the absolute best time to show them a little love — before the rain starts coming down in sheets.

Let’s go through the top 5 gutter repairs you should do now—so you don’t end up with a soggy foundation or an indoor waterfall next month.

1. Reattaching Sagging Gutters

The Problem:

Snow and ice build-up during winter can weigh heavily on your gutters. Over time this causes them to sag or even pull away from the house.

This isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a drainage issue. Water won’t flow properly, and you could end up with overflow right next to your foundation. And let’s be real: nobody wants a flooded basement in April.

The Fix:

Check for loose hangers and brackets. If they’re rusted, bent or just plain busted it’s time to replace or reposition them. Tightening these fasteners and adding extra support if needed will keep your gutters snug and sloped correctly.

Pro tip: If you see big gaps or the gutter pulling away from the fascia don’t just hammer it back. That’s like slapping duct tape on a leaky canoe. You need to realign the system and check the wood underneath too.

2. Sealing Leaky Joints and Small Cracks

The Problem:

Even the tiniest leak at a gutter joint can cause slow drips—and big damage. Water can seep into walls, rot wood or freeze and expand in cold snaps making things even worse.

And here’s the kicker: most of the time these leaks start small and silently. You won’t even notice until you’re wondering why your siding looks stained.

The Fix: 

Use a gutter sealant (look for one that stays flexible) to seal any leaky joints, seams or hairline cracks. Make sure to clean the area first and only apply when everything is dry.

If you’re not a fan of ladders or gooey sealant you might want to phone in someone with a steady hand and a head for heights.

3. Fixing Winter Damage

The Problem:

Canadian winters aren’t kind. Ice dams, snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles—they can all warp, crack or wreck your gutters.

Cracked sections won’t carry water where it needs to go. Instead, it will pour straight down… right where you don’t want it.

The Fix:

Inspect each section of your gutter. Look for warping, cracks, splits and rust. Any damaged parts should be replaced — not patched.

Think of it this way: Would you patch a cracked canoe before heading out into the lake? Nope. Same logic applies to your gutters.

4. Unclogging Downspouts and Tightening Extensions

The Problem:

You can have the cleanest gutters in town but if your downspouts are clogged water’s going nowhere. And in spring that water builds up fast.

Debris, nests and even frozen sludge can create a total blockage. Water backs up, gutters overflow and your home’s exterior starts looking like a splash pad.

The Fix:

Use a plumber’s snake or a power washer with a special nozzle to flush out the downspouts. Then check that extensions are tight and pointed away from your home’s foundation.

Better yet consider adding splash blocks or long extensions if the current setup drains too close to the house. Mississauga’s clay-heavy soil isn’t great with moisture—it needs help draining properly.

5. Realigning the Slope for Proper Drainage

The Problem:

Your gutters aren’t just there to catch water—they’re supposed to guide it. If they’re not sloped right (even by a little) water will pool in spots instead of draining.

Pooling water = rust, weight issues and a perfect place for mosquitos to throw a pool party.

The Fix:

Use a level and check the slope — gutters should drop about ¼ inch every 10 feet toward the downspout. If it’s off adjust the hangers or reinstall sections to correct the angle.

This is one of those things that sounds easy but can turn into a full-day wrestling match. Consider passing the baton to someone who does this all the time.

Why Spring Is the Best Time for Gutter Repairs

Still wondering why now is the time to act? Here’s the deal:

• Prevention is cheaper than repair. Waiting until it’s raining cats and dogs (and possibly squirrels) means you’ll be reacting to damage instead of preventing it.
• You’re already doing spring cleaning. Might as well add the gutters to the list, right between vacuuming behind the fridge and finally tossing that broken rake.
• It clears the mental clutter. There’s something incredibly satisfying about checking this off your home maintenance list. Spring feels fresher when your gutters are good to go.

And let’s not forget: spring rains in Mississauga don’t mess around. With clay-heavy soils and older homes in many neighborhoods, water can cause real damage fast.

When in Doubt, Call in the Pros

Sure, some repairs are DIY-friendly. But if your gutters are two stories up, sagging all over or leaking like a broken hose… it might be time to call in a pro.

Here’s why that’s usually the smarter move:

• They’ve seen it all. And they’ve probably fixed worse.
• They work safer and faster. No ladders tipping over or you are juggling tools in the wind.
• They spot problems you might miss. Like fascia board rot or improperly pitched runs.
• They can clean repair and prep for rain season — all at once.

In other words, you get peace of mind and a house ready to face the soggiest April on record.

Spring’s the perfect time to reset, refresh and repair. While you’re tidying up inside and trimming shrubs outside don’t forget what’s hanging above your head.

Gutter maintenance might not be glamorous but it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your home this season. Especially if you live somewhere like Mississauga where a mild week can turn into a week of torrential rain in the blink of an eye. Just pass the baton.