Drainage Conditions and Debris Accumulation
Gutters and downspouts collect whatever material drifts or washes down the roof slope, creating flow restrictions over time. Depending on surrounding vegetation and exposure, drainage troughs may gather dry leaves, small twigs, decomposing organic matter, roof granule buildup, or dense silt. When debris settles near downspout openings, it restricts water flow and creates sitting pools in the gutter troughs. Describing the types of debris visible from the ground helps assess the cleaning effort required to restore smooth water movement toward the downspouts.