Follow water from roof to destination
- Where does water leave the roof?
- Is it captured by gutters or managed another way?
- Where do downspouts discharge?
- Does the soil or hardscape slope away from the house?
- Where does the water ultimately go during a heavy event?
Look for evidence, not just design
- Soil staining or erosion.
- Efflorescence or moisture marks.
- Rot or swelling at siding/trim.
- Pooling beside the foundation.
- Sunken pavers or negative slope.
- Crawlspace dampness or musty conditions.
- Downspouts ending directly at the foundation.
Fix the source before the finish
Replacing damaged siding without changing the water pathway can recreate the same problem. Diagnose the path first, then repair materials affected by it.
For complex sites, a contractor, drainage professional or other qualified specialist may be needed to design the solution.
Recheck after the work
The best time to verify a drainage fix is during actual runoff. Watch the system in rain or snowmelt when safe to do so, and adjust maintenance as debris or landscaping changes.
Common questions
Can I check drainage during a dry Bend summer?
You can identify slopes and obvious discharge issues, but wet-weather observation may reveal conditions that are not visible when the site is dry.
Are gutters always the full solution?
No. They may be one part of roof-water management; grading and discharge location still matter.