Scraping or sanding lead paint is a health hazard unless proper procedures are followed. If lead is not a problem, remove deteriorated paint with a scraper. Sand the scraped areas smooth and apply an exterior-grade primer to all bare wood. When the primer is dry, apply a high-quality latex paint. The weight of ice and snow can cause gutters to loosen and sag.
Parts sometimes separate.
Gutters that weren't adequately cleaned last fall may be clogged with leaves or debris. Any of these problems can cause major gutter leaks or overflowing, dumping rainwater close to the house's foundation, where it can work its way into the basement. Sagging gutters can sometimes be corrected by adjusting or tightening the brackets that support them. Replacement brackets, if needed, are sold at home centers and hardware stores. Gutter parts that separate can be reassembled and held together with sheet-metal screws or aluminum rivets.