A complete record should show which gutter runs were serviced, what visible debris was removed, whether any section was inaccessible, how the work area was left, and what the provider observed at visible downspout paths. Photos support the record, but they do not prove correct pitch, a sound roof, repaired leaks, or an open buried drain.
Completion record
- Service address and completion date match the request.
- Every included structure and gutter run is listed.
- Before and after photos use the same visible sections where practical.
- Removed debris is described or shown.
- Visible downspout inlets and above-ground outlets are reported.
- Any inaccessible section is named and photographed from a safe position.
- Guards that were moved are listed, with their final position recorded.
- The ground, siding, paths, and landscaping are left free of cleaning debris.
- Visible sagging, separated seams, loose parts, or roof-edge concerns are reported as observations, not repairs.
- Added work and price changes have written approval.
Proof limits
| Evidence | What it can show | What it cannot prove |
|---|---|---|
| Channel photo | Visible material was removed from that view | Correct pitch or every hidden section |
| Downspout outlet photo | The visible outlet condition | A buried line is open end to end |
| Flow observation | Water moved through the tested visible path | Roof, fascia, or underground drainage condition |
| Cleanup photo | The photographed work area was left clean | Work quality outside the frame |
Use what is included in gutter cleaning before the visit. Use cleaning versus repair when the report shows damage.
Limits
Do not climb a ladder to reproduce a provider's photos. Review the record from the ground. Cleaning removes debris within the agreed scope. It does not certify the roof, gutter system, foundation drainage, or buried piping.
Sources
- City of Portland, stormwater maintenance guidance, https://www.portland.gov/bes/stormwater/maintenance, accessed 2026-09-19.