I have a 4 X 8 rafter tail (under the eaves) that has dry rot. I probably only need to cut out about 5 inches of it. My questions is once I've cut out the bad part and have fashioned my replacement, how do people usually connect the new piece to the existing rafter? Drill holes for a steel dowel? That would seem to be the strongest hold. Or put screws in on either side at 45 degree angles? Also I would also paint the end of the newly cut rafter tail. Is there anything that I should use to treat the tail before painting? Spray with OrangeGuard Termite spray maybe?

Late last fall, I had my gutters cleaned by a local company. They appeared to be somewhat efficient. A few days ago we had a ton of rain. The rain actually poured over the gutters which tells me the gutters are blocked again and/or the downspouts are blocked. Today, I took a powerful hose and nozzle and shoved it up the downspout from ground level. A ton of debris came out which told me this was probably the reason for the backup. After doing that for about 30 minutes, I sprayed water on to the roof to see if that indeed was the entire fix. Seems not, as water poured over the gutters just like before. I am thinking that the blockage is high up in the downspout near the second story roofline. Is there any way to clean that out with a something more efficient than a hose and a spray nozzle from ground level or, does somebody need to go up on the roof again and attack this from the top?