Why are my Gutters Leaking? Things to Look For.

When was the last time you took a close look at your gutters? If you’re like most homeowners, your gutters are “out of sight, out of mind” until there’s an issue. However, if left neglected, your gutters can contribute to serious and costly home damages from water getting into areas it shouldn’t.

Leaky gutters are one of the worst culprits of home damage. When water isn’t diverted properly away from your home, it can drip down the sides of your home, pool around the base of your home, and seep into areas that are meant to be left dry. At LeafFilter, we always recommend looking at your gutters to see how they are performing. Here are five common types of gutter leaks.

Signs of Leaking Gutters

If you walk around your home after it rains and notice water falling from your roof where it shouldn’t be, this could be an indication you have a clogged or leaking gutter. Check for stains on siding or walk ways and take a look in your basement to see if there are any leaks or signs of dampness.

Causes of Leaking Gutters

1. Clogged gutters: Over time, your open gutters will fill with leaves and debris, inhibiting the flow of water. With no place to go, water can run over the sides of your gutters, drip down your siding, and pool around the base of your home. This can lead to foundation damage, rotting wood, basement flooding, and other types of home damage.
2. Holes and gaps: In order to be effective, your gutter system has to be free of holes and gaps. Your gutters can corrode over time and may need to be repaired or replaced. In many cases, holes can be filled with a caulk or waterproof sealant. For more serious holes, you may need to replace the entire gutter section.
3. Loose hangers: Most gutters are secured to your home’s fascia board with internal hidden hangers. Over time, these hangers can become loose. As a result, the runoff water can flow over the rear edge of your gutters and damage your fascia boards in the process. If you’ve noticed leaking gutters, your internal fasteners may be the culprit.
4. Improperly pitched gutters: To ensure water flows properly away from your home, your gutters must be pitched properly. If your gutters are clogged, this could cause your gutters to sag in certain spots, which means water won’t effectively go towards your downspouts. Realigning your gutters will ensure water goes towards your downspouts.
5. Separated Joints: Another common area for gutter leaks is located right around the joints of your downspouts. These areas can catch debris and water, causing them to corrode and deteriorate over time. In some cases, you may be able to repair the separated joint with caulk, however, you may need to replace the joint in some cases where it is beyond repair.

Solve Leaky Gutters with the help from LeafFilter

Have you noticed your gutters leaking? LeafFilter provides a permanent solution to clogged and leak gutters with our #1 rated gutter protection system. Our system installs right on top of your existing gutters, eliminating the need for gutter cleaning forever. During your installation, our professional team will assess the condition of your gutters, fix any leaks, and realign your gutters prior to installing LeafFilter. This way, you can ensure your gutters are in peak performance for years to come. Learn more about LeafFilter and request a no-obligation free estimate today!