Have a dripping gutter system? It’s important to address leaks as soon as possible. Otherwise, a malfunctioning gutter can lead to major issues and repairs. Fortunately, most gutter and downspout drips can be stopped with some fairly easy steps. Today, SPOUT Gutter Pros shows you how to fix a leaky gutter to ensure proper drainage and limit the damage.
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Causes of Leaky Gutters
When it comes to the culprit, there can be any number of reasons why your gutters are dripping and sagging. If left unaddressed, a small leak can end up being a big headache. Better to deal with little issues now to avoid major repairs later.
Let’s go over the main reasons for a leaky gutter system.
1. Clogging
As a water management system, gutters typically do an amazing job of collecting water and keeping it from causing damage. This includes protecting your foundation, walls, exterior cladding, driveway & walkways, landscaping, and overall property. Erosion, for instance, is a costly consequence when gutters aren’t working properly.
That’s where clogs can wreak havoc. Without proper cleaning, gutters can be filled with debris, making it difficult or impossible for the proper flow and diversion of rainwater. Routine inspection and maintenance should be performed to ensure proper operation. This includes periodically taking leaves, branches, and other debris out of gutters.
2. Cracks and Holes
Whether you have a sectional or seamless system, no matter how robust it is, the setup can still develop cracks and holes. These typically start small but can grow with time. One way of testing for these openings is by pouring water into the gutters.
If you notice a small leak, don’t ignore it! This can seem pretty harmless at first, but with time it can turn into a much bigger problem. Applying a sealant now can save you from the time, effort, and cost of having to replace a section or multiple runs of your gutter system.
3. Loosened Fasteners
Loose fasteners can cause more than just sagging gutters. With weight, weather, and time, these fasteners can separate from the house. The sagging can cause leaks at the point of connection with the actual gutter system.
Along with direct leakage from the gutters, this can cause rot of the fascia boards to which the system is attached. A quick fix can be to simply tighten any loose fittings. It could also entail the replacement of fascia and fittings and the application of sealant. In any case, as mentioned before, don’t wait until it gets worse. Swift action can save you a ton of money and effort.
4. Improper Slope
When properly installed and functioning, gutters should have a slight slope that allows water to flow to downspouts and eventually out of the system. Improper sloping can be caused by loose fasteners or the sheer weight of a heavy downpour.
Unfortunately, a slope issue isn’t usually an easy fix. This type of repair typically involves rehanging certain gutter sections or even your entire system. If you need the assistance of a pro, don’t hesitate to reach out to SPOUT Gutter Pros. We make it easy to book the best gutter specialists in your local area!
5. Separated Joints and Seals
Gutters consist of several components. In order to tie the system together, joints are used at various points to connect gutter sections, downspouts, and more. Over time, these joints can separate and leak due to weight or broken sealant.
Proper inspection is key. Sometimes, separation is pretty obvious. Other times, it may require the flow of water to spot the problem. You can, for instance, take a water hose and spray water into your gutters, keeping an eye out for any points of separation.
How to Fix Leaky Gutters
Okay, now that we’ve looked at the possible issues, let’s consider potential fixes. Sometimes it’s as simple as tightening a fastener. Other times, one noticeable leak can be just the tip of the iceberg. It definitely pays to carefully examine your gutters and take appropriate action.
1. Tighten or Replace Components
With time, a gutter system can pull away from your home.
First, check spikes – these are the screws or nails that fasten in the gutters – and clips, which are typically found on downspouts. If they are in good working order, simply tighten or hammer back in place. If they are rusty or worn out, you’ll need to replace them accordingly.
When dealing with faulty spikes, you might not be able to just hammer or screw them back into the system. One solution is using longer or thicker nails or screws. Also, check downspout joints and replace gaskets when needed.
Second, check clips and brackets. You’ll want to keep an eye out for any broken or missing pieces. These will have to be replaced appropriately. If clips are simply loose, tighten them. If the clips are fine but missing screws, replace them with the appropriate type and size.
2. Patch Holes and Cracks
When dealing with smaller holes or cracks, it’s a pretty easy fix.
First, you’ll want to clean the gutter section or downspout in question. Next, apply a waterproof rubber gutter caulk or sealant. Allow to properly dry. Also, apply along the gutter joint. You might have to disassemble a section or downspout.
Keep in mind, however, that this may only last a season or two. Again, it pays to periodically inspect your gutters. Simply sealing a crack and then leaving it alone is not a permanent solution. Write down in your calendar or set a reminder on your device to check on any repairs you’ve performed (as well as the overall condition of your gutter system).
If you encounter bigger holes or multiple cracks, this could mean you need to replace a section of your gutters. If you have a sectional system, this might be a job you can take on. But if you have a seamless system, you’ll need to get in touch with a specialist.
Finally, if there aren’t any apparent holes, cracks, or loosened fasteners, and you’re still dealing with leaks, it could be an indication of overflow. This can be fixed with the addition of an apron or diverter. This will keep water from going over the edge of the gutters.
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With this knowledge, you should have a much better understanding of how to deal with leaky gutters. If you’re up to the task, it can take a few hours or a weekend to take care of the issue. However, if the job turns out to be bigger than expected, or you simply don’t have the time or ability to do it yourself, don’t hesitate to call in the pros.
Gutter drips and sagging sections can put a damper on your day. If you’re in need of a gutter specialist, let SPOUT Gutter Pros give you a hand! No need to take a chance on an unknown contractor – all of our seasoned pros are fully licensed, insured, and qualified.
Need to book a reliable & affordable gutter repair contractor? Get started with SPOUT now.
