Why do Gutters Leak?

18 Oct 2018 Gutters

There are many causes that factor into why gutters leak, and Tristar Gutters offers a variety of gutter repair services. Tristar Gutters long history in the gutter repair and installation industry equips us to offer advice on how to fix leaky gutters. If your gutter is leaking, consult this list of possible causes before attempting a home fix or calling a professional at Tristar Gutters.

Gutter Clogs

One of the most common causes of a leaking gutter is a clog caused by leaves or other debris. If a gutter is clogged, it will usually spill over the top rim. Clogs can happen at any point along a gutter and commonly occur at joints and drainage points. Cleaning gutters can be a tedious and dirty job, but it should be done regularly to reduce damage to your property.

Detached Fasteners

If the nails or hangers holding your gutters in place come loose, the water that runs off the roof can miss the gutter entirely and instead run down your fascia. To prevent this, it is important to use the proper gutter fasteners and watch for flaws when servicing your gutters.

Holes or Cracks

After a few years of exposure to rain and sunlight, the materials that gutters are made of can start to degrade. This can lead to an increased chance that the gutter will be damaged, usually right around seams or holes made by fasteners or at points where water has pooled and corroded through the gutter. Holes and cracks can be patched, but the material needs to be clean and dry for most patching compounds to work properly. It is usually best to contact a professional to apply a gutter patch to a leak.

Joint Failure

Where two pieces of gutter meet, there is usually a silicon caulking material applied to keep water from escaping through the cracks. This caulking can wear out over time and will eventually need to be replaced. If your gutter is leaking at a joint it might be a very simple fix, but it will still require the proper tools and expertise to repair.

Incorrect Incline

When a gutter is not sloped enough, water can pool and cause damage. If the gutters have sagged after years of use or if they were installed improperly, they might begin to drain from the wrong point, corrode, or crack. To correct this cause of leaking, a gutter will usually need to be rehung.

To learn more about why gutters leak and how to repair leaky gutters, or if you are interested in one of Tristar Gutters’ gutter systems or gutter services, contact Tristar Gutters at 604-533-0500. Its experienced Langley gutter professionals can offer their advice and services for any of your gutter needs.