Why Are My Gutters Leaking?

Are you asking yourself, “Why are my gutters leaking?” To the untrained eye, small gutter leaks can seem like a minor nuisance. Unlike fires or broken windows, it's an issue that doesn't scream urgency or crisis. However, gutter leaks are deserving of serious and immediate attention. Failing to address a leak promptly can lead to long-term damage to your roof and home. Sooner or later, what was once an easily fixable problem, like a minute leak, ends up costing you hundreds in repairs and replacements. 

What happens when my gutter leaks? 

You may not notice your gutter leaking right away because leaks often start as a trickle, rather than a downpour. Most times, you'll only notice a leak after seeing a puddle grow on the ground beneath your gutters. This pooling is dangerous because it could erode the foundation of your home, enter your basement, and cause flooding—leading to irreparable water damage and mould growth. 

Pooling not only affects your basement but the surrounding landscape as well, including your driveway and garden. An overwatered gardened can kill any growing plants or vegetation. A leaky gutter can also degrade your fascia and cause detachment from your roof. Water that drips onto any wooden material, like a deck or patio, will cause rot and degradation. 

With all of these potential consequences, it's clear leaky gutters are serious business! Learn the common causes of gutter leaks, so you know what to watch out for before you encounter a problem.

Age 

The age of your gutter doesn't determine its quality or durability, but it can make it more prone to wear and tear. Gutters should last about 15-20 years. New gutters can still leak, but ones that are older and worn are more inclined to getting cracks that let water seep through. Worn-out sectional gutters are particularly susceptible to leaking because the sealant or screws that hold the two sections together dissolve or loosen over time. That's why gutter maintenance is crucial! Be diligent with seasonal gutter cleaning to ensure that your gutters remain durable throughout its 15-20 year lifespan. Look out for gutter cleaners in Vancouver like Clean Break Home Services, who can clear your roof of clogs and assess the longevity of your gutters. 

Clogged gutters

A clogged gutter is a recipe for not just one problem but a plethora. In addition to issues like mold, roof damage, and attracting pests, a clogged gutter is a surefire way to get water overflow. When leaves and debris build-up, a dam forms that trap water in your gutters until it can no longer hold. This tipping point is when the water pours over and splashes onto your driveway. Unlike a typical leak that starts with an inconspicuous drip, overflow from a clogged gutter is unnoticeable until it spills over in one fell swoop. Only frequent gutter cleaning will prevent blockages, and therefore prevent water overflow. 

Improper Slope

Gutters should angle slightly downward so that water properly drains through its downspout. When it's hung poorly, water fails to flow into the downspout and instead pools in the gutter. The weight of the water can cause sagging and separation from the roof. Water that sits in your gutter will also speed up its corrosion and produce rust. After enough water accumulates, it will overflow and spill all around the exterior of your house. 

Loose Gutters

Rain gutters are affixed to the fascia board on your roof by screws, nails, or hangers. When hangers get loose, it creates a gap between the gutter and the fascia. Similar to the worn-out sectionals we mentioned earlier, rainwater can leak through the gap between your gutter and the fascia board. Small amounts of water can also get through the space around the loosened fastener and leak onto the fascia board. Adding water to a fascia board is an equation that equals to rotting. Before you know it, you'll have to replace the board and re-install your gutter.

Hangers can also loosen if the gutter carries excess weight from outdoor rubbish. Homes in the Pacific Northwest are often surrounded by forestry, making it more vulnerable to leaves falling into gutters, which is why routine gutter cleaning in Vancouver is a must! Scheduling regular gutter cleaning prevents a build-up of debris that leads to a slew of problems. 

Cracks & Holes

The most obvious cause of leaking is cracks and holes in your gutter. Weathering can naturally deteriorate even the most durable materials, and small fractures can grow over time. Take note of even the tiniest signs of leaking and have your gutter inspected to prevent the problem from worsening. Waterproof sealant or caulking are quick fixes for small cracks and holes, but larger ones might even require gutter replacement. 

How do you fix gutter leaks?

Depending on the cause, fixing a leak can be as simple as patching up a hole with a waterproof sealant. It can also be as costly and as complicated as replacing your fascia or even the entire gutter. Clearly, the consequences of neglecting to fix a leak can be catastrophic. The best solution is prevention. Now that you know the most common causes of gutter leaks, you’re more equipped to prevent a leak from happening. 

If you’re still asking, “Why are my gutters leaking,” schedule a gutter assessment from professional gutter cleaners in Vancouver, like Clean Break Home Services, who provide the highest quality care for home exteriors. From gutter cleaning to pressure washing, Clean Break Home Services is an award-winning company dedicated to offering the best service for your home.