The exterior of your house is under constant siege from the elements; rain, snow, wind, and hail, as well as everything in between, can all prove detrimental to your home. However, it’s your gutter system that’s probably taking the biggest beating over time – and if your gutters fail, your house is in real trouble! Even just one small leak can lead to large problems, meaning that you shouldn’t delay when it comes to repairing gutter leaks and similar issues. But how easily can leaking gutters be fixed? Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Gutters to Leak?
Gutters can begin leaking for several reasons, but a few of the most common ones include:
- The gutters have become clogged due to a buildup of debris such as leaves, twigs, dirt, trash, or even wildlife nests.
- The slope of the gutters is incorrect, or the gutters are sagging, which can lead to water pooling and cause rust, corrosion, and leaking.
- Over time, the hangers or screws that fasten the gutters to the roof can pop out of place, causing water to flow over the rear edge of the gutter and fascia boards. Likewise, the joints connecting each gutter to their seals can also separate and cause leaks.
- Water that has frozen and formed ice dams can cause leaks by preventing thawing ice from reaching the gutters. Ice is also heavy, and the added weight might cause the gutters to sag.
If you’re noticing things like dripping water from your roof, musty smells inside of your home, puddles around the base of your house, mold growth on your walls and ceilings, or even cracked or peeling paint inside or outside your house, it might be a sign of a compromised gutter system.
How Are Leaking Gutters Repaired?
While it depends on the type of damage present, the process typically involves locating the leak, cleaning the area thoroughly, and applying a suitable sealant or patching material to the damaged section. Be sure the sealant is specifically formulated for outdoor use and can withstand temperature fluctuations; otherwise, you might see your gutter leaks worsen.
In some cases, such as if larger parts of the system have sustained damage, it might be necessary to replace entire sections or make adjustments to the slope or installation pattern. It’s also worth noting that routine cleaning and maintenance can play a key role in keeping your gutters clear, clean, and free of leaks!
Without an intact gutter system, your entire home is vulnerable to costly damage. Though it might not immediately seem like a big issue, fixing a leak promptly can make all the difference in the world. If you’d rather not get up on the ladder yourself to do so, though, you can trust a team of professionals to get the job done!
About Platinum Gutters
Our team here at Platinum Gutters has served homeowners across the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering expert assistance with a wide range of gutter maintenance, replacement, and full installation services. If you have any questions about our services or you’re interested in setting up a FREE in-home estimate, please contact us today!
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 993-4237.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (972) 346-1590.