You try hard to take care of your home: you mow the lawn, you clean regularly, and you do many other little things that keep it in top shape. But are you paying attention to your gutters? These small but crucial parts of the house’s structure protect the foundation, the roof, and even the interior of your home from water damage. If you notice water falling from places other than the downspout or stains on the siding from rain water, you may have leaky gutters. But what causes gutter to leak? What can you do to resolve the problem? Keep reading to find out!
Holes and Gaps
Over time, the gutter material can corrode and form holes or gaps. In many cases, you can fix the problem with caulk or waterproof sealant. However, you may need to consider more serious repair or even replacement if the holes or gaps are more severe.
Clogs
If you have open gutters, debris can accumulate and clog up your gutters. Leaves, pinecones, needles, and other objects can stop water from flowing efficiently, causing water to flow over the sides of the gutters, slide down the siding, and pool up near the foundation of your house—all outcomes you do not want. By cleaning out your gutters on a fairly regular basis, such as at least twice every year, you can prevent this scenario from happening to you.
Improperly Pitched Gutters
To get water to flow into the downspouts and away from your home, the gutters need to be pitched at just the right angle. But if they are clogged or if heavy debris is weighing down a section, the gutter can sag in areas and fail to perform its function of protecting your home. Make sure that your gutters are properly aligned so that water is diverted and drained through the downspout.
Loose Hangers
Hangers attach the gutters to the house’s fascia, or the vertical board that is located right next to the roof line. When hangers come loose, water can drip on the inside edge of the gutters, damaging the fascia and potentially even the interior of your home. Whenever you clean out the gutters, make sure that they are firmly affixed with tight hangers.
Separated Joints
A troublesome spot for many gutters is at the joint of the downspout. These areas are prone to collecting debris or water, making them prime for corrosion. If a joint becomes separated, you may be able to fix the problem with caulk; however, you should be ready to replace the joint if is damaged beyond repair.
It is worth taking the time to make sure that your gutters are functioning properly. You don’t want to deal with water damage or foundation problems down the road, so the next time it rains, spend a few minutes looking for potential leaky points in your gutters. If you find some, invest the time, effort, and money for gutter repair or replacement. That way, your home can continue stay in good shape for many years to come.
About Platinum Gutters
Platinum Gutters was started by Karl and Marjorie Pickens, who are proud to offer gutter repair or replacement to homeowners throughout North Texas. To prevent clogged gutters and harmful leaks, they also provide gutter covers or leaf protectors. To get a free quote with Platinum Gutters, you can call (817) 697-2399 or click here.