Do spring storms have water running over — rather than through — your gutters? If your gutters are leaking, it can be an unsettling feeling. Leaking gutters can cause damage to your roof, walls, landscaping, and foundation. If your gutters are leaking this spring, you probably want to figure out why they’re leaking as quickly as possible. There are several common reasons gutters leak.
Cracks
Even the most durable gutters will develop cracks over time. Galvanized steel gutters especially are susceptible to cracking; freezing temperatures and stress on the steel causes the metal to break down over time. In any gutter system, the most common places to find cracks are where two pieces of gutter come together. Those joints can loosen and eventually leak.
Clogs
The most common cause of leaky gutters is also the easiest problem to resolve: a buildup of debris within the gutter. When gutters become clogged, water isn’t able to run through the gutter system and instead floods over the top of the gutter. Keeping your gutters clean can help save you from gutter leaks. If you hate cleaning your gutters, you can keep them debris free with a gutter guard system.
Holes
Metal gutters can corrode and develop holes that leak. Clogged gutters can lead to this problem; a buildup of rotting leaves can degrade gutter materials and lead to the faster development of holes and leaks.
Failing supports
The hangers that fasten your gutter to your home can begin to pull away from your roofline over time. When that happens, your gutters will sag, sending water pouring over the edges of the gutter.
Improper installation
Leaking gutters can be a sign that your gutters were not properly installed, to begin with. Improperly sized downspouts, downspouts located too close to your home’s foundation and gutter pieces that aren’t properly joined will leak against your home’s foundation. Leaking gutters also can be a sign that your gutters were not properly sized to accommodate the pitch of your roof.
It can be tempting to ignore your leaking gutters. After all, it only leaks when it’s raining, and as soon as the sun shines, the problem goes away. But ignoring your leaking gutters can have disastrous results! Leaking gutters flood water back into your roofline, into your home’s walls and ceilings, and against your foundation! That water can cause mold, mildew and structural damage. The longer you leave leaking gutters unchecked, the more devastating the damage can be!
If you notice your gutters leaking when it rains, call The Gutterman of TN! We can find the source of your gutter leaks and help you to find a gutter solution that restores the function of your gutters and keep your home safe from water damage.