How to Repair Gutter Leaks

But if your gutters have one or more leaks, they can’t do their job. In fact, even the smallest leaks can result in some form of water damage. Therefore, it’s important to perform routine checkups to see if there are any constant drips or streams of water coming from them. And in the chance you do find a gutter leak, here’s how to repair it. 

Identify the Cause of the Gutter Leak

Just like any other problem, the first step to repairing a gutter leak is to determine the cause of it. Usually, a gutter leak is the result of one of these four factors:

Cracks and Holes

Your gutters experience a lot of wear and tear while they’re exposed to extreme weather conditions. Whether a tree branch falls on them or the paint falls off and causes them to rust, your gutters can develop a number of cracks and holes. 

Clogs

One of the most common causes of leaking gutters is clogs. When your gutters accumulate leaves, branches, debris, and even animal remains, all those things build up to form a wet mass that blocks water. If water can’t flow down and out of your gutters, it causes an overflow that has the same consequences as a leak.

Loose Fasteners

Usually, your gutters are attached to your home’s fascia boards using some type of fastener. Whether it be a nail, screw, or something else, those fasteners can loosen, leading to small leaks developing around the fastener and water pouring out onto the fascia. 

Separated Seams or Joints

If you have sectional gutters, the seams and joints connecting each section tend to wear down and separate over time, eventually causing a leak. Often, this problem can be spotted even when there’s no water dripping or streaming out of them. In other cases, the separation will be so small that you can only notice it after water is poured in. 

Fix the Problem

Once you’ve determined the cause of the leak, you can figure out the best way to repair your gutters. Luckily, the solutions to each of the problems above are fairly simple. 

• For cracks and holes, you can use a waterproof gutter caulk or sealant to cover them up. 
• For clogs, you can remove the buildup in your gutter and remember to clean them out every year in the future. 
• For loose fasteners, you can simply tighten or replace the fasteners. 
• For separated seams and joints, you can reattach and seal the joints with a waterproof gutter caulk or sealant. Better yet, you can replace your sectional gutters with a custom seamless gutter system. 

Sectional Gutters vs. Seamless Gutters

When it comes to preventing leaks, you can set yourself up for success by choosing a gutter system that’s virtually leak-proof. Let’s talk about the difference between sectional and seamless gutters, and which one can help you prevent the most leaks. 

Sectional Gutters

Sectional gutters are assembled and attached in multiple separate pieces to form one complete gutter system. That way, if one section of gutter is damaged, it’s easy to fix because just that section needs to be repaired or replaced. 

However, sectional gutters are known for needing frequent inspection, maintenance, and repair. The spaces in between each part can easily be widened, causing damage and leaks. While they’re an affordable option, the constant attention they need can be overwhelming for many homeowners. 

Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are made from one solid, continuous piece of material. They’re usually delivered on a roll to your homesite, then shaped according to your contractor’s instructions during installation. Since they’re all one piece, there aren’t any spaces that can expand to form leaks  — meaning there is much less maintenance and repair needed to keep the gutters working properly. 

Aside from their leak-free properties, seamless gutters also tend to be more durable and attractive than sectional gutters. Their custom installation is proven to fit the needs of your home and stand strong for years. And with a variety of gutter materials to choose from (aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless, steel, copper, zinc), you’re able to select the one that best suits your home’s aesthetic. 

Leaking gutters can be an annual annoyance, but you don’t have to put up with it. Contact Werner Roofing to outfit your home with a custom seamless gutter system and say goodbye to the constant maintenance and headache of leaking sectional gutters.