A leaking gutter at your Athen’s area home is a significant cause for concern for homeowners. Not only does the problem look bad, but it can lead to leaks in your roof and foundation. The Atlanta area receives 52 inches of rain, on average, per year… that’s nearly 15 inches more than the national average. With rain like that, having a reliable, fully functioning gutter system is very important to the health of your home.
Luckily, AquaGuard Foundation Solutions has been repairing and restoring peace of mind to Athens, Atlanta, and Columbus homeowners for more than 25 years. They understand the entire water management process and can replace and repair failing gutters with the solution that fits your home’s needs best.
Why are My Gutters Leaking?
Discovering you have dripping gutters can be frustrating. Although you may know the problem is important, getting access to the offending leaking gutter can be dangerous and not an easy task. Climbing a ladder is dangerous, especially for those unsteady on their feet, and often long sections of gutters are located in areas where an easy reach is not possible. If you can investigate the leak, keep an eye out for these signs below.
Holes & Cracking
Weather and exposure to standing water can cause even the strongest materials to disintegrate over time. Small holes can occur, with time, these holes get more extensive, and you’ll notice a significant leak. Sometimes holes can be challenging to locate when it’s not raining. Try filling a bucket with water and dumping it into the area you think is leaking to find the problem.
Clogs
One of the most popular reasons your gutters may be leaking is clogs. Without regular cleaning, your gutters are prone to clog with naturally occurring debris like leaves and pine needles. Still, you may be surprised to learn our team at AquaGuard has removed items like tennis balls and snakes from homeowner’s gutters as well.
Regardless of the cause of the clog, you’ll typically notice water flowing over the top of the gutter edge instead of flowing through the downspout. Keeping gutters free of debris is an essential maintenance task, however, the job of cleaning the gutters can be less than fun. Schedule a professional cleaning at least once a year, or consider upgrading to gutter protection to protect your investment and eliminate cleaning trips up on the ladder.
Bad Slope
When installed, your gutters will have a gradual decline or slope. This ensures water can freely flow to the downspouts and out and away from your home. Older gutters, or poorly maintained gutters, will see sagging either from the weight of clogs or fasteners becoming loose.
If sagging gutters are the problem, this is not a DIY fix. Typically a section of gutter needs to be rehung and repaired properly by professionals. Luckily, AquaGuard can do just that and suggest helpful tricks to avoid the problem next time.
Gutter Joint Separation
Gutters leaking from either seam connections or corners is another possible source of leaking. Standing water or general rust and deterioration can cause joint connections to separate over time.
Although it may seem as easy as repairing with new caulk or sealant, this route may not be watertight. In some cases, replacing the connection joint may be the best route for a permanent solution. It’s best to have a gutter professional access the problem before making any repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions – Gutter Leaks
Not only do your gutters have an important role to play, but the weather in Georgia, especially the Atlanta and Athens area, provide its fair share of abuse. The area’s heavy rainfall, plus the tree debris, means your gutters go through a lot. Needing to repair your gutters is completely understandable. Most likely, if the damage isn’t too severe and the gutter is mainly in good condition, repairs can be made. Deciding if you want to attempt to make repairs or call in a professional is the next decision.
Cleaning gutters is always the first step. Carefully use a ladder to remove all debris and a power washer to clean out remaining dirt and muck. Always check downspouts whenever you are cleaning gutters; make sure water flows freely out the bottom. If not, it’s a good idea to remove the downspout base and use a hose to spray out any problematic clogs.
If your gutters are still leaking, it’s probably time to call in a gutter professional.
The experts at AquaGuard will inspect the gutters for cracks and holes and tighten any loose sections. They will also ensure the proper thrashing is in place to direct water to the gutter, rather than having water run behind the wall during a rainstorm.
Gutters play an important role in your water management system. When your gutters are leaking, especially during heavy rain, they are basically useless. Read below to discover what can result from leaking, failing gutters.
Roof Leaks
A typical first sign of damage caused by failing gutters is a roof leak. Water sits on top of the roof when gutters are clogged or no longer moving water away from the house. Water is very heavy, and this added weight can lead to major roof damage.
Inside the home, keep an eye out for leaks coming from the ceiling or cracks in the corners. Remember, the problem will only worsen with time, so fixing your gutter issue quickly is critical.
Foundation Damage
When water is not flowing through the gutter system for any reason, it is gets dumped over the top of the gutter. This means water often pools directly at your home’s foundation. This added water pressure can lead to leaks and weaken the structural integrity of your home.
Mold & Mildew
When water isn’t addressed properly, it can develop into mold and mildew very quickly. Removal can be very pricey, so it’s best to address any standing water as soon as it is located.
Landscaping Damage
As mentioned, water is dumped directly onto the ground below when gutters fail, causing damage to shrubs and flowers. Strong enough rain may even cause plants to be washed out, requiring replanting. Grass also sees damage when standing water is constant.
Ensuring your gutters are correctly flowing will save you money in the long run, but what is the best way to check for gutter leaks? Read below.
It’s important to note that testing for gutter leaks is best done with two people. This way, someone can be up on a ladder while the second person remains on the ground looking for leaks.
Once you are ready to begin, start by looking at the gutters in segments separated by downspouts rather than a whole. Use a garden hose or bucket to flush water through the gutters and have the person on the ground identify where the leak occurs. Take a look at each leak to determine the cause and the size of the leak. A gutter professional can take it from this point and repair the leak, restoring your system to its original condition.
AquaGuard Gutter Professionals Solve Gutter Leaks
Your leaking gutters need professional repair. Forget about climbing dangerous ladders and trying to address the problem yourself. The experts at AquaGuard offer a free inspection. The team will do a full assessment of your gutter system, identify any leaks and provide you with a written, no-obligation quote to repair the problem. The process is mess and stress-free. Call or contact us today.
