Gutter Leaks

Leaking gutters are not only unsightly but can also cause problems for your home's foundation and roof. Learn what steps to take when you notice the problem.

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A leaking gutter at your 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 homeowners in Georgia 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.

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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 likely reasons your gutters are leaking is because of clogging. 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.

Incorrect Slope

Gutters should have a gradual decline or “slope”. The slope ensures water can freely flow to the downspouts and out and away from your home. Unfortunately, older gutters, or poorly maintained gutters, tend to start sagging and develop an incorrect slope (either because of clogs or fasteners becoming loose). When a gutter’s angle isn’t right, water tends to leak over the sides.

If you determine this is a problem in your home, don’t attempt a DIY fix. Typically a badly sloped section of gutter needs to be rehung and repaired properly by professionals. Luckily, AquaGuard can do just that and help you avoid the problem altogether.

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.

Damage Caused by Leaking Gutters

Attic Leaks – when your gutters are installed, they are attached to the fascia board under your roof. If there are any cracks or holes in your roof or adjoining attic, water from your gutters could leak inside the attic. This can damage anything you have stored there and lead to excessive humidity and mold growth on various materials, including insulation
Foundation Damage – leaking water from your gutters can cause problems with your home’s foundation. Whether it’s just dripping water or an overflow of precipitation, leaking water from your gutters is absorbed by the soil surrounding your foundation. Depending on the region of Georgia you live in, this could lead to eroded soil, expansive clay soil, or puddles around the foundation walls. This leads to various foundation issues such as wall cracks, leaks, bowing, heaving floors, and sticking windows and doors.
Basement Leaks and Flooding – water leaking from your gutters can cause problems in your basement as well. Hydrostatic pressure created by water in the soil generally leads to basement wall damage, including water stains, efflorescence, puddles, and mold growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Gutter Leaks

Can Leaky Gutters Be Repaired?

Repairing a leaky gutter involves detecting the source of leakage (usually a hole or a crack) and then applying a sealant or patch—although if the damage is more extensive, professional help is recommended. The first step in any leaky gutter repair is to clean the gutters and ensure that any clogs are removed out of the trough and downspouts.

AquaGuard’s experts inspect gutters for damage, secure any loose sections, and install leak-resistant materials that direct rainwater into the gutter, preventing it from running behind the wall.

Are Leaking Gutters Bad?

Leaking gutters can cause severe problems by disrupting the proper flow of rainwater away from your home, potentially leading to structural damage, mold growth, and basement flooding.

Additionally, the misdirected water can erode soil around your home, damaging flower beds, shrubs, and even affecting the stability of concrete patios or decks. Lastly, the damp environment created by a leaky gutter can attract pests like mosquitoes and termites, leading to unwanted infestations.

How Do I Find a Leak in My Gutter?

Ensuring your gutters are correctly flowing will save you money in the long run. Finding a leak in your gutter involves the following steps:

Visual Inspection: First, visually inspect your gutter system. Look for obvious signs of leakage such as cracks, holes, rusty gutters, or areas with peeling sealant.
Water Test: If a visual inspection doesn’t identify the problem, you can conduct a water test. Run a hose with water flowing into the gutter and watch for areas where water escapes.
Check the Joints: The joints, where different sections of the gutter connect, are common places for leaks to occur. Make sure to thoroughly check if these areas have separated during your water test.
Inspect for Blockages: Sometimes, a leak is actually a blockage causing water to overflow. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of leaves, twigs, and other debris.

Remember, safety first. Use a sturdy ladder and have someone spot you if possible. If the issue is not easily identifiable or accessible, consider hiring a professional.

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.