Leaky Gutters? Learn the Possible Causes
Gutters are designed to channel water away from your property's foundation. If your gutters are leaky, the issue can cause significant water damage to the walls and sidings.
As such, you should understand the possible culprits for leaks in your gutters. Read on to learn the steps that will put you in a better position to prevent leaks.
Your Gutters Have Clogs
Rainwater may carry all sorts of debris, primarily twigs and leaves. With time, the waste accumulates and causes blockage in your gutters. Consequently, the rainwater will have no room in the gutters and may start to backup. At this point, you may notice water overflowing and pouring out over the edges and sides.
If you don't clean the gutters, the water will start to leak through any small holes or cracks in the system. Therefore, you should clean your gutters regularly and don't wait for the dirt to accumulate before you take the right step. You should also schedule regular gutter maintenance with experts. The professionals can help you clear the gutters and fix any underlying issues.
Your Gutters Are Saggy
Gutter installation features a slight slope that allows water to flow towards the downspouts. However, if your gutters are sagging, then the water may not be able to reach the downspouts, which can result in leaks.
Many things can cause gutters to sag. Common problems can be the age of the gutters and the weight of debris. If you notice your gutters sagging, you should inspect the gutters for debris and clean them if necessary. If the issue doesn't go away, contact an expert to fix or replace the gutters if they are past their lifespan.
Your Gutters Have Cracks or Damage
As your gutters age, they may wear out due to water damage. Failure to replace the gutters soon enough can result in cracks and holes that allow water to seep out.
Besides leaks, here are other signs that your gutters are failing.
Your Gutters Are Pulling Away From Your House
The hangers and brackets that hold the gutters in place may loosen over time, which causes the gutters to pull away from your property. If you notice this issue, you should call in a professional to reattach or replace the brackets.
Your Gutters Are Dented or Bent
Your gutters may suffer physical damage due to severe weather conditions or accidents. For instance, if a tree limb falls on your gutters, the limb may cause dents or bends that disrupt water flow. As such, you should inspect your gutters regularly for any damage. If you find any damage, call a professional to fix the issue as soon as possible.
Your Gutters Are Rusted
If you don't address rust in its early stage, the problem can eat away at the gutters and causes the gutters to wear completely. Therefore, contact a professional when you notice signs of rust, such as discoloration. The expert can recommend the best solution to prevent or slow down corrosion.
Your Gutters Have Damaged or Poorly Installed Downspouts
The downspouts may be installed incorrectly, which causes the downspouts to pull away from the gutters and leave gaps for water to leak through.
If you notice these issues with your downspouts, you should call a professional to assess the situation and recommend the best way to fix the problems.
Whatever the cause is, leaky gutters can cause severe damage to your property if left unaddressed, so don't wait to take action. Instead, reach out to us at Allstate Gutter & Siding to schedule gutter maintenance services. We have the skills and tools to help you clear the gutters and fix any underlying issues that may cause leaks.
