Gutters play a major role in keeping your house protected from the elements. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, gutters are even more important. They protect your home by collecting rainwater that flows down off of your roof and directing it away from your home’s foundations. If your gutters are leaking, they need to be repaired quickly or there’s a risk that water could pool at the base of your home, damaging the foundations. Water could even get inside your home, causing water damage.
How to repair your gutters depends on what is causing them to leak. Thoroughly inspect your gutters to determine the problem. Keep in mind that gutters may be leaking because of more than one issue.
The Fastenings Are Loose
If the fastenings in between sections of gutter or that connect the gutters to the roof can come loose over time. Check to make sure that the fastenings are tight. Otherwise, the gutters could pull away from the roof or have gaps in-between sections through which water can leak.
The Gutters Are Clogged
Clogged gutters prevent the water from flowing down into the downspout and away from your house. This should be the first thing you look for when inspecting your gutters. If there are leaves or other debris in your gutters, clean them out. You’ll also want to make sure that the downspouts are clear as well. Test your downspout with a hose to make sure water flows down smoothly.
Consider Leaf Guards for Your Gutters
If your gutters get clogged frequently, you should consider installing leaf guards. These can help to prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters in the first place. There are multiple types of leaf guards. Some sit in the gutters, while others fasten above them.
The Gutters Are Cracked
No gutter system lasts forever, no matter how high in quality is it. Especially if your gutter system is older or if you live in an area that experiences more extreme weather conditions, check your gutters for cracks and rust spots. Many times, these may be repairable with caulk or sealant. Major cracks may necessitate a replacement of that section of gutter, however.
There’s Extensive Damage
Some gutter damage is so extensive that it can’t be fixed with caulk or sealant. In a case like this, the gutters may need to be replaced. If the damage is contained to one section, you may be able to replace just that section. However, if the damage is widespread, you may need an entirely new gutter system.