Do you have gutters that leak? Leaking gutters can cause damage to the walls and foundation of your home. If the gutters are leaking, the water that they are meant to carry away from the house is dripping down the side of it instead. This will eventually lead to water seepage into your foundation and even mold growth and wood rot in your walls. So why do your gutters leak and what can you do to put a stop to it?

Why do gutters leak?

• Improper Sloping – If the gutters were not sloped as they should be when they were installed, the water will not flow in the direction of the downspout and the water will overflow from them or pooling in the corners. When water pools in the corners, it can cause the gutter to corrode and begin to leak.
• Foundation Settling – When your home was first built and the gutters were installed, the slope was probably perfect. Over the years, the soil under the foundation settles and can cause a slight shift in the structure.
• Nails Used to Install – If nails were used to install the gutter instead of screws, those nails can pull loose and cause the gutter to sag in areas.
• Not Sealed Properly – If the gutter seams are not sealed properly, they will leak. If the seal is not installed properly, it could cause a bump in the corners and other seams that catch debris and cause a build-up in that area. This will lead to corrosion and overflows.

What can you do to put a stop to gutter leaks?

• Keep the Gutters Clean – Cleaning the gutters will not only help them to work properly, but it will also help you identify areas that could be a problem now or in the future. If you live under a canopy of trees, have gutter guards installed to keep leaves and twigs out of the gutters.
• Inspect and Repair Corners and Seams– If you notice that corner and seam seals are failing, clean, fasten, and caulk the seam.
• Raise the Gutters – If the gutters are leaking because of poor sloping, raising one end of the gutter system is the only way to get the water flowing properly. Raise the end of the gutter at the opposite end of the downspout. This is a pretty big project, as it requires you to unfasten the gutter system and refasten it in a higher position.
• Keep the Roof Clean – The debris that wash off of your roof into the gutters can cause the gutters to clog and overflow. Keeping the debris off of your roof will help to keep the gutters clean.

If you cannot identify the cause of your gutters leaking, talk with a local gutter professional like Conifer Gutter Service to determine the cause and come up with a plan for repair.

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