Leaking gutters?

At some point most of us will have encountered leaking gutters. The most common cause for this problem is that debris, from falling leaves, moss, dirt etc, builds up over time to create blockages, which prevent water from passing through the guttering system effectively. This then causes the water to spill over the sides of the gutter, and can even lead to the gutter to splitting due to the excessive weight of standing water and debris.

Poor installation

Another common cause of leaky gutters is dodgy installation! We often visit sites where customers’ do not have the correct pitch on their guttering to allow the water to flow into the downpipe. In the absence of a slight fall to allow water to drain effectively, standing water will pool and put pressure on the gutter joints and gutter clips. This will not only cause potential overflow problems, but it may also cause the gutter to split or crack under the weight of the water.

Deteriorating joints

Over time, it is likely that gutter joints may wear down and deteriorate. As gutter joints begin to perish, their effectiveness in providing a sealed joint between two sections of guttering is reduced, meaning rainwater can leak at the gutter joint. Some gutter materials expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature, and as this happens it may weaken the joint seals.

Holes in gutters

As gutters wear over time, occasionally holes can form within gutter runs. This can be due to corrosion, general wearing down of the gutter material, or perhaps even sharp objects falling and damaging the guttering. When holes form within the gutter, they become less effective and in the worst cases, completely unfit for purpose.

Problems associated with gutters leaking

If your guttering has a leak or multiple leaks, there are several issues that can arise. These can result in both structural and aesthetic problems. When gutters leak, water will not pass through the guttering system effectively, and the water will instead run and pool elsewhere.

When gutters are not working effectively, water can pass over the roof and fascia. This can often result in wooden structural elements becoming damp and rotten and can cause structural instability. Furthermore, leaking water can flow down and pool at the side of the building, which has been known to cause flooding of basements and the building, or even in the worst cases, affect the foundations of the building. If your guttering sits above timber decking, leaking water can make these dangerously slippy or over time cause them to rot.

 How to repair leaking gutters

There are a number of different ways to repair leaking gutters, depending on the nature and cause of the leak.

How to repair blocked gutters

While it may be a job that most people despise, the only way to maintain your guttering is to get up a ladder and remove all the debris. If this isn’t an option for you then you installing leaf guards or leaf brushes along your guttering to prevent future blockages from occurring. 

How to repair gutters with an insufficient fall

If your gutter is leaking due to poorly installed guttering, the gutters will require readjusting to ensure there is a fall angled towards the rainwater outlet. This will allow the rainwater to travel more efficiently through the gutter system and prevent future leaks from occurring.

How to repair leaking gutter joints

If your gutter is leaking due to poor joint connections, this may be a relatively easy fix. Firstly scrape out any dirt and debris from the gutter joint, and make sure it is dry. Then, simply apply some gutter sealant into the joint, and squeeze the gutter pieces together to ensure a strong connection. If your guttering is connected with a union clip, this may need replacing if it is broken or damaged.

How to repair leaking gutter ends

If your guttering is leaking at the end of a gutter run, this is likely to be because the stop end is damaged, or has come off. If this is the case, simply install a new stop end at the end of the gutter run and the water should be diverted into the downpipe.

How to repair holes in gutters

If your guttering has small holes in causing the gutter to leak, they can be easily filled in with roof and gutter sealant. If the holes are slightly larger, opt for a glass-fibre filler, or alternatively replace the gutter section completely. If your gutter is manufactured from cast iron, and rust is starting to occur, this can cause damage and eventually form holes. To repair rusted gutter sections, smooth off the patch or rust with a wire hand brush, before applying a coat of metal primer, followed by paint.