Why does my gutter leak

Gutters require a gentle slope to function effectively. Water runs down the slope to the downspout. Your gutter installer can check the slope of your gutters and adjust as necessary.

If your gutters are pulling away or falling off your home, it may appear you have a leak. The solution for loose gutters is to re-attach them or find a stronger fastener. No matter how your gutters are attached to your home, you need to check the security of the fasteners annually as part of home maintenance.

Mark Watson is the owner of Exterior Medics, a company specializing in roofing, siding and window and door replacement in northern Virginia and southern Maryland. Why Are My Gutters Leaking? May 31, PM. Subscribe to Email Updates. Share on Social. Our Ebooks. Here's a look at the top reasons why your gutters are likely leaking, even when there appears to be no obvious signs of damage: Top 5 Leaky Gutter Causes They're Clogged : According to House Logic , one of the key reasons as to why gutters leak is because they're clogged.

This is largely because the likes of leaves, debris, twigs and more forces the gutters to sag from excess weight, which can cause separation in areas between the gutter itself and the edge of the home's fascia.

When this occurs, water doesn't drip properly off of the roof and into the gutter, which means that the water will spill straight down onto the foundation below it.

Technically, the gutters aren't actually leaking in this situation, but they might as well be. To prevent this from happening, it's recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year - preferably once in the spring and again in the fall. Bad Joints : Gutters are comprised of a system of pieces that work to channel water away from the home. These pieces typically connect at joints. But over time, it's not uncommon for regular wear and tear to cause the joints to leak. If this is the case, this tutorial will help you clean your gutters.

If you talk to your friends and neighbors about this problem, some people might encourage you to install a drip edge on your roof.

A drip edge fits under the shingles and over the edge of the trim. Using a drip edge will only solve part of the problem, because water will continue to run down the side of the house behind the gutters.

A gutter apron is similar to a drip edge in that it fits under the shingles and protects the roof deck. However, a gutter apron is different from a drip edge because it hangs over the gutters and then angles back toward the house.