Gutters are essential to make sure rainwater is safely diverted away from your home. A dysfunctional, leaky gutter system will not allow water to be drained properly and water will instead start pooling. This condition can be detrimental to your home’s roofs, walls, and foundation. In all, the structural integrity of your home is compromised.
Though numerous factors can cause gutters to leak, the most common leakage points are the joints. Joints are the points where two gutter sections connect. Over time, joints may leak and affect the efficiency of your gutter system. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every aspect of gutter leaks, from their causes to their identification, and ultimately some fixes. Read on.
Common Causes of Gutter Joint Leaks
Before going further, you have to understand what prompts gutter joints to leak in the first place. Though there can be various causes, some of the most common ones are listed below.
- Aging: Gutters are not self-sustaining entities. Over time, they deteriorate due to exposure to different elements both natural and man-made. As a result, cracks and gaps appear in the joints.
- Improper Installation: Joints require finesse. If installation is not done properly, joints are the first victims and are not properly sealed.
- Debris Accumulation: Debris-like leaves can accumulate and put pressure on joints.
- Rust and Corrosion: Metal gutters are especially prone to rust and corrosion and it leads to weakened joints.
How to Check if Your Gutters Are Leaking
Detecting gutter leaks may seem simple, but they can be a nightmare. Most of the time, amateurs fail to identify the exact point of leakage. This is the first step to prevent potential damage to your home’s structural integrity. Follow the following steps to identify leaks.
Examine Visually
The most obvious way is to visually inspect for any leaks. Check for any cracks or gaps that may have opened at the joints. Rust or corrosion around metal gutters also points towards potential cracks. You should also look for any water stains or streaks on fascia boards and walls. Also, keep an eye out for any sign of sagging or misalignment in the gutters.
Usually, you will find separation, gaps, or, cracks at the joints from where water will be leaking.
Test by Running Water
The best time to inspect for leaks is just after a rainstorm. You will find escape routes of water. Since you can’t always wait for rain, use a garden hose. Flood the gutters and let the water run through it. Look out for joints from where water drips or leaks. If you notice any pooling around areas where it shouldn’t be like near foundations, there is certainly a leak.
Look for Debris Buildup
Sometimes, the reason for overflow/leak is debris buildup inside the gutter which obstructs the smooth flow of water. It may mimic the symptoms of a leak.
How to Fix Gutter Joint Leaks?
After successfully identifying all leaking joints, mark them. The next step is to clean the gutters thoroughly before plugging these leaks. Remove any debris and flush the gutters. Also, make sure your downspouts are clean.
Now, you can start repairing your gutters. Make sure you have the appropriate gear beforehand. If you don’t have the necessary tools, we recommend you go for Premier Gutter Protection for professional gutter repair services in Long Island.
Let’s have a look at the methods.
Method 1: Apply Gutter Sealant
- For this method, you need a good quality gutter sealant that is both durable and flexible. Silicone-based sealants are often recommended for this. Whichever you choose, just make sure that it can be used outdoors and can withstand fluctuations in temperature.
- Before applying the sealant, clean the area using a brush or sandpaper to remove rust and old sealant. This will help the sealant to create a strong bond.
- Now, apply the sealant using a caulking gun. Apply a generous amount. Make sure you apply both inside and outside the joint. With the help of a putty knife, smoothen the sealant over the surface.
- For at least 24 hours, let the sealant be. Do not run water. Or follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Method 2: Replace Joint Brackets
- If your gutter system has brackets installed that hold the joint, you have to replace the whole bracket.
- Remove the screws with the help of a screwdriver and separate the sections.
- Clean the edges of the sections. Make sure it doesn’t have any rust or sealant residue.
- Get a new, good-quality bracket, position it properly, and tighten the screws. Make sure everything is properly aligned. If it isn’t, re-do the screws. Leaving it misaligned will cause further leaks.
- To add another layer of protection, apply sealant around the joint.
Method 3: Use Gutter Repair Tape
- Gutter tapes are another way of sealing leaking joints. These self-adhesive tapes are waterproof and are easy to apply. However, these are temporary solutions and are designed for quick fixes before more permanent solutions can be applied.
- Same as before, start by cleaning the joint. Be meticulous, for the tape won’t stick if the surface is not smoothed out.
- Cut a piece of tape. Make sure it is longer than the joint’s length.
- Peel off the tape, apply it to the joint, and press firmly. Smoothen in and out with your hand.
- For additional protection, apply sealant along the edges of the tape to prevent water seepage.
Method 4: Replace the Entire Gutter Section
- Replacing the entire gutter section is the option of last resort. If the area is damaged beyond repair, it will have to be replaced. Professionals with prior gutter replacement experience are more capable of undertaking this action.
- The first step is to measure the length of the section that is to be replaced. Get the new section, and make sure it is of a similar size and material.
- With the help of proper equipment, detach the damaged section from other sections.
- Now, position the new section in place. Once everything is aligned, tighten the screws.
- Similarly, check its alignment with the downspout.
- Apply sealant at the joints to ensure it is watertight.
How to Prevent Future Leaks?
After repairing leaks, you must take some precautionary steps to prevent future issues. Some of the most obvious ones are;
- Keep your gutters clean. Have them thoroughly cleansed at the start and end of every season.
- Arrange for regular inspection of your gutter system. Look out for signs of wear and tear. Give special attention to joints. Don’t ignore anything. It’s better to plug the nip in the bud.
- The best way to prevent debris accumulation is to install a gutter guard. This will relieve pressure on joints.
- Make sure your slopes have the correct pitch, of at least ¼ inch per 10 feet.
These are the most basic steps anyone can take to keep their gutter joints safe. For more specialized options, consult your gutter repair service provider.
People often tend to overlook leaking gutter joints. If left unaddressed, this seemingly minor issue can balloon into a major problem. This step-by-step guide will help you take care of these leaking joints effectively. Joint repair requires a degree of expertise, so, it is always better to look for a service that 0provides reliable gutter repair solutions.
