Gutters play a huge role in keeping your roof safe and dry. From clogs and debris buildup to holes and poorly sealed joints, bad gutters cause roof leaks in many ways.
A leaky roof is one of the most common and expensive problems homeowners face, and bad gutters are a major cause of roof leaks. Designed to channel water away from your house, a faulty gutter can instead spill water where you don’t want it or cause water to back up under the eaves or into the trusses and roof decking.
1. Clogs
Debris such as twigs and leaves can create a blockage in your gutters. Because of this buildup, water will not move freely through the gutters and to the downspout. Instead, these clogged gutters leak, damaging your roof and the exterior of your home.
“Clogged gutters are a common cause of roof leaks, especially if you have trees close to your home,” said the experts at Midwest Roofing in Missouri.
Clogged gutters can increase the risk of ice dams forming if you live in a region with frigid winters. Ice dams can damage your roof, loosening shingles and tearing off gutters. An ice dam can also trap water on your roof and drain it into your attic, ceiling, and walls leading to damage, mold, and mildew.
Expert Tip: “Cleaning out your gutters a couple of times each year helps prevent them from becoming clogged,” suggests Midwest Roofing. “You might also want to consider having gutter guards installed to keep debris out of your gutters.”
Read more about keeping your gutters clean with our guide on How to Clean Gutters Safely Using a Ladder.
2. Improper Gutter Guard Installation
While gutter guards block debris that causes clogs, they can damage your roof if poorly made or installed. Some gutter guards must be anchored under your roof shingles and nailed into place. If those nail holes aren’t sealed tightly, they can leak.
Some varieties are also designed to be installed under your existing shingles. However, shingles are designed to lay snugly against the roof decking. Disturbing them to install gutter guards can allow moisture to get beneath them and onto the wood decking, especially when they’re installed incorrectly.
My Tip: Prying up shingles to install or fix your gutter guards is asking for trouble.
3. Holes and Cracks
Your gutters can develop holes or cracks due to normal wear and tear. Animals, pests, and severe storms can also damage them. These cracks can become larger over time and spill water onto your fascia or siding. As the fascia or siding absorbs water, that moisture can make its way to the roof decking or trusses, leading to costly roof leaks.
My Tip: Take prompt action if you spot holes in your gutters because it signifies that replacement might be necessary. I don’t suggest repairing holes or cracks in your gutters — it’s only delaying the inevitable.
4. Incorrect Pitch
If your gutters are not pitched at the proper angle, they can cause roof leaks. Low slopes allow debris to build up quickly in your gutters, resulting in clogs, but having too much of a pitch means water can pour right over the sides of your gutters instead of through them.
Both of these issues can result in extensive water damage to the exterior of your home. Standing water can also lead to mold growth and be an ideal environment for mosquitoes.
Read More: Is your home gutterless? Read why it’s important to have gutters on your home.
5. Poorly Sealed Joints
Keeping gutter seals in good condition is one of the simplest ways to prevent leaks and water damage. When gutter seals break down and joints start to separate, it’s only a matter of time before dealing with bigger issues like roof leaks.
It’s easy to spot when your gutter joints need to be resealed. Common signs include paint peeling on your fascia, pools of water below the joint, and visible cracks or separation at the joint.
My Tip: If your gutter joints start to separate, it’s an easy DIY fix. Grab a bottle of silicone-based caulk or gutter sealant from your local hardware store and apply a new bead to the joint.
6. Loose Fasteners
Fasteners hold your gutters in place and may become loose over time, especially in older gutter systems. When these fasteners loosen, they can shift your gutters and stop water from flowing through them.
This can lead to sagging gutters and water overflow, problems that don’t stop there. Left unchecked, they can cause a leaky roof and serious foundation damage.
My Tip: Check your fasteners once or twice a year. Make sure you tighten or replace them as needed.
Find a Gutter Pro Near You
A leaky roof is a serious matter, and bad gutters are a leading cause of issues. It is important to keep an eye on your gutters and perform regular maintenance to ensure these common problems don’t lead to costly roof damage.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: VISUAL BACKGROUND / Adobe Stock
Related Posts:
