For any homeowner, a properly working water management system is vital to your home’s health. This includes gutters and downspouts, as both work to move precipitation away from your home. If there is a problem with either of these systems, your home and foundation could sustain significant water damage. Gutters that leak can’t do their job properly, and the water that they are supposed to intercept can pool around your yard.
If you see water leaking from your gutters, make sure you contact the professional team at AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists as soon as possible. We have the tools needed to repair your gutters and keep your home protected. Read on to learn more.
Why Your Gutters Are Leaking
It can be easy to take gutters for granted and not notice any problems with them until they can’t do their job as intended. Leaking gutters can be obvious as well as difficult to spot. Here are some reasons why your gutters may be leaking:
- Clogs – Your gutters could be clogged by a variety of things, from leaves and twigs to animal nests or pollen. If the trough of your gutters is blocked and water cannot drain to the downspout, it has nowhere else to go but over the side and down onto your home.
- Holes – Holes could be punctured through the gutter by stray screws and roofing material, animal and pest activity, or improper installation.
- Rust – Similarly, rust can form in your gutters, eat away at them, and lead to holes and other voids that will allow water to leak.
- Gutter Joint Separation – Most gutters are installed in sections around the fascia board and are sealed or designed to lock together. These sections and joints can separate, usually due to excess weight like clogs, and cause water to leak through the gap.
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Damage Caused by Leaking Gutters
Water from any source can be hazardous, and here are some ways leaking gutters can impact your home:
Attic Leaks and Damage
When your gutters are installed, they are attached to the fascia board under your roof. If there are any cracks or holes in your roof or adjoining attic, water from your gutters could leak inside the attic. This can damage anything you have stored there, as well as lead to excessive humidity and mold growth on various materials including insulation.
Foundation Damage
Whether it’s just dripping water or an overflow of precipitation, leaking water from your gutters always needs somewhere to go. Normally, the water is absorbed by the loam-soil native to Chattanooga. However, the area experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year, which can lead to eroded soil or hydrostatic pressure that pushes against foundation walls. Foundation problems including wall cracks and leaks, wall bowing, floor heaving, sticking windows and doors, and more can result as leaking water collects in your yard.
Basement Leaks and Flooding
As we just described, hydrostatic pressure creates problems for your foundation by affecting its stability and pushing up against it to cause cracking. This same process can cause damage to basement walls, and this is a telltale sign that there is a leakage problem with your gutters. Leaking water can produce stains, efflorescence, puddles, and mold growth in your basement.
Frequently Asked Questions- Leaky Gutters
Sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where your gutter is leaking. Especially if it is clogged with various debris. One easy way to get an idea is to watch the gutter at work during a rainstorm. Spraying water inside with a hose or dumping a bucket of water also can help you look for where the leak is located. The latter can be particularly dangerous on your own, so it’s a good idea to have assistance from someone else.
We urge you to use caution, and if there is any doubt at all, contact professionals like our team at AFS for assistance.
The right solution to fix a leaking gutter depends on the size of the leak and the overall condition of the gutter. Many homeowners opt for DIY fixes like patches, caulking, and other sealants. But these are not always the most effective or permanent solutions. By contacting AFS for guidance, we can inspect your gutters and determine the best solution for your home’s unique repair needs.
Trust AFS with Your Leaking Gutter Problems and Solutions
Gutter leaks can cause major damage to your home if left unchecked. Foundation cracks, mold growth, and musty smells are all symptoms of leaking gutters. However, the best way to know for sure what you are up against is to have a professional inspect your home.
That’s where our expert team at AFS comes in. We will perform a thorough evaluation of the inside and outside of your home – including the gutters, foundation, and basement – and diagnose the source of the problems. We’ll then recommend quality solutions best suited for exactly what your home needs. Start the process today by contacting us to schedule a free inspection and repair estimate.
