Repairing a leaking gutter will cost you a few hundred dollars. The cost of replacing broken or leaking guttering may run a bit higher. However, the structural damage from broken guttering can be downright expensive. Gutter leaks cause major leaks in your home, and cracks in the foundation and walls. Your siding may start to rot, affecting the beauty of your home.
How Can You Tell If Your Gutters Are Leaking?
Watch out for these signs of gutter leaks and contact us to know how the problem can be fixed effectively and quickly. Our Iowa gutter installation experts will suggest the best and most affordable solutions. Drop us a line if you spot any of the following:
- Gutter overflow: If you can see waterfalls from your roof, there’s a good chance your gutters may be clogged or cracked.
- Cracks in foundation: If your gutters aren’t working properly, they won’t direct rainwater away from your home. The water will pool and weaken your home’s foundation.
- Water leaks in the basement: Deteriorating gutters won’t drain properly, and the water may flood or leak into your basement. Small water leaks can cause visible mold growth over time.
- Standing water in the gutter system: This is a telltale sign of clogged gutters but may also indicate poorly sloped gutters. Our Des Moines contractor can identify the cause.
- Foundation accumulates puddles after rain: Standing water near your home’s foundation after a spell of rain should also raise suspicions about the possibility of faulty gutters.
- Landscape erosion: Pools of excess water in your landscaping and mud tracks in flowerbeds can point to gutter leaks.
You may wonder what might be causing the gutter overflow and how to fix them. Here’s what you should know.
Top 5 Causes of Gutter Leaks
Gutter leaks can be traced to a number of problems. The main causes include the following:
1. Gutter Clogs
Leaves, pine needles, and other debris are typically to blame for clogged gutters. The trees in your home’s vicinity and landscaping will inevitably shed leaves that will fly onto roofs and make their way into gutters and downspouts. Homes with flat roofs are particularly susceptible to quick and severe clogging.
When your gutters are clogged, the rainwater will simply collect among the debris. When the gutters are filled to the brim, the water will start leaking out of them. VanWeelden Co. has solutions to help mitigate gutter clogging and the need to clean your gutters. Contact us today to find out more.
2. Gutter Structural Damage
To fix gutter leaks, you may need to first fix damages to the gutter structure or opt for a gutter replacement, depending on the extent of the damage. Your gutters can sustain damage over time due to the elements. Although snowfall in Iowa is light compared to other states, the cold air can freeze the water in your gutters, causing them to expand and break. You could run a heat cable through your gutters to melt the ice and prevent ice dams from forming.
When leaves, sticks, and other debris are left to build up over time, they can put weight on the gutters, causing them to warp and sag. It’s never a good idea to let your gutters get really dirty before you start clearing them. Cleaning the goop out of gutters isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun Saturday either.
3. Leaking Gutter Joints
Caulk that has failed at the joints and end caps can cause gutter joints to deteriorate. UV rays can break down caulk and affect its useful life. When caulk cracks or peels, water will seep through the seams in the metal and inevitably result in leaks.
Debris is another factor. If you see that your gutters are pulling apart, then their joints have separated from the accumulated debris or clogs in the gutters.
4. Sagging Gutters
Once again, major clogging from debris and other material can weigh heavily on your gutters and cause them to sag. Keeping your gutters clear and ensuring they’re properly installed are essential preventive measures.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend much to fix gutter leaks resulting from sagging gutters. Our Des Moines exterior services experts will add supporting material, or new hangars or brackets to support the sagging gutters.
5. Loose Fasteners
Yet another reason to clean your gutters regularly is to prevent sagging and loose fasteners that can result from debris collecting in the gutter system. You can easily avoid the problem by making gutter cleaning a part of your home maintenance.
Get Reliable Gutters and Downspout Solutions from VanWeelden Co.
Leaking gutters and water damage go hand in hand, and once your foundation has suffered, your repair bills can mount up. You may be able to solve some gutter leak issues through repair, but structural damage to your gutters means the old gutters are best replaced. As a Platinum Level Contractor with Owens Corning® and Elite Preferred Contractor with James Hardie®, VanWeelden Co. has what it takes to provide the right solutions to your gutter overflow and leaking woes. Schedule a free on-site inspection and get a no-obligation quote well before winter arrives in Des Moines.
