As winter shifts to spring and summer, blooming flowers and budding trees bring beauty. However, heavy rains can also cause problems. The steady sound of rain on your roof might be comforting, but water pouring over the sides of your gutter is a warning sign you can’t ignore. If you’ve noticed a leaking gutter, taking a closer look can help reveal the cause. Here are some common causes of leaky gutters.

1. Deterioration of Joints and Seals

If your gutters have been around a while, they may have simply become worn out. Broken gutter seals might be the problem. Alternatively, the gutter joint may have broken down and caused the gutter to begin to separate. While repairing the broken seal might be possible, sometimes the joints might need to be replaced.

2. Weathering: Cracks and Holes

Weathering can cause subtle deterioration over time until your gutter has cracks and holes. Usually, leaks from this type of issue are smaller and isolated. Small cracks or holes can be fixed with waterproof sealant, while larger cracks or holes may require replacement of the affected part of the gutter.

3. Loose Gutter Fasteners

Over time, the fasteners that hold the gutters to your house’s frame can become loose. When this happens, small leaks can develop around the fasteners, making the water pour onto the fascia boards of your house’s frame. While these fasteners can be tightened, sometimes they need to be replaced. If left too long, the fascia boards may also rot and need replacement. For these reasons, it’s important to find and address any issues with the fasteners before they lead to bigger problems.

4. Gutter Clogs

One of the main causes of gutter leaks is a clog. Clogs are commonly caused by the buildup of leafy debris. One of the first signs of a clog is when water does not freely flow out of the downspout. Instead, water will begin to flow over the sides of the gutter. While small clogs can be cleaned out by hand, it’s important to have your gutters cleaned out every year. Left unchecked, a gutter leak can eventually lead to a damaged and leaky roof.

Regular maintenance and repair of your gutters can prevent bigger trouble, like roof damage. While there are things you can do to prevent or address gutter problems, expert guidance and assistance from a professional can make it much easier.

At Pyramid Roofing, we take pride in providing premium gutter solutions in Richmond, VA, so we will ensure that all your gutter maintenance, repair, and replacement needs are met to your highest satisfaction.