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6 Reasons Why Your Gutter is Leaking

A leaking or overflowing gutter can be a frustrating experience, especially since it’s not always possible to identify the cause from ground level. All you know is that water is dripping or (in some cases) pouring out of the guttering instead of being safely disbursed via the downspout.

In this article, we’re going to look at 6 common reasons that you might have a leaky gutter and what you can do to fix the problem.

But first…

How to Tell if Your Gutter Is Leaking

There are several ways to identify whether you have a leaking gutter. Water dripping from the roof is an obvious indicator, but there are other, more subtle signs. These include cracks or peeling paint on the walls, either inside or outside; a musty smell inside the property; and evidence of mould growing on your interior walls and ceilings.

6 Causes of Leaking Gutters

1. Cracks and Holes

While modern gutters are pretty durable, they can become cracked or damaged over time, which can result in leaks or overflowing, depending on where the damage is located. Sometimes, these cracks and holes can be patched with a waterproof sealant. In other cases, the damage is bad enough to require a full replacement of that section of gutter.

2. Blockages

Perhaps the most common form of overflowing gutter systems are buildups of leaves, stones, and other debris that clog up the pipes and obstruct the regular flow of rainwater. With nowhere else to go, this water can start dripping along the sides of the pipe, collecting in noticeable puddles around your home’s foundations. It can also cause dampness and a musty smell in the property.

3. Loose Fasteners

Your gutters are attached to your roofline with fasteners that hold them in place. If these become loose, the gutter pipe will be in the wrong position, and water may overflow, spilling onto the ground below. Over time, this flow of water can corrode your fascia board, leading to water ingress in your roof cavity.

4. Improperly Sealed Joints

Gutters are installed in pieces, with each component joined to the next with a waterproof sealant. If this wasn’t applied properly or has worn away over time, the two parts of the guttering system may separate, resulting in a leak. It may be simple enough to resolve the problem by resealing the joint, but sometimes an entire section of guttering may need to be replaced.

5. Improper Pitch

New gutters are installed on a slight decline so that gravity can help the water flow correctly through the gutter system. Various factors can cause the gutters to settle over time, preventing the water from flowing towards the downspouts. The water collects in the gutter pipe, leading to overflows, leaks, and other damage.

6. Sagging Gutters

If your fascia boards are damaged through wind and rain or because the wood has rotted away, your gutters may start to sag or tilt away from the roofline. This often results in water overflowing on the long side of the gutter pipe, cascading down your exterior wall, and causing penetrative damp to form. Without proper repairs, the gutter itself could become detached from the property.

Reasons Why Your Gutter is Leaking: Final Thoughts

No matter the reason for your leaking gutter, it’s important that you deal with it as soon as possible. Left to its own devices, any kind of gutter damage is only going to get worse, leading to serious problems for your property. If you’re unable to handle the repairs yourself, speak to your local, trusted roofing firm, who will be able to assist you.


For reliable gutter repairs and replacements in Leamington Spa, Warwick, and the surrounding areas, get in touch with ABC Roofing today. Call us on 01926 827 505 or 07867 808 385 or send an email to abcroofingcompany@gmail.com to see what we can do.

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FOR EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIRS 7 DAYS A WEEK CALL 07867 808385

ABC Roofing Company is a local roofing company, specialising in roof repairs and covering the Leamington Spa and Warwick area. We also provide other roofing services, such as commercial roofing, industrial roofing, fibreglass roofs, EPDM rubber roofs, flat roofs & flat roof repairs and more. From chimney repair and leadwork to fascias, soffits, and guttering, we are here to help. For all your roofing needs across South Warwickshire, call or email to get a free, no-obligation quote.

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