When it comes to gutters many problems can occur if they are not maintained properly. One of those problems that homeowners face is leaks, especially if they have sectioned gutters that were not installed correctly. There are many reasons that leaks can happen, but no matter how they were caused, leaks bring up a new risk for your home’s foundation. One type of gutter that is well-known for decreasing the risk of leaks are seamless rain gutters. However, that does not mean they will never leak. There are certain conditions that can cause seamless gutters to leak.
Let’s first look at how seamless gutters can stop leaks from occurring.
How Do Seamless Gutters Stop Leaks?
As you may have figured out, seamless gutters are made without joints. Instead of putting together separate gutter sections together to make up the guttering system, the contractor assembles one single piece with a metal-bending machine. As a result, there are no seams along the length of the gutter; therefore, water runs from the roof to the downspouts without any difficulties.
The weakest part of a gutter is the seam and for different reasons. First, seams are a common place for debris and twigs to get stuck. As a result, clogs develop which slow down the passageway for water. Also, the joints are not as strong as the rest of the system. After a while, the soldering could become loose, or they might not hold up to an impact as well as other parts of the gutter. Either way, leaks are an instant result causing water to drip from the seams right into the sidings and foundations.
Since seamless gutters do not have joints dividing the gutter into sections, there are less areas where leaks can become a possible problem. However, it is still possible for a seamless gutter system to leak, but it is just less likely to happen when compared to traditional sectioned gutters.
What Can Cause Leaks in Seamless Gutters?
Seamless gutters do still have joints, just fewer of them. In every situation, the gutter system must be screwed to the downspout. It is also important to keep in mind that if the gutter is long enough to run along more than one side of the building, then there will be seams dividing both sections at the corners.
The most common causes of leaks in seamless gutters include:
- Joints that are not fastened correctly can affect seamless gutters the same way they do traditional gutters. The spot where the gutters and downspout meet is one of the most common places for a gutter to leak. When the gutters are not soldered correctly on the corners and around the downspouts, it is impossible to stop some water from getting through.
- Gutters can become warped due to major temperature changes or because of an impact with a heavy object, causing leaks to occur. Since vinyl and PVC are not suggested materials for seamless gutters, this does not happen very often for a custom-made guttering system. However, it can still occur if aluminum or steel is hit with enough strength to leave a dent.
- When gutters are not maintained properly with regular maintenance and inspections after every storm, clogs are likely to occur. As a result, leaks will develop due to water overflowing on the sides after gathering around the clog.
- Old gutters lose their resiliency to cracks on its surface after so long, as well as have higher risks of becoming loose after many years of work.
- A gutter system that is poorly installed can be at risk for leaks. The gutter’s pitch may be defective, resulting in water slipping on the sides.
How to Prevent Leaks in Seamless Gutters
Maintenance is also important in preventing any type of damage to gutters. When inspecting and cleaning gutters, make sure to look for signs of corrosion or mold buildup. Whether it’s big or small, any type of deterioration can lead to leaks if it is not taken care of immediately. The gutter fasteners should also be checked to ensure the gutters are not starting to sag.
If the gutters have had to deal with a lot of weight from debris, snow, or ice, look out for cracks and think about having leaf guards installed. Also check for seams that have become loose so they can be fixed by a professional to make the gutters more durable around the joints.
The best way to deal with a leak issue is to hire a professional contractor. Some problems can be fixed without having to invest in a new gutter system, but other situations, buying a new, more resistant system is the only way to safeguard your home’s foundation.
Having a leaky gutter system is a pain and causes more frustration than need be. Hiring a company that specializes in gutters, like GutterPros, can help make leaks a thing of the past. We have decades of experience serving the St. Louis area, bringing top notch installation and repair services to make your gutters more functional. Call us today at (314) 656-7195 to schedule an appointment with our team and learn how we can help you!