How To Repair Leaking Gutters

Is there anything more frustrating than a leaky gutter? Water gushing out onto the patio when it’s raining?

Possibly not but – the good news is, there are several things you can do to repair leaking gutters, without breaking the bank.

Although we provide a vast range of guttering supplies at competitive prices here at Total Pipeline Systems, we also want to help you maximise the lifespan of your gutters.

That’s why, today, we’ll be looking closely at the reasons why gutters leak and what you can do about it.

WHY DO GUTTERS LEAK?

The weather in the UK is nothing short of unpredictable. Our rain gutters are exposed to all the elements – be it rain, wind, snow, sleet, and hail – not to mention fallen leaves and debris too!

There are lots of reasons why your gutters might be dripping, and some of the most common include:

• Blockages
• Incorrect installation
• Holes
• Joint issues

HOW TO FIX LEAKING GUTTERING

• Blocked gutters

As dirt and leaves accumulate, they prevent water from passing through the guttering system effectively.

This causes water to seep out over the sides of the gutter and could potentially cause the gutter to split due to the weight of standing water and debris.

The first step to repair a clogged gutter is to remove the debris and clean it thoroughly. Take a look at our blog for instructions on how to clean your gutters.

It’s also a good idea to install leaf guards/brushes to prevent future blockages.

• Gutters poorly installed

Gutters are supposed to be installed with a slight pitch to allow the water to flow into the downpipe.

If your gutter isn’t fitted properly, rainwater won’t be able to flow efficiently, resulting in standing water. This can put pressure on the gutter joints and clips too, causing the gutter to split or crack.

If your gutter is leaking because of an insufficient fall, you will need to readjust it to ensure that it is angled towards the rainwater outlet.

• Holes in gutters

Due to corrosion, the general ravages of time, or a sharp object falling and damaging the gutter, holes can form within the gutter runs.

When this happens, water can exit the gutter via the gap (instead of passing down the downspout) and leak.

Fortunately, small holes can be filled in with a decent roof and gutter sealant whilst larger holes require glass-fibre filler. In some cases, the gutter may need to be replaced. See our blog ‘Is it time to replace your gutters?’ for more details.

• Poor joint connections

Like anything else, rain gutters are prone to wear and tear.

When the gutter joints start to deteriorate, their ability to provide a sealed joint between two sections of guttering is significantly reduced. As a result, water can leak at the gutter joint. It’s also worth noting that fluctuations in temperature can also weaken the joint seals.

Luckily, repairing a gutter that’s leaking because of poor joint connections can be a relatively quick fix.

Start by scraping out any dirt and debris from the joint and make sure it’s dry. Then apply gutter sealant to the joint and squeeze the gutter pieces together to affix them. If your guttering is held in place with union clips, these may need replacing if they are broken.

ARE YOUR GUTTERS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR?

Not to worry, Total Pipes can help.

We are proud to supply an extensive range of rainwater systems – including round downpipes, square gutters, mini-half round gutters, deep flow guttering, and more.

Be sure to browse our products in full and click through to find out more information. Once you’ve found the guttering and fittings you need, select your options, click ‘add to cart’, and checkout.

If you have any questions about the products we supply or would like an expert opinion, we encourage you to contact us on 01254 382 000 or drop us an email at sales@totalpipes.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you.