Leaks in the gutter seam are among the most frequent problems
for homeowners, particularly in older gutters. Leaks will tend to
occur in areas where two gutters overlap or where two pieces
of gutter are spliced together. Over time, these seams will become
weakened, and water will pass through and wreak havoc on your
home. Let’s take a closer look at the primary causes and how
to avoid them.
Wear and Aging with Time
The leading reason seems to leak is age. Gutters age and the
sealant at seams dries out, cracks, or peels away. Exposure to the
elements, particularly Calgary’s combination of snow, rain, and
sunshine, softens these joints over time. Later, the seams are
no longer watertight and leak when it rains or snows.
Clogged Gutters and Standing Water
When gutters are filled up with leaves, dirt, and debris, water cannot
pass through. This causes pressure to accumulate in the seams,
especially if water has accumulated there for a long time. The
weight combined with the moisture breaks down the seals with
time and makes them fail. It is easy to prevent this by maintaining
your gutters.
Incorrect Installation
If seams in gutters were not spliced or sealed at the time of
installation, leaks will start earlier than necessary. Poor slope, loose
fasteners, or sloppy application of sealant will cause the seams to
pull away. That is why hiring experienced installers like Straight
Path Construction, who know how to create leak-free, long-lasting
seams, is crucial.
Sealant failure
These gutter seams are typically sealed with watertight caulking
or a proprietary sealant. Over time, these materials will harden,
shrink, or flake away due to sunlight, rain, snow, and heat and
cold extremes. As soon as the sealant breaks down, water penetrates
the cracks. This typically occurs most often in older gutter
systems or those that are not serviced on a regular basis.
Heavy Snow and Ice
In regions such as Calgary, ice and snow accumulation may
cause huge pressure on gutter seams. Ice dams occur when
melting snow freezes in the gutters, which stretches the joints
and exerts pressure on them. This may lead to cracking or
splitting seams. A single harsh winter may lead to long-term damage
if gutters are not maintained regularly or if they are not designed
to withstand cold conditions.
Poor Quality Materials
Gutter materials differ. Lower-cost or lower quality vinyl and
aluminium gutters will warp and crack before high quality systems.
If seams are built out of inferior materials or lower quality sealants,
they will eventually leak. Paying a bit more for top-quality
materials and expert installation will be worth it in case future
problems are prevented.
Incorrect Cleaning Methods
Sharp tools or high-pressure water for gutter cleaning can destroy
seams. Metal tools applied for scraping or power washing can
loosen or pierce the seams’ joints. Gutter cleaning for yourself
should always be accomplished with soft tools and soft pressure.
Better still, let professionals do it that will use the right
tools and techniques.
Fascia or Roofline Modification
Your gutters are nailed to the fascia board and the trim along
your roof edge. When the fascia warps or the roofline shifts due
to settling or structural issues, it will pull the gutter seams out
of position. This shifting puts the gutter joints out of alignment,
making them leak. Regular roof and fascia checks will pick up
on these problems early.
Temperature Fluctuations and Expansion
Gutters bend with temperature shifts, especially metal gutters. This
constant bending can lead to stress on the seams, causing the
sealant to crack or the metal to pull apart. This is common in
climates like Calgary, where temperatures shift very quickly
from freezing to thawing.
Rust and Corrosion
Gutter seams rust on older steel gutters and allow water in through
to produce holes and weaknesses. Corrosion is the result of water
that is trapped in clogged gutters or behind obstructions. Rust that
has already formed on the gutter surface eats through the gutter,
leading to leaks that are beyond the fixing power of caulking.
Final Thought
Leaky gutter seams may seem like a small issue, but if left unrepaired,
water damage can be caused to the siding, roof, and foundation
of your home. Cleaning, seasonal inspections, and proper installation
are the best ways to prevent leaks from happening.
Call to Action
Worried about gutter seam leaks in your home? Avail of expert
gutter repair and replacement in Calgary at Straight Path Construction.
We will inspect your system and correct any issues before they
cause costly damage.
