Leaking gutters can be a costly problem for homeowners. Gutters work to direct water away from your windows, siding, foundation, and other vulnerable parts of your home.

When your gutters are leaking, they are not doing their job, and this can result in:

• Damage to the roof and fascia, which can result in roof problems and wood rot
• Water pooling near the foundation, which can cause a damaged or cracked foundation
• Water gathering along the sides of your home, which can lead to flooding of your basement or home
• Gutters becoming worn enough to fall off, which can cause damage to your roof, soffit, and fascia
• Standing water if the gutters are not draining properly, which can cause ice dams, clogged gutters, overflowing gutters, and even mosquito infestations
• Damage to your landscaping and garden
• Soil erosion
• Damaged or swollen siding
• Rotted decks or porches if the leak causes water to fall on these structures
• Cracked and water-damaged driveways
• Stains on concrete and siding

The bottom line is that a leaking gutter causes water to run and pool on your foundation, driveway, and other vulnerable places in your home, causing damage. The threat to your foundation alone is considerable. Soil erosion or a cracked foundation can cause your home to shift and foundation problems are notoriously expensive to fix. To prevent this type of financial disaster, it is much easier and much more affordable to fix the gutter.

Virginia Homes and the Weather

An additional problem is that Virginia has considerable rain. Even a light to moderate rain can lead to 500 gallons of runoff, which is enough to cause severe damage if your gutters are in poor shape. However, when you combine the major storms that Virginia is known for with a damaged gutter system you can have a very expensive home repair on your hands.

Why Leaks Happen

Leaks can develop for a number of reasons. Gutters wear down with time, especially if they have not been properly maintained. Weather damage, especially from high winds, can also cause leaks. If your gutter system is built in sections, the seams that hold the sections together may deteriorate with time, causing leaks. Plastic gutters get brittle with age and can develop cracks.

Are Your Gutters Leaking?

If you walk around your home after a rain and notice water falling from your roof where it shouldn’t be, you may have clogged or leaking gutters and it is time to call a professional. Other signs of leaking gutters can include:

• Stains on slabs or siding
• Water pooling near your foundation
• A leak in your basement or dampness in your basement

A common area for leaks is where the gutters meet the downspouts. The downspouts themselves can also develop leaks, which can cause damage to your siding. A more subtle problem can occur when the leak causes water to run inside your walls. In these cases, you might not notice a leak outdoors, but you will notice that your basement becomes damp or even develops a leak. A flooded basement is very expensive to fix, so you will want professionals on the job to get to the root of the problem.

At the first sign of a leak, contact professional. This is not a DIY project. An experienced contractor can tell you whether there is water leaking from your roof between your walls – and can help you find a solution. Simply fixing what you think may be the leak can result in even more damage if you fail to notice water seeping into your basement or foundation. In addition, thousands of people are injured every year climbing up ladders to take a look at their gutters. A professional can fix your gutters, protect your home from expensive damage, and may help you avoid a trip to the hospital.