Do Seamless Gutters Leak?
April 21, 2022
Leaks are among the most common problems homeowners face with their rain gutters, especially if they have sectioned gutters that were not installed by a professional. Leaks can be caused by a myriad of factors, but in all scenarios, they represent a new risk for your home's foundations.
Seamless Rain Gutters are well known for reducing the chances of leaks causing trouble around a person's home, but a seamless system may still leak under certain conditions. Let's take a closer look.
How Do Seamless Gutters Prevent Leaks?
As the name suggests, seamless gutters are made without joints. Instead of assembling different gutter sections to complete the guttering system, the contractor manufactures a single piece with a metal-bending machine. This means that there are no seams along the length of the gutter, so the water runs unhindered from the roof to the downspouts.
Seams are the most vulnerable parts of a gutter for many reasons. For one, they are common spots for debris and twigs to get stuck, causing clogs that slow down the passage of water. The joints are also less durable compared to the rest of the guttering system. The soldering could get loose in time, or they might withstand a collision less gracelessly than any other part of the gutter. In both these cases, leaks are one of the most immediate results, with gutters dripping water from the seams straight into the sidings and the foundations.
Because seamless gutters have no joints separating the gutter into parts, you get fewer areas where leaks are a probable risk. Now, that statement should tell you one particular detail, it's still possible for a seamless gutter to leak, it's only much less likely when you compare it to traditional sectioned gutters.
What Are the Causes of Leaks in Seamless Gutters?Let's start by saying that seamless gutters still have joints, if only a few of them. In all cases, the gutter system needs to be screwed to the downspout. Also, if the gutter is long enough to run through more than one side of the building, there will also be seams separating both sections at the corners.
With that out of the way, let's address the most common causes of leaks in seamless gutters:
- Badly screwed joints affect seamless gutters in the same way they would impact sectioned gutters. The point where the gutters meet the downspout remains one of the most common areas for a gutter to leak, no matter its profile. If the gutters aren't properly soldered on the corners and around the downspouts, there's no way to keep some of the water from slipping through.
- Leaks can also occur after a gutter gets warped, either from extreme temperature changes or due to impact with another heavy object. Because vinyl and PVC are not recommended materials for seamless gutters, this is a rarity for a custom-made guttering system, but it's still possible if you hit aluminum or steel with enough force to leave a dent.
- Clogs inside the gutter will also cause leaks because the water will overflow on the sides after gathering around the clog. This problem can be easily prevented with regular maintenance and by inspecting your gutters after every storm.
- An old gutter will not be as resistant to cracks on its surface, not to mention the chances of it getting loose after decades of work.
- A bad installation job can also cause leaks. The gutter's pitch may be flawed, causing the water to slip on the sides. A well-established installation company will take all measurements into account to make the gutter fit accurately on all ends.
As you can see, some of the problems are caused by improper installation practices while others usually come in time and when the gutter is subjected to too much strain. Learning about the most common causes of leaks can help you notice the right things during the installation process and know what to look for if you get a leak in your current gutters.
How To Avoid Leaks in Your Seamless Gutter
As we mentioned earlier, maintenance is key to prevent many types of gutter damage. While inspecting and cleaning your gutters, be sure to check for signs of corrosion or mold buildup. Any form of deterioration, no matter how small, can end in a leaky gutter if you don't work through it on time. You should also check the gutter fasteners to make sure it's not starting to sag anywhere.
If you gutter has sustained too much weight, either from debris, snow, or ice, keep your eye out for cracks and consider getting leaf guards installed. Also, if you notice any of the seams are loose, you can reinforce the screws on your own, but a repair company will provide a better alternative to make the gutters more durable around the joints.
When dealing with an existing leak problem, the best approach is hiring a professional contractor. Some issues can be repaired without having to replace the entire gutter, but in other cases, getting a new, more resistant guttering system is the best way to preserve your home's foundations.
If you have a leak problem, or if you want a new gutter that makes leaks a thing of the past, you can get in touch with the specialists at Rain Gutters Solution. As a licensed company with decades of experience serving South Florida and its surrounding areas, we bring the best installation and repair services to make your gutters more functional. You just have to call (305) 270-7779 or fill out the contact form on this website to schedule an appointment with our team. Avoid leaks and get the most durable rain guttering system in the market with Rain Gutters Solution!
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