Water running between the gutter and fascia is usually caused by a missing or poorly positioned drip edge, clogged gutters, or sagging gutter brackets. This allows water to bypass the gutter entirely, which can quickly lead to rotting fascia boards and damaged foundations.
Fixing a leak between the gutter and the fascia is usually caused by water bypassing the gutter entirely (water tracking). The most effective, permanent DIY solution is installing an extended drip edge (or flashing strip) to bridge the gap and divert the water.
Another issue is that rain diverters, when not properly sealed or maintained, can cause water to push back up under the shingles, leading to leaks. Over time, this water can rot the roof decking and damage the underlying structure.
To seal a gutter to the fascia board, clean the surfaces and apply a high-quality, flexible sealant like Amerimax SeamerMate or DAP AMP directly into the gap to stop leaks and prevent wood rot. For best results, use a caulk gun to apply the sealant behind the gutter, ensuring a watertight barrier that handles expansion.
If a windstorm, lightning strike, or another covered peril damages your home's gutters, your homeowners policy may pay for their repair or replacement, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible. Your homeowners policy won't cover damage to your gutters due to negligence or wear and tear.
Damaged or Poorly Installed Flashing
This flashing redirects rainwater away from the soffit and fascia of your home and toward the gutters. Without this essential part of your gutter system, rainwater is more likely to leak between the gutter and fascia.
In most states, rainwater harvesting is perfectly legal; in some, it's even encouraged. However, some states have restrictions, primarily due to water rights and concerns about diverting water from natural systems.
Gutters typically last anywhere from 10 to 50+ years, depending primarily on the material. Routine cleaning and resealing seams significantly extend their lifespan.
Neutral and timeless roof colors like black, charcoal, gray, and brown consistently deliver the highest return on investment. These classic shades have universal appeal, seamlessly match nearly all architectural styles, and attract the widest pool of potential buyers.
Yes, Flex Seal can work well for gutter leaks, making it a solid temporary patch for holes, cracks, and dripping seams. However, because gutters deal with harsh, fluctuating weather, many gutter professionals recommend it primarily as a quick fix until a more permanent sealant can be applied.
While gutter guards can reduce cleaning frequency, they are not maintenance-free. Common drawbacks include hidden debris buildup, overflow during heavy downpours, and complications with winter snow and ice. Cheaper materials can also degrade or collapse.
In rare, extreme downpours where streets begin to flood, it is normal for gutters to overflow because the sheer volume of water simply exceeds the system's capacity. However, during standard heavy rain, properly maintained gutters should channel the water without cascading over the sides.
While some residual dripping immediately after heavy rain is normal, constant or active dripping during a storm is usually a sign of an underlying issue. Ignoring persistent leaks can lead to fascia rot or foundation damage.
Plumbers use a mix of forensic deduction and specialized technology to locate hidden leaks without tearing apart your home. They generally start by assessing the property for water damage and then utilize advanced tools to pinpoint the exact source.
Yes, it is possible to replace only the drip edge without needing a whole new roof. This repair can be done when the existing roof is still in good condition, ensuring continued protection from water damage.
When a gutter comes loose, either because of age or poor workmanship, you'll soon see water dripping back over the fascia. You might be able to tighten the brackets to solve the problem, or it might be time for new gutters.
It might not spring a leak today, tomorrow, or next Tuesday, but it's unlikely to go away in that time, either. The bad news is you'll probably need to fork over for professional steam-only ice dam removal.
Homeowners insurance typically covers roof leaks from rain only if the water enters through damage caused by a covered event—such as a storm with strong wind or hail.
Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. Speculating can lead to inaccuracies in the adjuster's report, potentially affecting your claim.
The 50% Rule: A good rule of thumb is that if the gutter repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost of a full replacement, it's generally more cost-effective to replace them.
When it comes to insuring your home, the 80% rule is an important guideline to keep in mind. This rule suggests you should insure your home for at least 80% of its total replacement cost to avoid penalties for being underinsured.
Spring is the season of rainfall and defrost, making it the perfect time to replace your gutters. Your gutters are an essential part of your home's exterior, helping to protect your foundation, roof, and landscaping from water damage. At Starway Roof Systems, we often see gutter damage in the spring.
Clean your one-story-high gutters right from the ground with an old paint roller on an extension handle. It's angled just right to push leaves and debris out quickly and easily.