Your roof consists of more than the shingles and flashing. The eaves at the roof edge and the gutters attached to them are also a part of the roof. If problems occur with the gutters, then damage can extend to the eaves and, in some cases, to the main roof surface itself.

1. Leaks

Leaking gutters are more than a nuisance. The leaks can expose the front-facing fascia boards on your roof edge to moisture damage, as well as cause damage to wooden siding.

Causes

Leaks can occur anywhere along the gutter if holes develop due to damage, rust, or corrosion. The most likely spot for a leak, though, is at the joint or seam where two lengths of guttering meet. A silicon caulk is typically useful to seal the seams, but over time, it can crack or flake off. When this happens, the gutters will drip whenever water flows through them.

Solutions

Some leaks are repairable by resealing the gutters. Do this when the gutters are completely dry. First, test the gutters for leaks by running water through the gutters via a hose. Mark the location of each leak on the gutter. If the leak is at a seam, it can be resealed.

On the other hand, leaks from rust or holes will necessitate a gutter replacement -- preferably with a seamless model.

2. Alignment Issues

Gutters don't always sit perfectly level, and they must have proper alignment under the roof’s edge. If the gutters aren't properly aligned, then water may overflow the gutters and backwash onto the roof, where it can lead to ice dam formation or water damage on the eaves.

Causes

Gutters may sag or come out of alignment due to loose or missing fasteners. Improper installation can also result in an insufficient slope or gutters not aligned directly under the drip edge of the roof. In some cases, the gutters are out of alignment because of damage to the eaves and roof edge, which causes the gutters to sag.

Solutions

Alignment issues typically only require simple repairs. Fasteners are quickly replaceable, or they can be adjusted so that the gutter better aligns with the drip edge of the roof. If the gutters are poorly sloped, then professionals can adjust the fasteners so that the gutters slope down toward the downspouts.

When the alignment issue is a result of a damaged eave or drip edge, a more intensive repair is necessary. Your roofer may need to replace components of eaves, such as the fascia boards, before any repairs can be made to the gutter.

3. Clogs

A clog or buildup of debris in your gutters and downspouts causes similar roof issues as alignment problems — water overflows the guttering system and backflows onto the roof or eaves. Ice dams in winter are much more common if the gutters clog.

Causes

A combination of heavy debris fall on the roof combined with infrequent maintenance is typically what leads to a clogged gutter. More rarely, an animal like a squirrel or bird may nest in a gutter or downspout and clog up the system. Gutters are more likely to clog if your home is under heavy tree cover, but even gutters in open areas aren't immune to debris buildup.

Solutions

A two-pronged approach prevents most clogs: regular cleaning and preventative devices. Schedule a gutter cleaning twice a year — once in spring to remove winter debris and again in fall to clear out fallen leaves.

A gutter cover will also minimize clogs. Your roofer can install a flat cover, which only needs to be swept off occasionally so leaves don't block the holes on top. The other option is a helmeted cover, which also needs to be swept off periodically and isn't suitable if sap on the roof is a problem.

Contact Leon Construction for more help with issues affecting your roof.