How do you stop a dripping gutter?

What causes a gutter to drip?

A gutter drips because water is escaping somewhere other than the downpipe. The four usual causes are a perished seal in a joint, a blocked outlet or gutter, a crack or split, and a gutter that has lost its fall so water pools in a dip. Each needs a different fix, so finding the cause comes first.

How do professionals stop a dripping gutter?

Professionals stop a dripping gutter by matching the fix to the cause:

• Leaking joint: the old union is removed and a new one fitted, or a cast iron joint is cleaned, resealed and repainted.
• Blocked outlet: the gutter and downpipe are cleared and flushed, and the outlet resealed if needed.
• Crack or split: the damaged section is cut out and replaced with a matching part.
• Lost fall: brackets are re-fixed so the gutter runs downhill to the outlet again.

They also check the fascia behind the gutter, because a soft or rotten board means brackets won't hold for long.

Why isn't a tube of sealant the answer?

A tube of sealant usually isn't the answer because it treats the symptom, not the cause. Sealant smeared over a uPVC joint rarely bonds well to the plastic and often lets go within a season, and it won't fix a gutter that's sagging or blocked. It also means working from a ladder at height, which is one of the most common causes of falls at home.

Many Paignton homes are on sloping plots with steps or uneven ground, which makes ladder work even riskier. A gutter specialist has the right access equipment, the right parts and insurance if anything goes wrong.

How quickly should a dripping gutter be fixed?

A dripping gutter should be fixed before the next spell of wet weather. Every downpour sends water onto the same patch of wall, which can stain brickwork, wear away mortar, rot the fascia and bring damp inside. Near the coast, wet metal brackets also rust faster in the salty air.

What will a contractor need to know?

A contractor will need to know where the drip is, what the gutters are made of, how many storeys the house has and whether access is awkward. Photos taken from the ground during rain are very useful. See why a gutter drips out of one corner and whether a leaky gutter can be repaired.

How do you get it fixed?

Get it fixed by requesting quotes from local gutter specialists. Answer the questions on this page and up to four contractors who cover Paignton will contact you with prices to compare. Read more about gutter repairs.