Water Dripping From Gutters

If the drip edge is installed incorrectly or takes on some damage from time or weather it can often result in water just not quite making it to the gutters.

Water dripping from gutters.

When water drips between the fascia and the gutters the problem could be a compromised drip edge but it s also possible the gutters are overflowing. Gutters after all protect your home against moisture directing water away from your home s windows siding foundation and other areas of your home you d prefer to keep dry you can t just sit idly by and allow a leaky gutter to wreak havoc to your home. It finally rained for a while today and i noticed that there were water droplets along the entire length of the gutter see attached photograph. The drip edge is a component installed along the eaves of your roof that helps to direct water flow and project it outward ideally into your gutters where it will be safely carried away.

The gutter apron prevents water from ever reaching the soffit by leading water straight into the gutters. If water is dripping behind your gutter it s probably because it was installed without any flashing over the back of the gutter. For gutters to work properly they must be properly sloped toward the downspouts and the roof must have a drip edge that clears the sides of the gutters closest to the house. Over time rain gutters often start to pull away from the roof allowing water to drip over the gutter sides or between the gutters and the walls.

When water starts leaking from the gutter you know you ve got your work cut out for you. Home centers sell a gutter apron in 10 ft. When the roof shingles do not extend past the metal drip edge the water will suck back on the metal drip edge this is called capillary action and run behind your gutters. The gutter apron will prevent the dripping.

However a gutter apron is different from a drip edge because it hangs over the gutters and then angles back toward the house. A gutter apron is similar to a drip edge in that it fits under the shingles and protects the roof deck. The problem is that when the water backs up due to a clog this could potentially cause it to leak through your roof as well. Therefore it s important that you have your gutters cleaned at least once a year.

Keeping your gutters and downspouts free from debris is an incredibly important task. Capillary action is a water activity in which water adheres to a surface and follow the surface. A gutter apron is a bent piece of flashing that tucks up under the shingles and over the gutter.