Why Is Your Roof Leaking Around Your Gutter System?

A leaky roof is one of the most frustrating experiences for any homeowner. Certain roof leaks tend to concentrate around the gutter system and can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation, walls, and the exterior of your building. 

Why Roofs Leak Around Gutters

Your roof can leak around the gutter system due to two main issues:

Ice Dam Buildup

An ice dam is a buildup of ice forming along the roof’s edge, preventing water from running off. This combined weight of the ice can damage your roof, and as water sits on the roof for a prolonged period, it can deteriorate the roofing materials and cause leaks around the gutter system. 

Ice dams usually form when heat from the attic is above freezing point, causing some snowfall to melt regardless of the chilling temperatures outside. The water will then flow between the snow and the roof’s surface and refreezes into ice when it reaches the exterior edge. It’s advisable to remove at least the lower four feet of ice and snow from the roof edge to discourage ice dams from forming on the roof and causing leaks. 

Clogged Gutters

Leaves and other debris can gradually cause your gutters to clog and allow rainwater to overflow or back up the roof. When you look at your downspouts during a storm and never see water trickling out, your gutters are probably clogged. When a blockage occurs in the gutters, rainwater will begin to pool in one roof area and have a greater opportunity to seep through cracks and crevasses in the roofing system.

To prevent roof leaks due to clogged gutters, be sure to schedule gutter cleaning services at least twice every year (in spring and fall) to keep them in great shape and functionality. 

Bottom Line

Other than ice dams and clogged gutters, your roof could be leaking around gutters due to other underlying roofing problems. It’s best to have a trusted local roofer inspect your roof to find the root cause of the leak and recommend the right course of action. At Stevens Roofing, we provide professional gutter installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement services in Norfolk, VA, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!