If you’ve ever had water dripping down your fascia, you’re not alone. Having to deal with leaking gutters is an unpleasant experience, but there are ways to fix this common problem. The first step is to identify the problem. You should always inspect your gutters and fascias to look for any signs of damage or deterioration. If you see any of these signs, you’ll know the gutters are in need of repair. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, contact a professional to make the repairs for you.
The roofline of a home is a combination of soffit, fascia and gutters. The soffit serves as a weatherproof seal and provides a place for the gutter to attach. The fascia board is the horizontal part of the roofline and supports the soffit. It is important to choose a sturdy board and trim material for your soffit. Choosing the wrong material can result in a soffit that rots or fails. For a long lasting soffit, go for wood, although plastic can be a good alternative.
The drip edge is one of the lesser known components of the gutter system. It’s a T-shaped metal that helps direct rainwater away from the fascia and into the gutter. A proper drip edge will extend from about 1/4″ to 1/2″ of the fascia. A properly installed drip edge will prevent water from wicking back onto the fascia and will also create an air gap between the fascia and the gutter.
There are a few other factors that can contribute to your gutters dripping down the soffit. For example, the gutters might not be positioned properly, or the fascia may be rotting. If this is the case, you’ll have to deal with some nasty water damage.
The most obvious cause of a leaky gutter is a misaligned gutter. This can be fixed easily, and you’ll find that a new gutter will prevent this problem from getting worse. However, if it’s a true misalignment, you’ll have to replace the entire gutter and fascia. Typically, this costs PS100 per linear metre, but the total can add up if you have a large house or a tall roof.
A good drip edge can be used in many places, including where your fascia meets the shingles. In fact, it’s a good idea to install a drip edge at the end of every shingle row. The drip edge should also be able to handle the weight of a full gutter. The right type of drip edge can keep water from wicking back onto your fascia board and can help prevent a soffit from rotting.
Regardless of the type of gutter you have, you’ll have to check it regularly. If you notice a slight change in your guttering, or if the gutter is leaking, you should have it checked by a professional. Having the gutters cleaned and repaired will also help you to catch and fix a problem before it gets too serious.
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