5 Common Aluminum Eavestrough Problems
Eavestroughs, also known as gutters, are a necessary accessory for most homes. Without them, water from the roof can cause moisture issues in your home. Catching problems with the gutters early can help you avoid more expensive problems later.
1. Pinholing
Small holes can form in aluminum over time. One or two may not reduce the effectiveness of the gutters by much, but the leaks will worsen as the amount of holes increases. Although replacement may be preferable if the pinholing is severe, minor issues can be repaired. Your service tech will paint a silicone sealant over the interior and exterior of the troughs, which will seal up the holes.
2. Joint Leaks
Standard aluminum eavestroughs have joints where the lengths of guttering connect. These joints are typically soldered together and then sealed against leaks. Over time the soldering can fail and lead to leaking. This damage can be fixed by cleaning the joints and re-soldering them together. The repair is followed up with the reapplication of the sealant.
3. Debris Blockages
Your eavestroughs should be cleaned once or twice a year, otherwise, branches, leaves, and other fallen detritus will cause clogs that lead to overflowing gutters. Clogs also put pressure on the troughs themselves, which can speed up issues with loosening joints and leak formation. Clogged downspouts can pull away from the house due to the excess weight from collected debris and water.
4. Trough Sagging
Over time the troughs may begin to sag. This can be due to hardware failure as old fasteners wear out or break. Excess weight in the gutters from the debris can also lead to sagging. Replacement of any broken fasteners and regular cleaning will make the gutters as good as new in most cases. If the troughs have warped, they may need to be straightened or replaced depending on the severity of the damage.
5. Corrosion Issues
Aluminum is typically resistant to issues like corrosion and rust, but it can happen due to pollutants in the air. If caught early, the corrosion spots can be buffed out, and then the gutters can be sealed. After the main repairs, the exterior of the gutters can be painted so that they don't detract from your home's appearance. If the corrosion has progressed to the point that there are holes and leaks, then it is time to install new eavestroughs.
Contact an aluminum eavestrough repair service if you are having any issues with your gutters.