Why Are My Gutters Leaking at the Corners?

If water drips or pours from the corners of your eavestroughs every time it rains, the problem should not be ignored.

Leaking gutter corners can allow water to run down your fascia, siding and exterior walls instead of being safely directed away from your home.

Over time, that extra moisture can contribute to staining, rot and drainage problems around the foundation.

Here are some of the most common reasons eavestrough corners leak and what can be done about them.

1. The Corner Seams Have Failed

Many eavestrough systems contain joints around corners where separate pieces connect.

These joints are normally sealed to prevent water from escaping.

Over time, the sealant can deteriorate due to:

• Temperature changes
• Sun exposure
• Snow and ice
• Movement within the gutter system
• Age

Once the seal begins separating, water can leak through the joint.

Depending on the condition of the eavestrough, the corner may be resealed or repaired.

2. Your Gutters Are Clogged

A leaking corner does not always mean the corner itself is damaged.

Leaves, pine needles and other debris can block the flow of water through the eavestrough.

When water cannot move toward the downspout quickly enough, it can collect around corners and eventually overflow.

Regular gutter cleaning or an appropriate gutter protection system can help prevent debris from restricting water flow.

3. The Eavestrough Is Not Properly Sloped

Eavestroughs need a slight slope toward the downspouts.

If the slope is incorrect, water may collect in low areas instead of draining properly.

Standing water puts additional pressure on seams and corner joints.

It can also contribute to:

• Leaks
• Sagging
• Ice buildup
• Premature deterioration

Correcting the pitch of the eavestrough may resolve recurring drainage problems.

4. The Gutters Are Pulling Away From the Fascia

Loose fasteners can allow sections of eavestrough to sag or move away from the fascia.

Even a small amount of movement can affect how different sections connect at a corner.

This may create gaps that allow water to escape.

Sagging gutters can also prevent water from flowing properly toward the downspouts.

5. There Is Too Much Water for the System

During heavy rainfall, smaller eavestrough systems may struggle to handle large volumes of water.

Water can then overflow around corners or other low areas.

Factors that affect gutter capacity include:

• Roof size
• Roof pitch
• Number of downspouts
• Eavestrough size
• Downspout placement

Some homes may benefit from a larger-capacity eavestrough system, such as upgrading from a 5-inch to a 6-inch system.

6. Ice Has Damaged the Corner

Ontario winters can be hard on eavestrough systems.

Water that collects inside the gutter can freeze and expand.

Heavy snow and ice can also place additional weight on the system.

Over time, this can cause:

• Seams to separate
• Gutters to sag
• Fasteners to loosen
• Sealant to fail

Leaks sometimes become noticeable in spring after months of winter weather.

7. The Corner Was Not Installed Correctly

Poor installation can also cause recurring leaks.

If sections were not aligned properly or the corner was not sealed correctly during installation, water may begin escaping much sooner than expected.

In these situations, repeatedly adding sealant may only provide a temporary solution.

Correcting the installation may be necessary.

Can You Seal a Leaking Gutter Corner?

In some cases, yes.

A minor seam leak may be repaired by cleaning the area and applying an appropriate exterior gutter sealant.

However, sealing the corner will not solve problems caused by:

• Improper slope
• Sagging gutters
• Damaged fascia
• Poor installation
• Undersized gutters
• Severe deterioration

Finding the actual cause of the leak is important before deciding on the repair.

When Should Eavestroughs Be Replaced?

An isolated leaking corner does not automatically mean the entire system needs replacement.

Replacement may be worth considering when you notice:

• Multiple leaking seams
• Frequent repairs
• Extensive sagging
• Rust or deterioration
• Sections pulling away from the home
• Improper drainage
• Gutters that regularly overflow
• An older system that no longer performs properly

A properly sized and installed eavestrough system should collect roof runoff and move it efficiently toward the downspouts.

Why Proper Drainage Matters

Eavestroughs do much more than stop rain from falling around your doorway.

They help manage large amounts of water coming off your roof.

When the system leaks, that water may end up against:

• Siding
• Fascia
• Soffit
• Walkways
• Landscaping
• Basement walls
• The foundation

Keeping water moving away from the home helps protect the exterior and surrounding property.

Eavestrough Installation in Barrie and Simcoe County

If your eavestroughs are leaking at the corners, overflowing or pulling away from your home, Reynolds Brothers Exteriors can assess the system and determine whether repairs or replacement are appropriate.

We provide professional eavestrough, soffit, fascia and exterior installation services throughout Barrie, Simcoe County and surrounding communities.

Contact Reynolds Brothers Exteriors today to request a quote for your home's eavestrough system.

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