Water runs behind gutter
Gutterworks Mfg, Inc.

Water Running Behind Your Installed Gutter

How do you address the problem of water running behind your installed gutter?

This problem is common with homes that have roofs that do not have much pitch to them. For example, Most ranch-style homes have a 3-12 or 4-12 pitch roof. 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.

NOTE: Capillary Action is a water activity in which water adheres to a surface and follow the surface around. Many of the solid gutter covers are design to take advantage of this water characteristic.  

How Do I Solve the Problem?

  • If your gutter has been previously installed, rather than taking it down and redoing it, you can easily place a small strip of metal flashing under the drip edge and over the back of the gutter (as shown by the illustration at the bottom of this page) so the water will shed into the gutter.

Do I Have to Fix it?

  • If left unresolved, this problem can do extensive damage to your fascia covering and paint. 

What is the Best Way to Attach the Flashing?

  • The flashing should be secured with screws. 

Can't I Just use Caulking?

  • We do not recommend wasting your time by trying to fix this problem with caulking, you will just have to redo it again in a year or two. If you use the metal flashing, you're done with it!

 

Illustration of proper installation of metal flashing

© 2024 Gutterworks Mfg, Inc. All Rights Reserved.