Gutters and fascias are fixed together, and when one goes wrong, the other usually suffers. It is common to find a leaking gutter and a rotting fascia on the same house, and the two problems feed each other.
How a gutter damages a fascia
A gutter that leaks at a joint or overflows because of a blockage runs water down the fascia board instead of carrying it to the downpipe. Timber boards that stay damp start to rot, and even UPVC can be pulled out of line when the gutter above it is overloaded. Water running over the board can also stain the soffit beneath.
How a fascia damages a gutter
Gutters are screwed to the fascia. If the board is rotten or has come loose, the gutter loses its support and begins to sag. Sagging means water pools instead of flowing to the outlet and spills over the edge. The gutter's own weight, plus water, leaves, and in winter ice, adds more strain.
Signs to look for
Look for stains running down the fascia, green algae at the joints, gutters that overflow in rain, dripping from the joints and boards that are soft or flaking. A gutter that no longer falls towards the downpipe is a sign the supports have moved.
Why do both together
If the fascia needs replacing, the gutter has to come off anyway. Refitting the existing gutter, or fitting new guttering at the same time, saves paying for access and labour twice. It also lets the fall be set properly so water drains as it should.
Keep it maintained
Clear gutters of leaves at least once a year, and check joints and outlets. Small jobs prevent bigger repairs.
See our UPVC Soffit and Fascia section or call 07766 547309 for a free quotation.
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