Leaky gutters are more than just annoying. They can cause serious damage if left unchecked, and can cause water to potentially leak into your home. The excess water from the gutters can damage the siding and walls of your home and can also damage your lawn or garden. While no one wants gutters to leak, there are some precautions you can take to help ensure your gutters will stay leakproof and functional.
EPDM rubber sealing is one of those options. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber that has a high density. This versatile M-class rubber is a great outdoor sealant. It works great in all temperatures and weather conditions. It is ozone and sunlight resistant, waterproof, and is also tear, abrasion, and steam resistant. EPDM will keep out the water, and will not crack or break down due to extreme temperatures or weather, such as very hot summers or extremely cold winters.
Waterproof, weather resistant, and flexible
EPDM offers a lot of benefits across many different functions. It is an ideal choice for flat roofs or other roofs that have poor drainage and are susceptible to pools of water because it is waterproof. It is affordable and has lower energy costs than other forms of roofing. EPDM rubber is also used as a membrane in some gutter designs, as well as rubber seals. EPDM rubber can be used in seals, o-rings, hoses, tubing, liners, and a variety of other uses.
Because it is water resistant to both saltwater and freshwater, EPDM is an ideal material for gutters. An EPDM rubber seal eliminates the need for other sealants or solder joints. Soldering traditional cutters, which come in pre-cut sections, is a typical method for installing gutters. These seams can start to leak over time. However, they are more likely to leak, which can cause damage to the home and require maintenance, driving up the overall cost.
EPDM rubber sealing can fill in the gaps in these seams where leaks occur. If left alone, leaky gutters can cause roof or foundation damage, which costs far more to fix than a leaky gutter.
When to fix leaky gutters and when to replace
While fixing leaky gutters can be a sensible, economical strategy, nothing lasts forever, including your gutters. Generally speaking, gutters have a lifespan of roughly 20-40 years, depending on the quality of the gutters and how they have been cared for during their lifespan.
Signs to replace your gutters
- Cracks
- Fractures
- Sagging Gutters
- Standing Water
- Water Damage Marks
- Mould
- Rust
- Overflowing water
- Foundation problems
- Finding random nails or screws outside of your home
Other causes of damage
While the weather can cause extensive damage to gutters, wildlife, such as squirrels, raccoons and birds, can also cause damage. Damaged, leaky gutters can not only impact your home, but they also impact value and curb appeal.
Ensure a leak proof guttering system with European Gutters
European Gutters have several gutter systems with innovative designs that use rubber sealing for a guaranteed waterproof installation. Our Lindab Rainline half- round connectors and Rainline half round end caps are made with EPDM rubber, making for a long-lasting gutter joint that perfectly fits your gutters.
Contact us to learn more about how European Gutters can help you with your next gutter system.
