Water runs down fascia instead of into external gutter

Cause

The roofing stops short of the gutter

Repair

  • roof cladding should overhang the inside edge of the gutter by 50 mm (if roof pitch is 10–35°) or 40 mm (for steeper roofs, over 35°). If it doesn’t, a repair is necessary to achieve the required overhang

  • you should only attempt this repair yourself if you have the skills, experience and tools to complete the job properly. Poor quality work on roofs can result in leaks and other weathertightness problems

  • when working at height, always let someone know. Ensure the access ladder is safe and is securely set up on stable ground. Some ladders have a standoff bracket which means that they don’t have to be rested against the guttering. It is always safer to work from a platform such as scaffolding rather than leaning out from the top of a ladder

  • most homeowners should consult a roofing specialist or builder about repair options. All installation of roof cladding is classified as restricted building work. Where this is carried out by a tradesperson, that person must be a licensed building practitioner holding a roofing licence or work under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. The license should be in the appropriate category for the material, i.e. profiled metal, metal tile, shingle or slate etc.

Cause

The gutter is corroded or damaged along the concealed back 

Repair

  • replace the gutter with new

  • guttering manufacturers in New Zealand recommend a range of minimum falls for their products, from 0.5 mm per metre for uPVC to 2 mm per metre for metal gutters. A slightly greater fall than these minimums is recommended where possible

  • fix holding brackets with stainless steel fixings at least 20 mm long. Brackets should be generally no greater than 500 mm apart, or 300 mm in areas of high wind or where snowfall is possible, but check what the manufacturer recommends

  • when working at height, always let someone know. Ensure the access ladder is safe and is securely set up on stable ground. Some ladders have a standoff bracket which means that they don’t have to be rested against the guttering. It is always safer to work from a platform such as scaffolding rather than leaning out from the top of a ladder

Cause

Corroded bottom section of a metal roof. Particularly in seaspray zones where the underside of the roof is unwashed but may be susceptible to salt air, or if the spouting has little or no fall and allows ponding, which can result in a moist environment for the roof overhang. Ply substrates and metal roofs are susceptible to moist environments

Repair

  • as for the first repair