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Gutter pulling away from the house

A gap between the gutter and the house is a fastening problem or a wood problem. Which one decides the size of the repair.

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The short version

Most likely cause
Old fasteners that have worked loose under the weight of water and debris.
Safe to check
From the ground: the size of the gap and the state of the board behind it.
Call an installer when
The board looks dark, soft or split, or the gutter is hanging.

Safe to check from the ground

  • Look along the gutter for a visible gap or tilt.
  • Look for nails or spikes sticking out.
  • Check the fascia for dark stains or peeling paint.
  • Note whether the gutter is full of debris.

Fix soon when

  • A section is hanging or swinging.
  • Water runs behind the gutter in rain.
  • The fascia is soft or crumbling.
  • The gutter is over a door or walkway.

What lets a gutter go

  • Worn fastenersOlder gutters are held by long spikes that loosen over the years. Screw-in hangers hold far better.
  • WeightA gutter packed with wet leaves, or holding water because it sags, pulls on every fastener.
  • Rotted fasciaFasteners cannot grip soft wood. Rehanging onto a rotted board lasts one season.
  • Ice and stormsIce loads and wind can tear a run loose in a single event.

What an installer will do

  1. Check the fascia along the loose run.
  2. Replace board that will not hold a screw.
  3. Rehang the gutter on new hangers at closer spacing.
  4. Reset the slope and test with water.

A hanging gutter is heavy and has sharp edges. Keep people clear of the area below, and do not try to push it back from a ladder.

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