Rubber Gutter Fails

Case Study

A previous patch has been applied over a drain detail that is not appropriate or compatible with EPDM membranes. This is failing.

All corners have been folded and nailed. This is completely against manufacturer's recommended installation processes. Putting a nail hole through a gutter membrane, without a proper patch overtop of the puncture, is not an intelligent waterproofing detail

Complete separation has occured around drains. The membrane is supposed to be bonded to the flange of the drain and only allow water to go down the stem pipe. In this case water would rarely go down the pipe but moreso flow under the membrane and exit through the soffit resulting in progressive rot of hiddent wood components.

All hidden gutters are not positively sloped. The builder can not slope them as they are situated at the end of the rafters and therefore level and plumb. They are always flat and often hold large amounts of water due to bridging on the corners or the architect not specifying an appropriate amount of drains and down pipes. Usually there are no drains in these spans so they hold water. I recommend installing new and additional drains along spans such as these.

Customer: Douglas Leo
Project Completed: March 2013
Type of Roof: Gutter repair
Materials: EPDM rubber membrane
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

This is a very common problem we deal with. I’d say we probably put down about 300 patches a year in gutters.

On this gutter, the membrane wasn’t installed properly and has now separated from the flange of the copper drain. Water must be pouring through the soffit because I doubt much of it goes down the drain.

To a professional, the repair is simple enough. We cut the membrane away to expose the drain flange and then installed a new membrane patch to tie the flange into the old gutter membrane. Our work is guaranteed.