Why Is Water Dripping Behind My Gutters?

Have you ever stepped outside after a Phoenix storm and noticed water sliding down the stucco or gathering in strange streaks beneath the roofline? You are not alone! Many homeowners here do not catch the problem until it rains—because everything looks perfectly normal the rest of the year. Then suddenly, during one sharp burst of desert rain, water is slipping behind the gutters instead of into them. CR Gutters, Inc.™ gets this call often from Phoenix residents who want to understand what’s going on before the staining gets worse.

Most of the time, the issue comes down to something small and easy to miss: the roof doesn’t have a drip edge, or the gutter sits just far enough away from the shingles that the runoff curls backward instead of dropping in. Water loves to travel along surfaces, and if there’s even a tiny gap, it will find it.

Why Phoenix Homes Experience This More Than You’d Expect

Phoenix has long, dry stretches where gutters seem redundant. Months go by without a single storm, so you won’t know if the system is not aligned perfectly. Then the sky opens up for just a few minutes, the rain hits fast, and suddenly the water reveals every little flaw.

At CR Gutters, Inc.™, we have seen several older Phoenix homes built without drip edges, or newer homes where settling has shifted rooflines slightly over the years. Rainwater clings to the shingles’ underside and trickles behind the gutter. It leaves faint marks that show up in the sun. Homeowners often say that they noticed the problem only after walking outside the next morning and seeing uneven drying patterns on the stucco.

A gutter apron or drip edge changes the flow completely. It gives water a clean path into the gutter and stops it from wandering down the wall.

Fixing the Issue Well in Time

It may start with one or two stains, but water behind the gutter can cause more trouble if left alone—softening stucco, darkening wood trim, or causing minor cracks over time. CR Gutters, Inc.™ suggests taking a quick look during the next Phoenix shower. Only then suitable repairs can be scheduled.

It is often a simple adjustment or a small piece of flashing tucked under the shingles. The gutter itself is shifted a little forward, at times. Phoenix homes with tile roofs may need extra care because the tiles sit differently, but the solution is usually manageable and does not require major work.

Typical Costs in Phoenix

Flashing or gutter apron installation: $250 to $600

Pricing varies depending on how long the affected area is and whether alignment changes are required.

Get It Checked Before the Next Rain

If dripping water or fresh stains keep showing up after storms, you don’t have to guess what’s causing it. Call (602) 671-3476 to reach CR Gutters, Inc.™. We’ll take a careful look at your Phoenix home, walk you through what we find, and help you get the problem fixed so your walls stay clean no matter how suddenly the rain arrives.