Why is water dripping behind my gutters instead of into them?

You are not imagining it. If water is running behind your gutters during rain, something is off. And in Scottsdale, this shows up a lot. Storms here are quick and heavy. When gutters are not set up just right, water finds the gap and goes where it should not.

From the ground, everything can look fine. Gutters seem straight. Nothing is hanging. Still, water sneaks behind them and leaves stains, drips, and wet spots along the roofline. This is one of the more common issues homeowners call about. It is also something CR Gutters, Inc.™ sees often on homes across Scottsdale, especially after a hard rain.

What usually causes water to miss the gutter.

Most of the time, it comes down to two things.

First, there is no drip edge. Or it is installed wrong. A drip edge is a thin strip of metal under the shingles. Its job is simple. Push water into the gutter. Without it, water clings to the roof and slides behind the gutter instead.

Second, the gutter may not be aligned correctly. If it is set too low or pulled away from the roof edge, water can overshoot the back lip when rain picks up.

Common causes include:

• Missing drip edge under the shingles
• Gutters mounted too low
• Gutter runs with poor pitch
• Older installations that were never updated

Light rain may hide the issue. Heavy rain makes it obvious.

Signs that this problem is not new.

Water dripping behind gutters usually does not start overnight. It builds over time.

Look for signs like:

• Stains below the roofline
• Paint peeling on fascia boards
• Damp wood behind the gutter
• Water collecting near the house
• Soil washing out below the drip area

Once you see these, the problem has likely been happening longer than you think.

Why a gutter apron works so well.

One of the cleanest fixes is a gutter apron. It is a metal flashing that slides under the shingles and extends into the gutter. It creates a clear path for water.

With a gutter apron in place:

• Water drops straight into the gutter
• Gaps between roof and gutter are sealed
• Fascia boards stay dry
• Gutters work better during heavy rain

It is a simple solution that prevents repeated problems.

What this repair usually costs in Scottsdale:

Typical pricing falls between $250 and $600, depending on roof access and how much flashing is needed. That usually covers installing the gutter apron and adjusting the gutter if alignment is part of the issue.

Why Scottsdale homes see this so often.

Heat matters. Materials expand and contract all year long here. Over time, small gaps form at the roof edge. When rain finally hits, water takes advantage of those gaps. If water keeps slipping behind the gutter, it does not just affect the roofline. It can lead to soil erosion, foundation moisture, and ongoing exterior damage.

Get water flowing the right way.

If water keeps slipping behind your gutters, it is not going to fix itself. It usually gets worse with every storm. The good news is the fix is often simple when caught early. CR Gutters, Inc.™ helps Scottsdale homeowners correct alignment issues, add gutter aprons, and stop hidden water damage before it spreads. Call (602) 671-3476 to get water flowing where it belongs.