Why Does Water Drip Behind My Gutters?

If you have observed water dripping or running behind your gutters after a storm, it will be a mistake to brush it off. In Seattle, this issue shows up often because of the rain that goes on for months. Usually it means that a drip edge is missing or there’s a small gap in the flashing letting water slip in. If unaddressed, it can cause peeling paint, rotting wood, or hidden wall damage.

At CR Gutters, Inc.™, we’ve seen this issue in homes all across the Seattle area. The good news is that fixing it isn’t complicated — but catching it early makes all the difference.

Why It Happens

Rain in Seattle tends to fall at an angle, and when strong wind is added to the mix, water can slip under the shingles and flow behind the gutter system. If the roof doesn’t have proper metal flashing — or if the drip edge is missing — that runoff follows gravity straight down the fascia board instead of into the gutter trough.

Over time, continued exposure to moisture starts to bubble paint, soften wood, and cause mold growth along the edge of the roof. Many older homes around Seattle were built without drip edges because they weren’t always required. Others have flashing that’s been bent, rusted, or installed incorrectly.

A simple inspection will reveal which one is to blame.

Common Signs of Water Dripping Behind Gutters

You can usually spot this problem without climbing a ladder. Look for:

• Paint peeling or blistering behind the gutter line
• Streaks of dirt or algae where water has been running
• Moldy smells or soft wood along the fascia
• Puddles near the foundation after moderate rain

If you see any of these, water is likely getting behind the gutters instead of flowing through them.

How to Stop the Dripping

The solution depends on the reason. In case of a missing drip edge, a strip of metal flashing can be tucked beneath the shingles and over the back edge of the gutter to direct water correctly. In cases where flashing is damaged or short, replacing it with a continuous section often solves the issue for good.

At CR Gutters, Inc.™, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing these drainage problems. Our technicians make sure the flashing, gutters, and fascia all work together so rainwater goes exactly where it should — away from your home.

Typical Cost for Repairs in Seattle

The cost of installing or repairing flashing behind gutters usually ranges between $250 and $600, depending on the home’s size and roofline. A relatively small repair, it prevents much bigger expenses later, such as replacing rotten wood or repairing interior leaks.

Keep Rain Where It Belongs — Outside Your Home

Seattle’s rain is a fact of life, but water behind your gutters doesn’t have to be. Call CR Gutters, Inc.™ at (253) 447-1419 for a quick inspection or professional flashing installation. Our local team understands how Seattle’s storms wear down homes and knows how to stop leaks at the source. With CR Gutters, Inc.™, you’ll protect your roofline, your paint, and your peace of mind — one rainy day at a time.