Behind the Gutter: A Repair Story
Nothing is more frustrating than walking out your front door and stepping into a puddle—especially when it’s under the shelter of your roof.
Recently, we had a homeowner in Corcoran, MN, reach out to us with a mystery leak. We had visited this property before to help repair a storm-damaged downspout, so the homeowner knew they could trust Ultimate Gutter Solutions to give them an honest assessment.
The problem? Water was dripping from behind the gutters, bypassing the system entirely and soaking the concrete front steps.
Here is a look at what we found, how we fixed it, and how you can ensure this doesn’t happen to your home.
The Symptom: Wet Steps Where It Should Be Dry
The homeowner noticed that during heavy rains and the recent snowmelt, water was seeping behind the gutter apron at the front entry. Instead of flowing down the spout, the water was running down the fascia and dripping directly onto the front steps.
Over time, water dripping behind your gutters can lead to:
Rotting fascia boards.
Staining on your siding or brick.
Erosion of the concrete below (pitting and cracking).
Ice patches forming on walkways in winter.
The Diagnosis: What Was Missing?
We didn’t install the original gutter system on this home, but we are always happy to troubleshoot issues for our neighbors in Corcoran and the surrounding Twin Cities area.
Upon arrival, we climbed up to investigate. From the ground, everything looked normal. However, once we lifted the gutter apron to check behind the gutter itself, the issue became clear immediately.
While the original crew had applied some sealant, there was an insufficient amount to create a proper bond. The silicone didn’t run the full length of the connection, leaving gaps between the gutter and the home’s apron. Because the seal wasn’t continuous, surface tension was allowing water to find those “weak spots,” curling backward and running down the wall rather than staying in the gutter where it belongs.
The Solution: Geocel 2320 Tripolymer Sealant
Fixing a leak like this requires the right materials. You can’t just use standard caulk from a big box store, as it will crack and peel with Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.
We cleaned the area and reapplied a heavy-duty bead of Geocel 2320 Tripolymer Gutter Sealant.
Flexibility:
It stays flexible even in extreme cold, meaning it won’t crack when the metal expands and contracts.
Adhesion:
It sticks to aluminum and steel even in damp conditions.
Longevity:
It is the industry standard for a permanent, watertight bond.
UV Resistance:
It is formulated to withstand intense sunlight without drying out, chalking, or yellowing, which is a common failure point for standard sealants exposed to direct sun.
Resealability:
Unlike silicone, Geocel 2320 adheres to itself. If you need to make a repair or touch-up years later, you can apply new sealant directly over the old bead without having to painstakingly scrape everything away.
Paintability:
It is fully paintable, allowing you to match the sealant color to your specific siding, trim, or gutter color for a seamless, professional finish—something standard silicone cannot offer.
The Lesson: Trust But Verify
We mention this repair not to speak poorly of the previous installers—construction is a human industry, and occasionally, steps get overlooked during a busy install. However, this serves as a great reminder for homeowners.
How can you prevent this? When you hire a contractor for gutter installation or repair, ask for photos and videos of the work.
Since you can’t easily climb a ladder to inspect the work yourself, digital proof is your best insurance. It allows you to double-check that critical details—like sealing the back of the gutter—were completed.
At Ultimate Gutter Solutions, transparency is part of our process. We always provide our clients with photos of the completed job so you can see exactly what we did, even in the places you can’t reach.
Need a Gutter Repair in Corcoran or Ham Lake?
Whether it’s a loose downspout, a mystery leak, or a full replacement, we are here to help. We serve the entire 50-mile radius around Ham Lake, including Corcoran, Blaine, and Minneapolis.
Don’t let a small drip turn into a big problem.