Many homes in BC have a hidden gutter built right into the roof. Architects love the clean look. Homeowners love it too. But a hidden gutter is not easy to take care of. Small problems can turn into big, costly damage before you even see them.
Most hidden gutters use a rubber layer called EPDM. It works well, but the seams, corners, and drains can wear out over time. When that happens, water gets behind the rubber. It soaks into the wood underneath. The wood starts to rot — often long before you see any sign of a problem.
This is why EPDM repair and wooden gutter repair go hand in hand. If you wait too long, a small EPDM problem turns into a bigger wood problem.
Fix the wood. Any rotten wood is cut out and replaced. We seal every side of the new wood before we cover it up. This is the heart of good wooden gutter repair.
Install new EPDM. We clean and prep the surface, then add a new rubber layer the right way. This is proper EPDM repair — done to last, not just to look good for a season.
Upgrade the drains. Many older systems have drains that are too small for heavy Vancouver rain. We often replace them with bigger 3-inch copper drains before we add the new rubber layer.
Fix the flashing. If the flashing was put in wrong, we take it off and reinstall it the right way. This protects the wood underneath from water damage.
Repaint everything. Once the repair is done, we repaint the area so it looks clean and new again
Good hidden gutter repair starts with a full check, not a guess.
From the ground: We look for warning signs like dark stains, drip marks, and even woodpecker holes. Birds often find soft, rotten wood before people do.
On the roof: We check every seam and every drain. We run water through the system to see if it drains the right way or backs up.
At the flashing: We check if the flashing was installed the right way. A lot of leaks come from flashing that was nailed in wrong.
After the check, we give you a clear, easy-to-read plan. It shows what we found and what each step of the repair will cost. No confusing terms. No surprises.
We take photos at every step, from the first check to the final coat of paint. A Red Seal–certified technician checks and signs off on every job. Our team is made up of full-time workers, not outside helpers — so you always know who is doing the work on your home.
Every EPDM repair and hidden gutter repair we complete comes with a full photo record — before, during, and after — so you have proof of exactly what was found and fixed, not just a verbal summary.
Full accountability — a Red Seal–certified technician inspects and signs off on every built-in gutter repair before we call the job complete.
Consistent quality — our full-time crew means the same trained team handling your EPDM membrane installation is accountable for the finished result, start to finish.
A record you can keep — your documentation gives you a clear reference for any future hidden gutter repair, warranty claim, or resale conversation.
A repair fixes today’s problem. But hidden gutters need regular care to stay in good shape. That’s why we offer a seasonal maintenance plan. We check your system before small issues turn into expensive ones.
Seasonal inspections — timed around the wettest months, when a failing EPDM membrane or clogged drain is most likely to cause real damage.
Early leak detection — catching a small seam issue before it becomes a full built-in gutter repair with rotted wood underneath.
Drainage checks — confirming your hidden gutter system is draining fully, not just appearing fine from the ground.
A written record after every visit — so you always know the current condition of your built-in gutter system, not just when something’s gone wrong.
Look for stains on the soffit, drip marks, or soft, rotten wood. If you see any of these, it’s time for a check.
It means fixing or replacing the rubber layer that keeps water out of your hidden gutter system. Most leaks start at a seam, corner, or drain, not the rubber itself.
Because once water gets past the rubber, it goes straight into the wood. If we don’t fix the wood the right way, the same problem will come back.
Copper drains are strong and can handle more water. A 3-inch copper drain works much better than an old, small drain during heavy rain.
Not if it’s done right the first time. Our seasonal checks help make sure your hidden gutter repair lasts.
Don’t wait for small damage to become a big repair. Contact OTE Gutters & Roofing today for a free inspection and estimate. Trust our certified team for hidden gutter repair, wooden gutter repair, and EPDM repair done right.
