Fix The Gutters

To fix your gutter leak start by scooping out all the crud.

Fix the gutters.

Gutters are one of those things where routine maintenance and inspecting them can really prevent bigger problems down the road says jason stutzman director of home maintenance and repair for brothers redevelopment in denver. While not a permanent fix you can generally get another season or two out of the gutters as long as the damage isn t extensive by applying a silicone or rubber gutter caulk or sealant. Rinse out the gutter and dry it off. Once you re finished cleaning dry out the gutter with a clean cloth or paper towel.

If you have to resort to a toothbrush for crevices. Next remove any oxidation and apply the sealer photos 1 and 2. Gutter leaks usually start at rusty spots or seams that have opened up because of expansion and contraction. If the hole is small you can use plastic roofing cement.

Clean the area with household spray cleaner a scrub brush and rags to get it as clean as possible. Luckily most common gutter problems are easy for homeowners to fix themselves. If it is large use a piece of galvanized metal flashing. Keep flushing out the gutter with more clean water until it starts draining the excess water properly.

Most gutters are held in place with large spikes that pass through tubular sleeves called ferrules. Whether it s a corner or straight joint the repair is pretty much the same. They have seams where the gutters connect to preformed corners and to downspout outlets. If your gutter is still basically sound the easiest way to stop the leak is by covering the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape available at home centers and hardware stores.

If the metal gutter parts have rusted through you can quickly and easily patch it. Learning how to fix leaky gutters is an easy inexpensive project you can do yourself. And it s worth the effort. The cleaner it is the better your patch will hold over time.