Drip, drip, drip, drip. There are few things more annoying than the unrelenting sound of a constant drip. But if it’s coming from your gutters, it’s more than annoying – it’s potentially damaging to your home.
Not to worry. Repairing leaky gutters is not as difficult as you think. In most cases, you’ll find that the gutters are sagging, have pulled away from the fascia, or that the seams connecting two pieces have come apart. You can generally fix these problems with some screws, inexpensive brackets and a fresh bead of caulk or cement.
What Causes Leaks?
A number of things can create leaks, but most of them trace back to sudden damage or poor maintenance. Regular maintenance prevents most causes of leaky gutters. However, time is also always going to be a factor as well, so be on the lookout for these potential problem sources while performing regular maintenance.
Clogs
Leaves, sticks, and other debris can block gutters, causing water to pool. Standing water eventually rusts metal gutters. We recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year. Closely inspect their overall condition and address any issues you see.
Cracks and Holes
Severe weather can crack gutters, particularly at the seams, braces, or gutter nails. Aluminum gutters are particularly vulnerable, but most minor leaks can be fixed with a waterproof sealant. Larger holes will need to be assessed and possibly require the part to be replaced.
Separated Joints
The joints in sectional gutters can separate over time, causing them to spring a leak. Sometimes these areas may be corroded enough that they will need to be replaced. But other times, silicone caulk or sealant will do the trick.
Sagging Gutters
Some gutter systems may sag over time from age, wind, or being battered by tree limbs. If they sag, they may lose the slight angle necessary to keep water properly flowing through the system.
Loose Fasteners
Over time, fasteners loosen, creating a gap between the gutter and the fascia. This can cause water to pour behind the gutter directly onto the fascia. Debris can also weigh down gutters, causing fasteners to loosen. Gutters will need to be rehung at the proper slope and fasteners may need to be replaced. In some cases, you can apply caulking or sealant around them and tighten the fasteners.
What You Need
Most small leaks can be fixed with gutter sealant. But for larger leaks, you may need to replace a portion of the gutter system. Consult a professional gutter company when in doubt.
What you’ll need:
- Waterproof and weatherproof gutter sealant or roofing cement
- Replacement pieces if needed
- Putty knife
- Rubbing or denatured alcohol
- Gloves
- Garden hose
- Hammer
- Ladder
- Flashing
Prep Work
Begin by clearing all debris out of your gutters. Then, use a putty knife to scrape away stubborn dirt buildup and old caulk. The gutter should be clear of all debris and old sealant before continuing.
Once clear, use a garden hose to rinse the gutter system. You want to be sure all water can freely move through the gutters and that the area to be repaired is clean. Dry and scrub the repair area with rubbing or denatured alcohol. A clean surface is essential for ensuring that the patch of caulk you apply will adhere.
Pro tip: You should remove all debris and clean your gutter system twice a year. This is the best way to prevent most gutter problems.
Repairing End Caps
As the name suggests, end caps fit over the open ends of gutters to keep water in. Over time, they can lose their watertight properties and leak. Perhaps the caulk or cement used to seal the end cap has degraded.
To fix this, remove the end cap and inspect it. If it is not warped, bent or otherwise damaged, you may be able to re-use it after first cleaning it thoroughly. If it’s not reusable, get a new one. They are not expensive.
Next, clean the end cap or grime and old sealant. Then, gently hammer the end cap onto the end of the gutter, making sure it is firmly in place. Add sealant along the inside edges where the gutter and endcap meet. Use a generous amount of sealant; no need to be stingy.
Check the package for drying times, then flush water through the gutters to test the seal.
Repairing Seams, Joints, and Downspouts
It’s time to apply the sealant. Separate the damaged gutter pieces and use a putty knife to scrape off the old sealant and wash away dirt and residue. Clean the area with rubbing or denatured alcohol.
Using steady pressure, squeeze the sealant onto your gutter seams and joints to be repaired. Realign and clamp the parts together. Allow the sealant to dry and cure (check the package for curing times), then flush water through the gutters to test the seal.
Repairing Gaps, Holes, and Cracks
Small gaps, holes, and cracks: Follow steps one and two to prepare your gutters. With steady pressure apply the sealant, fully filling the damaged area. Complete by feathering the sealant to flatten the edges for easy water flow. Check the packaging for curing times then flush the gutters to be sure the leak has been fixed.
Holes larger than a nail hole: Cut a strip of flashing wide enough to fully cover the hole. Apply roofing cement then embed the flashing material into the roofing cement. Be sure the flashing is fully covered with roofing cement. Feather the roofing cement to flatten the edges for easy water flow. Check the packaging for curing times then flush the area with water and verify the hole has been fixed.
Repairing Sagging Gutters
Complete the first two steps. The gutters first need to be cleared and cleaned of all debris and dirt. Closely inspect the fascia while cleaning your gutters. Any signs of rot could mean your fascia boards need to be replaced. If you’re not sure, call a professional gutter company to inspect your sagging gutters.
Once you’ve determined your boards are clear of rot, remove the brackets or screws holding the section of gutter in place. Reposition the gutter back to the correct angle and reinsert the brackets or screws into the fascia. This is critical: Maintain a slope of a quarter inch for every 10 feet to ensure proper drainage.
Squeeze sealant around the hole and then re-tighten any screws directly holding your gutter to the fascia boards. Using sealant around the screw will keep water from seeping through the hole to the fascia boards.
You may need new screws if the old ones are rusted or damaged. Also, replace any rusted or damaged brackets. You may also want to consider installing extra gutter brackets for added reinforcement.
FAQ About Repairing Leaky Gutters
Most galvanized steel, aluminum, and vinyl gutters should last 20 to 25 years. Copper gutters can last 50-plus years, however, they have a much heftier upfront price tag.
A few small holes or obviously easy fixes are prime for repairing. But excessively rusty gutters and worn or bent gutters are sure signs it’s time for new gutters.
Not necessarily. Fascia only needs to be replaced if it’s rotted. If you are planning to make it a DIY project, be sure to closely inspect the fascia for signs of rot. However, it’s recommended you have a professional gutter company come out and inspect your gutters and fascia.
Ready to get to work?
A capable DIYer can tackle most basic gutter repairs. But perhaps you don’t want to bother, or maybe you’re not certain you have the skills and tools to do the job right. Then don’t risk it. Let Home Gnome connect you with trusted gutter professionals who will do the job right, and at a price you can love.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: Problem Shots / Adobe Stock
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