Four Steps to Simple Gutter Repair

December 17, 2010

If you suspect something is amiss with your gutter system, don't wait to investigate the problem. Gutter repair is often much simpler than you might expect.

Ladder Safety

Always place a ladder on level, solid ground. Use a 1:4 ratio to make sure the ladder remains stable. This means that for every four feet of height, the ladder should be one foot away from the wall. So, if you are climbing 12 feet high, the ladder should be three feet away from the wall.

Identify the Type of Gutter Damage

Damage to your gutters is usually one of three types: holes, cracks, or sags. Minor sags or pin-sized holes are surprisingly easy to repair yourself. Cracks or more obvious gutter damage may require professional help.

Often, what you think is a crack or leak is actually a more basic problem: a clogged gutter. Leaves and other debris can block the drainage system and clog downspouts, especially in the curved sections.

To check for and clear these kinds of clogs, just remove the top and bottom sections of the downspout. Depending on how your gutters were installed, do this by either drilling out the rivets or removing the screws. You may be surprised how much debris you find when you give these sections a good shake.

Repairing Pinholes in the Gutter

Careful inspection is often necessary to spot pin-sized holes in your gutters. If you do find a small hole, first clean the area with an abrasive pad. Next, cut a piece of material that is one inch larger than the hole on all sides. The material should be the same kind as the gutters. Then use a stiff brush to spread a bit of gutter repair compound on the area around the hole. Place your patch on top, and cover with another layer of compound to ensure a good seal.

Fixing Minor Sags

Gutters should be well aligned to ensure proper drainage. Leaks are more likely if there are sags in the gutter, because this means water cannot reach the downspout as easily. Instead, water pools in the sagging area and may overflow.

Fortunately, minor sags are simple to repair by adding a new hanging bracket to the sagging area, or replacing the existing one if it is old or damaged. Screw in the bracket until your gutter is back in alignment. Make sure the hanging bracket you use is designed for your type of gutter system.

Regular inspection and maintenance will help your gutter system operate better and last longer. Make the most of your gutter system by taking care of basic gutter repairs right away!

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