Guide to Fixing Gutters

Maintaining your gutters will protect the investment of both the money paid for your gutter system and your home itself. Gutters provide protection from the rain, preventing damage to the roof, walls and foundation of your home. Fixing the gutters when there are problems is something that can be done yourself.

• Inspect: This will tell you where the problems are within the gutter system.


• Clean: A clean gutter is essential to maintaining the flow of water away from your home. Dirt, leaves, debris and insects can cause a clog or blockage in the flow of water. Cleaning should be done at least two-times per year. Before making any repairs, make sure that your gutters are clean. This can be done by scooping any debris from the gutter and into trash bags. Then, hose the gutter and downspouts to ensure that there is proper water flow. If there is a clog, you will need to take a plumber's snake to dislodge the clog. Once you have it removed, you should test the water flow with a hose.


• Assess The Damage: When assessing the damage to your gutter, decide if it is best to replace the whole gutter or if it can be repaired. There are times when it is best to just replace the whole gutter, rather than repair. This is true when a substantial portion of the gutter is damaged, if there are holes that are all the way through the gutter, if there are massive cracks, warping or melting.


• Repair/Replace Leaks and Loose Connections: Dry any joints or connections that are loose or leaking. Replace with the same piece of gutter or a new one. If using the same gutter, just tighten it. Make sure to use caulk around the seams to create a tight connection.


• Patch Holes: For most gutters, a hole will result in replacing the entire section of the gutter. However, aluminum gutters allow for holes to be patched. Using aluminum flashing, measure how much you will need from the inside of the gutter. Remember you want to allow an extra inch of coverage on each side of the hole. Cut the flashing to fit over the hole. Apply roofing cement to each side of the flashing. Press the flashing firmly against the hole.