How to Fix House Gutters

Gutters are an important part of any working roof system for a home. They prevent water from flowing down the sides of your house, which can cause both structural and cosmetic damage. A good gutter and downspout system divert rain water away from your home and allow it to drain properly. Gutters often develop leaks, which must be repaired. These repairs can be made with a few simple tools and supplies.

Supplies:

• Silicone sealant


• Wire brush


• Sandpaper


• Sheet metal


• Tin snips

Instructions for Small Holes:

Step One: Examine the entire gutter system and locate the leak. One common place for leaks to develop is in the gutter bottom.

Step Two: Use the wire brush to throughly clean the area removing any oxidation or debris once the spot is located.

Step Three: Remove any other smaller particles with the sandpaper and smooth the area.

Step Four: Apply the silicone sealant to the hole. Extend the application to three or four inches around the hole. This will ensure that the silicone doesn't easily dislodge from the hole during water drainage.

Instructions for Large Holes:

If the hole is too large to be fixed with silicone sealant it must be repaired with a piece of metal flashing.

Step One: Trim a piece of metal flashing to cover the hole. It is important to make the patch at least 1/2 inch larger than the hole.

Step Two: Drill a small hole in each corner of the patch. Place the patch over the hole in the gutter and carefully place a screw in each corner attaching it to the existing gutter.

Step Four: Seal around each of the screw holes with silicone sealant once the patch is in place. Place a bead of sealant around the outside edges entire patch itself. These measures will prevent the new repair from leaking.

It is important in test the patches in both large or small repairs. Do this by using a garden hose to run water through the gutter to be sure the patch isn't leaking. If a leak does occur apply more sealant to the patched areas and allow to dry.