Gutter and Downpipe Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Your home’s exterior is constantly battered by the elements. This includes wind and rain. During storms the guttering may be damaged and require to be repaired.

To repair leaks at the gutter ends, first clean the area and get rid of any paint or rust. To create a new seal, use roof and gutter sealant.

Leaks

Gutters are responsible for collecting rainwater and redirecting it towards the exterior of your home. But, if they leak, they can cause irreparable damage. The damage can be immediate (such as peeling or damp paint) or gradual, for instance, that soil is swept away from your garden, or the frames of your windows and fascia are damaged. The good news is that it’s usually possible to fix gutter leaks yourself.

The first thing you’ll want to do is rid of any obstructions that could be causing the leak. If the leak is caused by a hole or crack in the gutter, you can patch this up with roofing cement. Remove the cap on the end and then clean the area around it before applying the patch. It is also important to make sure you’re working in a safe manner by clearing away any obstacles that could hinder your ability to climb the ladder.

Another common cause of leaks is damaged gutter seams. Leaks at gutter joints can be caused when caulk or tar is damaged by weathering expansion or contraction or by corrosion. You can fix a leak in your guttering by cleaning it and scraping away any caulk or tar that is old before applying a new caulk. You should ensure that you use caulk specifically designed specifically for gutters and apply it in a broad overlap.

Inspecting regularly the condition of your rain gutters is a good idea. Regularly cleaning and checking your downpipes will prevent blockages, which can lead to leaks.

If you notice that your downpipes are leaking at their junction with the guttering, it’s likely that they have been split or damaged by the water pressure from rainwater flowing. The leaks can be fixed by applying gutter sealant. This product is available in a lot of trade counters and DIY stores. Apply the sealant in a wide overlaid strip on both the outside and inside of the guttering. After the sealant has been applied, you can check for any leaks that remain. You can do this by flushing the gutters using the help of a hose or bucket.

Loose downspouts

If your gutter downspouts are loose or pulling away from the house, they must be secured. It is possible to install fascia hanger brackets to help the downspout stay in place or replace the downspout itself if damaged. You may also want to add gutter guards or deterrents in order to keep debris out of the drain.

A loose downspout can be caused by a crack or break in the gutter. You might be able to repair the problem using silicone caulk, however it is recommended to seek out a professional to ensure that the repair has been done properly.

Clogs are a common issue with downspouts of gutters. This can be due to large particles of debris getting trapped in a downspout or smaller debris like leaves and twigs that fall into the pipe over time. This could cause the downspout to become blocked and eventually overflow.

Clogs are often prevented by regular maintenance and cleaning. However, if debris is too much there is a good chance that the gutter system will need to be completely replaced.

The elbow is another type of downspout which tends to clog. The turns these pieces of steel make could be magnets for debris, particularly when they weren’t put back together tight enough the last time they were cleaned.

If your downspout is clogging the drain, you’ll have to remove the debris from the downspout elbows. The blockage can be cleared by using a pressure washer, or a plumbing snake. It is recommended to have this done annually, so that the system works efficiently.

Downspouts may also block due to the slope of the gutter system. The downspout may be too close to the foundation depending on the slope. This could result in foundation damage due to the over-saturation of the soil around your house. You can remedy this issue by relocating the downspout, or installing an drainage pipe that diverts water away from the foundation of your home.

It’s possible that the downspout might have become loose due to a damaged connector bracket, wall plugs that are missing or a failed anchor strap. When cleaning your gutters, it is important to keep track of any issues you discover to fix them if they’re required.

Pieces of the union damaged

Modern plastic gutters, although extremely durable, can have leaks at the junctions with the downpipe. These leaks are typically caused by damaged gutter union clips. Based on the type of guttering you have, this could be a simple DIY task, or you could require the assistance of a professional. First, clean the joint area of any dirt or debris. Make sure it is completely dry. Once the area is clean, use a spanner and take off the nut that is holding the gutter union clip. If the nut will not budge, use a junior hacksaw.

After removing the clip you can make use of the wire brush to remove any paint or rust off the surface. Then, take off the screw holding the gutter union to bracket. Next, you can replace the insulating gasket with an entirely new one. You can also apply roof-and-gutter sealant to cover the holes left by old faulty gaskets.

Gutter unions that have flanges are designed to shield the guttering from corrosion by separating the steel parts of the pipes. This will save you money and reduce the chance of damage and leaks to your guttering and home. Hart Industrial, for example, offers a wide range of gutter unions.

Another cause of leaking gutters is the failure or damage of the stop end. The stop end diverts rainwater from the guttering downpipe, and is vital to keep your gutter system in good condition. If yours is damaged or missing it, you can repair it by following the guidelines to repair a gutter joint (above).

You can also stop the gutters from leaking by installing a downpipe clincher or conductor pipe band. These are available from many home improvement centers and will protect your downpipe and hold it in place. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can also put a plastic tarp to stop water from flowing through the downpipe. It’s worth noting that this can impede the flow of water, so it might not be the best option for you if you reside in an area that has high rainfall.

Sagging guttering

Gutters are crucial in securing our homes from water damage. But, as with anything else, gutters can become damaged over time. This is typically caused by heavy rain or an immense accumulation of leaves that causes them to become loose and slide. In some instances, the sagging can be so severe that it may require a complete gutter system replacement. Many times, sagging can be easily corrected with just a few easy fixes.

The most common reason for sinking gutters is the loose gutter hangers. This can be a concern for any gutter, but it’s more challenging for aluminum gutters which are prone to becoming bent or damaged. To fix the problem, remove the loose gutter hangers. Replace them with new ones which aren’t bent. This should help to distribute the weight of the gutter system and alleviate the sagging.

Another reason why gutters are sagging is that the system has lost its proper slope. This is usually caused by broken or worn-out gutter spikes. It is possible to fix this by using a ladder to remove old spikes, and replacing them with new ones that are not bent.

You can install a second downspout in the area where your gutters are failing. This will allow the water to flow more efficiently and ease the burden on the gutters.

Sagging gutters can cause serious structural damage to your home. It’s important that you take care of any issues as soon as you can. Regular maintenance, like cleaning and inspections, will lower the chance of gutters sagging. For more serious problems, it’s often best to contact a professional gutter service in order to avoid costly damage to your home. A gutter expert can pinpoint the root cause of the issue and do the necessary repairs. This will save time and money.