Gutter and Downpipe Repairs You Can Do Yourself
The exterior of your home gets a constant beating from the elements, like rain and wind. During storms, the guttering can become damaged and require repairs.
To repair leaks in the gutter's end first clean the gutter and clean off any paint or rust. To make a new seal, use roof and gutter sealant.
Leaks
Gutters are responsible for collecting rainwater and redirecting it away from your home. But, if they leak, they can cause unwanted damage. The damage could be immediate, like spots of damp or peeling paint, or it can be gradual, such as washing away soil in your garden, or corrosion of window frames and fascias. The good part is that it's possible to repair gutter leaks yourself.
First, you will want to remove any obstructions that may be causing the problem. If the leak is caused by a hole or crack in the gutter, you can patch this up with roofing cement. To do this, you must remove the cap at the end and scrub around the area prior to applying the patch. It is important to ensure that you are working safely by removing any obstacles that may hinder you from climbing the ladder.
Another reason for leaks is damaged gutter seams. Leaks in gutter joints can be caused when caulk or tar is damaged by weathering, expansion or contraction, or due to corrosion. You can fix a leak in your guttering by cleaning it and scraping away any caulk or tar that is old prior to applying a new caulk. Make use of a caulk specifically specially designed for gutters and apply it in an overlapping wide strip.
Inspecting regularly the condition of your rain gutters is also an excellent idea. Consistent gutter cleaning will help to prevent blockages and any subsequent leaks from forming, as is inspecting the condition of your downpipes on a regular basis.
If you notice that your downpipes are leaking at the junction with the guttering, it is likely that they broken or cracked by the pressure from the rainwater. You can repair these leaks with gutter sealant, which is available at most trade counters and DIY stores. Apply the sealant in a broad overlaid strip on both the inside and outside guttering. After the sealant has been applied, you can check for any remaining leaks. This can be done by flushing the gutters using the help of a hose or bucket.
Loose downspouts
If your gutter downspouts have become loose or pulling away from the house, they must be fastened securely. 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 consider adding gutter guards or other obstructions that prevent debris from entering the downspout.
A loose downspout could be the result of cracks or a break in the gutter. You might be able fix the issue with silicone caulk, however it is recommended to consult a professional to ensure that the repair is done correctly.
Another issue that is commonly encountered with gutter downspouts is the possibility of clogging. This is usually caused by large particles of dirt that are trapped in the downspout or even smaller debris such as leaves and twigs which settle in the pipe over time. This could cause the pipe to become blocked and eventually overflow.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to prevent the formation of clogs. However, if debris is excessive there is a good chance that the gutter system will need to be completely replaced.
Another type of downspout that tends to clog is the elbow type. The turns that these pieces of metal make could be magnets for debris, especially if they weren't pushed back to a tighter position the last time they were cleaned.
If your downspout is getting blocked the drain, you'll have to remove the debris from the downspout elbows. You can then employ a pressure washer or plumbing snake to clear the blockage. This should be done each year to make sure that the system functions properly.
Downspouts can also clog due to the slope of the gutter system. The downspout could be too close to the foundation, based on the slope. This could cause damage to your foundation by saturating the soil around your house. This can be corrected by repositioning your downspout or installing a drainpipe that redirects the water away from the foundation.
The downspout could be loose due to a broken connector bracket or missing wall plugs. When cleaning your gutters, it is important to keep track of any issues you spot so that you can correct them if necessary.
Damaged union pieces
Modern plastic gutters, although robust, do develop leaks at the junctions with the downpipe. These leaks are typically caused by damaged gutter union clips. It can be a straightforward DIY task, but you may require the assistance of a professional depending on the dimensions and type of guttering. The first step is to wash any debris or dirt from the joint area and ensure that it's dry. Once you're clean, employ a spanner to loosen the nut that holds the gutter union clip in place. If the nut isn't moving, you can use a junior hacksaw to cut through the bolt and then remove it.
After removing the clip you can make use of the wire brush to clean any loose rust or paint off the surface. Then, remove the screw that is holding the gutter union to the bracket. Then replace the old insulating gasket by a new one. You can also use roof-and-gutter sealant to fill the gaps left by the gaskets that are old and damaged.
Gutter unions with flanges are designed to shield the guttering from galvanic corrosion by separating the steel parts of the pipes. This can help you save money and reduce the risk of damage and leaks to your home and gutters. Hart Industrial, for example offers a variety of gutter unions.
Another reason for leaking gutters is a damaged or missing stop end. The stop end is essential for keeping your gutter system running smoothly. It diverts rainwater away from the guttering, and then into the downpipe. If it is damaged or is missing then follow the steps above for fixing gutter joints.
You can also stop the gutters from leaking by installing a downpipe conductor pipe band or clincher. They can be purchased from a variety of home improvement stores and can secure your downpipe and keep it in place. You can also use a tarp to keep water from leaking through the downpipe. This will stop the flow of water. It might not be the best option for areas with lots of rain.
Sagging guttering
Gutters play a vital role in securing our homes against water damage. But, as with everything else, gutters can be damaged over time. This is usually due to heavy rainfall or a huge amount of leaves which cause them to fall. In some cases, the sagging is so severe that it may require a complete gutter system replacement. In many cases, sagging can be easily corrected with a few simple solutions.
The most frequent cause of sinking gutters is the hanging gutters that are loose. This can be a problem for any kind of gutter, but it's particularly difficult for aluminum gutters, that can easily be bent or damaged. To fix this issue, remove the gutter hangers that are bent and replace them with new ones that are not bent. This will help to distribute the weight and lessen the sagging.
Another reason for sagging gutters is that the system has lost its proper slope. This is typically caused by loose or old gutter spikes. To correct this issue, you can employ a ladder to lift the old spikes and replace them with new spikes that aren't bent.
Guttering Specialist can install a second downspout in the area where your gutters are sagging. This will allow water to flow more efficiently and relieve stress on the gutters.
Sagging guttering is an issue for the structural quality of your home and it's important to have any issues addressed promptly. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections, can reduce the risk of gutter sliding. For more serious problems it's best to call an expert gutter company to avoid costly damage to your home. A gutter expert can pinpoint the root of the issue and do the necessary repairs. This will save you time and money in the end.