Gutters are used to drain rainwater from the roof and direct it to an area where it will be slowly absorbed into the ground. Without them, water may fall close to the foundation, which can lead to water infiltration in the basement. Broken gutters can cause rainwater to travel back up towards the roof and leak into the house. It is therefore important to make sure that your gutters are in good working order at all times!
If you notice that your gutters are damaged, these tips will help you put things right. First of all, be careful when climbing a ladder. Feel free to contact a professional who will be happy to advise you and make the necessary repairs.
Filling a crack
Over time, the seals between the sections or corners of your gutters may leak. This problem is most common with sectional gutters as the sealant is likely to dry out after a few decades.
Apply sealant as you would when installing a new gutter. If your gutter is not equipped with a gutter guard, be sure to clean it before caulking the crack.
Repairing a hole
Steel gutters can rust over time, creating holes. Aluminum and copper gutters are easily pierced by sharp objects or falling branches from nearby trees.
If the hole is relatively small, it may be possible to repair it using roofing cement and a piece of metal that is larger than the hole. For example, soffit can be used to repair a gutter. If there is no gutter guard or continuous hanging system, it is very important to clean the gutter before making repairs.
For larger holes, it is best to contact a professional installer who will likely suggest replacing the gutter section that has deteriorated.
Fixing a sagging gutter
Several things can explain why gutters begin to sag over time. If your gutters are held up with spikes or standard hangers, try adding more spikes to reinforce it. It is a good idea to do this early on as sagging gutters are likely to twist, at which point they will need to be replaced. A simple way to avoid the need for repairs is to install your gutters with a continuous hanging system. This is the strongest method of fastening and will ensure they will not sag.
It is important to know your limits and exercise caution when carrying out these tasks! If necessary, a gutter installation professional will be happy to help you make any repairs.