Gutter and Downpipe Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Your home's exterior is constantly battered by the elements. This includes rain and wind. During storms, gutters can become damaged and need to be repaired.

To repair leaks at the end of a gutter length, start by cleaning the affected area and removing any paint or rust. Use roof and gutter sealant to make an entirely new seal.

Leaks

Gutters have the important job of collecting rain water and redirecting it away from your home, but if they leak, they could cause unsuspecting damage. This damage can be immediate, like spots of damp or peeling paint, or it can cause a gradual deterioration by washing away soil from your garden or corrosion of window frames and fascias. The good part is that it's possible to repair gutter leaks on your own.

The first thing you'll need to do is get rid of any obstructions that could be causing the leak. If the leak is caused by a crack or hole in the gutter, you can patch this up using roofing cement. To do this, take off the cap at the end and scrub the area before applying the patch. It is also important to ensure that you're working safely by clearing away any obstacles that could hinder you from climbing an incline.

Another common cause of leaks is damaged gutter seams. When tar or caulk is damaged by weathering, expansion or contraction or corrosion, it can cause leaks in gutter joints. If you have a leak in the corner of your guttering, you can fix it by removing and cleaning any caulk or tar that has been used before applying new caulk. Use a caulk specially designed for gutters and apply it in an overlapping wide strip.

It's also a good idea to inspect the integrity of your gutters on a regular basis. Regularly cleaning your gutters and inspection of your downpipes will stop blockages that could lead to leaks.

If you notice that your downpipes leak at the junction with the guttering it is likely that they have been broken or cracked by the pressure of the rainwater. Repairing these leaks is possible with gutter sealant, which is readily available at many DIY stores and trade counters. This should be applied in a wide overlapping strip on both the outside and inside of the guttering. After the sealant has set, you can check for any remaining leaks by flushing the gutter using a bucket or hose.

Loose downspouts

If your gutter downspouts are becoming loose or are pulling away from your home, they must be secured. You might need to install fascia hanger brackets to ensure that the downspout will remain in place or replace the downspout if it's damaged. You may also want to add gutter guards or deterrents to stop debris from entering the drain.

Downpipe Specialists that is loose could be the result of a crack or break in the gutter. You might be able to fix this problem with silicone caulk, but it is best to consult a professional ensure that the repair is done correctly.


Another common problem with gutter downspouts is the possibility of clogging. This can be caused by large particles of debris getting stuck in a downspout or smaller debris like leaves and twigs that fall into the pipe over time. This can cause the pipe to clog, and eventually overflow.

Clogs can be avoided by regular maintenance and cleaning. If the amount of debris is great, it may be necessary to replace the gutter system.

Another kind of downspout which is more likely to get blocked is the elbow style. The turns these pieces of metal make can be a magnet for debris, especially when they weren't put back tightly enough the last time they were cleaned.

If your downspout has become blocked then you must remove debris from the elbows. The blockage can be removed using a pressure washer or a plumbing snake. This should be done every year to ensure that the system functions properly.

Downspouts may also block due to the slope of the gutter system. The slope of the gutter can affect the downspout may be too close to your foundation. This could result in foundation damage due to the over-saturation of the soil around your house. This can be corrected by repositioning your downspout or installing a drainpipe that diverts the water away from your home's foundation.

The downspout might be loose due to a broken connector bracket or wall plugs that are missing. When cleaning your gutters it's important to take note of any issues you spot so that you can correct them if they're required.

Pieces of the union damaged

Modern plastic gutters, though robust, do cause leaks at the junctions with the downpipe. These leaks can result from faulty gutter union clips, which require replacement if they have been damaged. Based on the type of guttering, it could be a straightforward DIY task, or you could need to hire professional help. First, clean the joint area of any dirt and debris. Make sure it's completely dry. Once the area is clean then use a spanner to take off the nut that is holding the gutter union clip. If the nut will not budge, use a junior hacksaw.

Once the clip is removed, you can make use of a wire brush clean any paint or rust off the the gutter union. Then, you can remove the screw holding the gutter union in place to the bracket. Then replace the old gasket by a brand new one. Alternately, you can use roof-and-gutter sealant to fill the grooves left by the gaskets that were damaged in the past.

Gutter unions with flanges protect the guttering against galvanic corrosion. They do this by separating the metal parts of the pipes. This will save you money and decrease the risk of damage to your home or gutters. There are a variety of high-quality gutter unions from leading suppliers like Hart Industrial.

A damaged or missing stop-end can also cause gutters and pipes to leak. The stop end diverts rainwater from the guttering to the downpipe, and is vital to ensure that your gutter system is in good working order. If yours is damaged or not functioning you can fix it by following the steps to repair the 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 stores and will secure your downpipe and help keep it in its place. You can also use a plastic tarp to prevent water from leaking through the downpipe. It's important to note that this will limit the flow of water, so it may not be the best option for those who live in an area with significant rainfall.

Sagging guttering

Gutters play an essential role in protecting our homes from water damage. Like all things the gutters will become worn-out over time. This is usually due to heavy rainfall or a huge amount of leaves that cause them to lose their shape. In some instances, sagging can be so severe that it's necessary to replace the entire gutter system. Many times, sagging can be easily fixed with a few simple solutions.

The most common cause of sinking gutters is the loose gutter hangers. This can happen to any gutter type but aluminum gutters are more prone to warping or bending. To resolve the issue remove the gutter hangers. Replace them with ones that are not bent. This will help redistribute weight and decrease sagging.

Another reason for rain gutters to sag is the system has lost its slope. This is typically caused by loose or old gutter spikes. To remedy this, you can use a ladder to remove the old spikes and then replace them with new spikes that are not bent.

You can also install a second downspout in the location in which your gutters are sagging. This will allow water to flow more efficiently and ease the burden on the gutters.

Sagging guttering can be an issue for the structural integrity of your home, and it's crucial to get any issues addressed promptly. By performing regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections, you'll be able to reduce the chance of sagging and other problems that can develop over time. For more serious problems it's best to call an expert gutter company to prevent damaging your home with a high cost. A gutter expert will be able to pinpoint the root of the problem and do the necessary repairs. This will save you time and money in the long run.