As your gutters start to age, they may start sagging, overflowing, leaking or pooling runoff. If left untreated, these gutter problems could cause damage to the windows, home exterior or foundation. More often than not, a leaky gutter is a result of a faulty joint between sections or a hole in the gutter itself. Learning how to fix a leaky gutter is an easy, inexpensive project you can do yourself. Even if the metal gutter parts have rusted through, fixing gutters is quite simple.

This guide explains how to fix gutter leaks, specifically when repairing a small or large hole in metal gutters. It will also outline other common problems of gutter systems and how to look for those items as you repair your leaky gutter.

• First, locate where your leak is coming from. Most common leaks tend to occur at seams and end caps.
• Clean the area around the leak with a wire brush and water.
• After the area has dried, scrub it with an abrasive pad. Roughing up the surface a little bit will help provide some texture for the roofing cement to adhere to.

If you have small holes:

• Apply plastic roofing cement directly over the holes.
• Make sure to fill them completely.

If you have large holes:

• For holes larger than the size of a nail hole, use tin snips to cut a strip of flashing.
• Flashing is a waterproof tool that stops moisture buildup behind the gutter.
• Use the same material as the gutter. Make sure it is wide enough to fully cover the area with the hole.
• Apply the roofing cement.
• Bend the strip to fit and embed the flashing in the cement.
• Make sure the roofing cement covers all the gaps.

For all holes:

• Finish by feathering the roofing cement out on the surrounding area to flatten any steep edges. This will promote proper water flow.

This is also a good time to check your gutter downspouts for damage and replace them as needed. Over time, gravity can cause joints to open up, or they can get jostled from below and come loose.

• Remove any screws or connecting hardware at the joint.
• Disassemble the leaking or worn portion of the downspout.

Tip:

You may need to remove other gutter or downspout sections near the leaky joint first.

• If a leak occurs at the elbow/outlet leading from the gutter, there may be a clog in the downspout rather than a leak.
• Clean any caulk or adhesive from both parts of the joint using a stiff wire brush.
• Add any fasteners or connectors to complete the project.
• The final step in how to fix gutters is to apply a bead of silicone caulk to one of the parts at the joint area.
• Then, reassemble the gutter system.
• Add any necessary fasteners or connectors.

And done. Call me anytime direct for questions or I will even come out to help and see what I can do. Neighbors helping neighbors, thats Gulf Coast Gutters and Aluminum. Look for us on Angi, NextDoor and YELP! 941-577-2148. Chris Sanders - owner.