Fix The Gutters

If you re in a rush feel free to clean out your gutter with a power washer or a.

Fix the gutters.

If it is large use a piece of galvanized metal flashing. Once you re finished cleaning dry out the gutter with a clean cloth or paper towel. Gutter leaks usually start at rusty spots or seams that have opened up because of expansion and contraction. And even seamless gutters aren t immune to drips.

Luckily most common gutter problems are easy for homeowners to fix themselves. Learning how to fix leaky gutters is an easy inexpensive project you can do yourself. And it s worth the effort. Gutters are one of those things where routine maintenance and inspecting them can really prevent bigger problems down the road says jason stutzman director of home maintenance and repair for brothers redevelopment in denver.

Most gutters are held in place with large spikes that pass through tubular sleeves called ferrules. If you have to resort to a toothbrush for crevices. Clean the area with household spray cleaner a scrub brush and rags to get it as clean as possible. If the metal gutter parts have rusted through you can quickly and easily patch it.

If your gutter is still basically sound the easiest way to stop the leak is by covering the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape available at home centers and hardware stores. If the hole is small you can use plastic roofing cement. While not a permanent fix you can generally get another season or two out of the gutters as long as the damage isn t extensive by applying a silicone or rubber gutter caulk or sealant. Next remove any oxidation and apply the sealer photos 1 and 2.

Rinse out the gutter and dry it off. The cleaner it is the better your patch will hold over time. Keep flushing out the gutter with more clean water until it starts draining the excess water properly. Dump a small bucket of water into the gutter to wash out any leftover dirt and grime.