Rain gutters are one of your home's defenses against structural damage both to the facade, as well as to the foundation. If your rain gutters begin to fail then the integrity of your home's structure can become compromised. It is possible to repair your rain gutters by yourself if you have the right equipment and the proper do-it-yourself know-how.
Find damage first by doing both a visual and practical test on the rain gutters. Inspect the gutters to see if there are conspicuous points of weakness either as a result of puncture damage or from the weight of debris buildup. Pour water into the gutter as well. If the water doesn't proceed directly to the drainpipe then it is not properly slanted any longer.
2
Plug major holes in your roof using roofing cement and sheet metal. Simply place the metal directly over the damage and use the roofing cement to secure it in place. Be sure to provide ample coverage for the metal seal while keeping the cement smooth to permit continued water flow.
3
Use silicone caulk to plug up smaller holes in the gutters. Stress fractures are ideal candidates for silicone caulk repairs.
4
Replace older rain gutters with newer ones in the event that they prove beyond repair. PVC gutters have gained popularity because of their durability, as have seamless gutters.
5
Replace structural supports wherever they appear to be failing. Brackets that are failing will not support the gentle slope needed to keep water moving in the gutters. They will also end up pulling the gutters clear off the walls if they get too weak.
Tips & Warnings
Always seek the help of a professional if you can't repair your rain gutters on your own. Trying to complete repairs without the help of someone experienced can lead to further damage and increased costs.
Invest in a modular ladder--one that can be bent to work as a scaffold in addition to a traditional ladder. This makes it easier to repair rain gutters, as you don't need to continually shift the ladder.
Clean out your gutters regularly, particularly if there are trees near the gutters. If debris should build up in the gutters then they can quickly become a fire hazard.
Only lean your ladder against the house itself and not against your gutters. This helps prevent the rain gutters from becoming damaged by the added stress.
