How to Fix a Rusted Gutter Using a Plastic Milk Jug

If you have old metal gutters instead of newer vinyl ones, you know how easy it is for them to rust through in spots. If you have a small rust hole in your gutter but can't afford to replace them all, here is a easy and long lasting fix using a piece of plastic cut out from a plastic gallon jug and some roofing cement. Read on to learn how to fix a rusted gutter using a plastic milk jug.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder
• Wire brush
• Rust inhibiting primer
• Utility knife
• Plastic milk jug
• Roof cement
• Paint to match gutter

1. Use a wire brush to remove all loose metal and rust from the inside and outside of your gutter. You want to choose a dry day for this project.

2. Paint the area with rust inhibiting primer. This is usually available in pints from hardware or auto stores and actually stabilizes rust so it does not continue to erode the metal. It's not the same as regular metal primer. This is a water-based product that turns black as it dries.

3. Cut a piece of your milk jug to cover the rust hole with room to spare. Smear a thin film of the roof cement around the hole on the inside of your gutter. Press the plastic patch over it firmly, and smear more cement generously over the patch and around the edges.

4. Let your patch cure for a few days. Now you can touch up the paint on your gutter and apart from a small depression in the metal, your patch will be barely noticeable and will last for years.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the ladder usage safety tips on the side of your ladder and be safe.
• Milk jugs work better than water jugs because the plastic is usually thicker.

[SeventhSibling]

on 7/1/2008 We have been wondering what to do with our metal gutter which has a corner "funnel" that now has a whole in it. We can't find a new one and replacing the whole system ... well, forget that! You have provided an excellent solution. Thanks for the tip. 5 stars!