How to Fix Gutters

Rain gutters installed along the perimeter of your roof provide a water runoff so water doesn't pool on your house. Gutters are essential in keeping crawl spaces and basements dry. The runoff is ideal for the topsoil in your yard if the gutter's downspout is re-routed toward the lawn. Gutters are made from a variety of materials, including galvanized steel, copper, vinyl, wood and aluminum. Gutters come seamless or sectional. The sectional gutters are easier for homeowners to install. The seamless gutters require a little more professionalism for installation. Gutters come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors, so finding gutters to match your home is easy.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush Towel Course sandpaper Roofing cement Flashing material Caulking

Instructions

1. Repair leaking joints in gutters by first cleaning the area around the leak with a wire brush and water.

2. Towel dry the area and lightly sand around the leak with coarse sandpaper.

3. Spread roofing cement 3 inches thick over any holes and all leaks in the gutters.

4. Place a small sheet of flashing material over larger holes to seal the leak well. Push the flashing into the cement and fan out the cement around the edges to keep moisture out.

5. Remove any leaky sections of the downspout. Use a wire brush and water to clean off all old caulking or adhesive.

6. Place a bead of caulking around the edges on one side of the downspout joint and put the downspout back together.

Tips & Warnings

• PVC and vinyl gutters require rubber gaskets.

• If any part of your gutter falls off, remove the entire gutter until you can have it fixed or replaced.