How to Fix a Leaking Gutter

Leaky rain gutters may cause water damage to your home.

If you notice the gutters on your home leaking, you should repair the issue as soon as possible. Rain gutters divert the water from the side of your home to the downspout, so if you your gutters leak they do not function properly. Over time, caulking becomes old and brittle and may need replacing as well as rivets becoming rusted or loose. Maintaining your gutters on a regular basis helps prevent leaks from arising due to the extra weight sitting in your gutters. Removing debris, ice or snow prevents future leaks from forming in the gutters on your home.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Wire brush
• Rags
• Paint thinner
• Tin snips
• Tape measure
• Gutter piece
• Caulking gun
• Gutter caulking
• Putty knife
• Rivets
• Rivet gun
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Locate the area where water leaks from your gutters on your home by climbing a ladder and investing your rain gutters. You may find more than one damaged area. Repair all areas containing damage.

2. Clean dirt, debris and rust from your gutter in need of replacing with a wire brush. Brush the gutter until clean. If your gutters contain sharp edges consider wearing gloves to protect your skin.

3. Wipe the area on the gutter with a rag and paint thinner by dabbing the paint thinner on the rag and allow drying. Using paint thinner thoroughly cleans the area.

4. Measure the damaged area on your gutter. Transfer this measurement to your replacement gutter piece. Cut your replacement gutter piece with your tin snips. Tin snips act like scissors but are made specifically for cutting metal.

5. Apply a thin layer of gutter caulking with your caulking gun, caulking and putty knife. Apply caulking on the area and spread with your putty knife.

6. Press your replacement piece of gutter onto the caulking using your rag. Your rag protects your hands from caulking.

7. Rivet the patch at both ends with your rivet gun and rivets. Follow the directions for the rivet gun according to the manufacturer.

8. Spread caulking over the edges to seal. Apply caulking on the edges with your caulking gun, and spread with your putty knife. Allow the caulking to thoroughly dry.

References

• Reader’s Digest: 1001 Do-It-Yourself Hints and Tips: How to Fix a Leaky Rain Gutter