How to Fix a Metal Gutter's Seam Leak

Gutters play a pivotal role in keeping water from collecting on a rooftop and causing damage. If your gutter is leaking at a seam, it will not properly send water away from your roof. Fixing a leaky seam in a metal gutter is a relatively simple project. With a rubber sealant, you can easily close the joint and return the gutter to full function. The average do-it-yourselfer can finish this project in about 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Shop vacuum (wet/dry vac)
• Putty knife
• Self-leveling rubber sealant
• Caulking gun
• Utility blade

Instructions

1. Clean out any debris from around the seam with a stiff wire brush.

2. Vacuum out any still water and leftover debris from the gutter.

3. Scrape off the old sealant from around the seam with a putty knife.

4. Insert the rubber sealant into the caulking gun and slice off the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle.

5. Manipulate the two pieces of the gutter so that the seam is level, then lay down a thick bead of sealant to cover the seam. Extend the sealant 1 inch around the seam.

References

• "The Old House Handbook: The Essential Guide to Care and Repair"; Roger Hunt; 2008