Gutter and Downpipe Repairs You Can Do Yourself
The exterior of your house is constantly beaten by the elements, such as rain and wind. During storms, the guttering could be damaged and need repairs.
To repair leaks at the gutter's end first clean the gutter and get rid of any paint or rust. Use gutter and roof sealants to make a new seal.
Leaks
Gutters have the important job of collecting rainwater and directing it away from your home, however when they leak they can cause damage that isn't welcome. The damage can be immediate (such as peeling or damp paint) or it can be gradual, such that soil is swept away from your garden, or the frames of your windows and fascias are corroded. It is possible to repair gutter leaks by yourself.
The first step is to remove any obstructions that may be causing the problem. If the leak is due to cracks or holes in the gutter you can repair it using roofing cement. To do this, you must remove the cap from the end and clean around the area before applying the patch. You should also ensure that you are working safely by getting rid of any obstacles that could hinder your progress on the ladder.
Another common cause of leaks is damaged gutter seams. When tar or caulk is damaged due to weathering, expansion or contraction or corrosion it can cause leaks in gutter joints. If you have an issue with the corner of your guttering, you can fix it by cleaning and scraping off any old tar or caulk prior to applying a new caulk. You should ensure that you use caulk specifically made for gutters, and apply it in a broad overlapping strip.
Inspecting regularly the condition of your rain gutters is also a good idea. Regular gutter cleaning and checking your downpipes will keep them clear of obstructions, which could cause leaks.
If you notice that your downpipes leak near the junction with the guttering, it is likely that they were damaged or split due to the pressure of the rainwater. The leaks can be fixed by using gutter sealant. This product is readily available in many DIY and trade counters. This is applied in a broad overlapping strip that covers the inside and outside of the guttering. After the sealant has set, you can re-check for leaks that remain by flushing the gutter using a bucket or hose.
Loose downspouts
If your gutter downspouts are loose or separating from the house, they must be fastened securely. You might need to install fascia hanger brackets to ensure that the downspout will remain in place or replace the downspout itself if it's damaged. You may also think about adding gutter guards or other obstructions to stop debris from getting into the downspout.
Most of the time the downspout that is loose is the result of a split or crack in the gutter itself. If you're able to fix the problem yourself, it's recommended to consult a professional to ensure that the repair is done correctly.
Clogs are a common issue with gutter downspouts. This could be due to large particles of debris that are stuck in a downspout or smaller debris like leaves and twigs that settle into the pipe over time. This could cause the downspout clog and eventually overflow.
Clogs can be avoided through regular cleaning and maintenance. However, if the amount of debris is too much there is a good chance that the gutter system will need to be completely replaced.
Another kind of downspout which is more likely to get blocked is the elbow style. The turns that these pieces of steel make can be a magnet for debris, particularly in the event that they weren't held tightly enough the last time they were cleaned.
If your downspout is getting blocked the drain, you'll have to remove the debris from the downspout elbows. You can then use a pressure washer or plumbing snake to remove the obstruction. This should be done every year to ensure that the system is working correctly.
The slope of the gutter system can also lead to obstruction. The downspout may be too close to the foundation based on the slope. This can over-saturate the soil around your home and lead to foundation damage. You can remedy this by moving the downspout, or by installing a drainage pipe that diverts water away from the foundation of your home.
The downspout might have become loose due to the connector bracket being damaged or wall plugs that are missing. It is important to take note of all of these problems when cleaning your gutters, so you can repair them as required.
Broken pieces of the union
Although modern plastic gutters are durable, they can develop leaks in the areas where they connect to the downpipe. These leaks could result from faulty gutter union clips, which require replacement if they have been damaged. Depending on the type of guttering you have, this could be a simple DIY job or you may require the assistance of a professional. The first step is to wash any debris or dirt from the joint and ensure that it's dry. Once clean, you can use a spanner to undo the bolt that holds the gutter union clip. If the nut will not move, you can employ a hacksaw for juniors.
After the clip has been removed and the gutter union is cleaned, you can use a wire brush to take off any paint or rust from the the gutter union. After that, you are able to remove the screw that binds the gutter union to the bracket. Then, replace the gasket that was used to insulate the gutter by a brand new one. Alternatively, you can use roof-and-gutter sealant in order to fill the grooves left by the gaskets that are old and damaged.
Gutter unions that have flanges safeguard the guttering from galvanic corrosion. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors do this by segregating the steel components of the pipes. This can save you money and reduce the risk of damage and leaks to your guttering and home. Hart Industrial, for example, offers a wide range of gutter unions.
A damaged or broken stop-end may also cause gutters to leak. The stop end diverts rainwater away from the guttering downpipe and is crucial to ensure that your gutter system is in good working order. If yours is damaged or missing it, you can repair it by following the guidelines for repairing the gutter joint (above).
You can also prevent leaky gutters by adding a downpipe clincher or conductor pipe band. Many home improvement stores sell these bands that keep your downpipe in place and secure it. You can also put a plastic tarp in order to prevent water from leaking through the downpipe. This will stop the flow of the water. This may not be the best option in areas that receive lots of rain.
Sagging guttering
Gutters play an essential role in securing our homes from water damage. But, as with everything else, gutters may become damaged over time. This is usually due to excessive rainfall or a large amount of leaves that cause them to fall. In some instances, the sagging is so extreme that it may require a complete gutter system replacement. Most of the time, sagging could be easily corrected with a few simple fixes.
The most common reason for sagging guttering are hanging gutters that are loose. This is a problem for any type of gutter, but it's particularly problematic for aluminum gutters, which can easily become bent or damaged. To address this issue, simply remove the loose gutter hangers and replace them with ones that are not bent. This will help redistribute the weight and lessen the sagging.
Another reason why gutters are sagging is that the system has lost its proper slope. This is typically caused by broken or worn-out gutter spikes. To remedy this issue, you can use a ladder to remove the old spikes, and then replace them with new spikes that aren't bent.
If the sagging is happening in a particular part of your gutters, you can try to solve it by adding a second downspout to the spot. This will allow water to flow more effectively through that area and relieve the stress on the gutters and their hangers.
Sagging guttering is a serious problem for the structural quality of your home and it's important to have any issues addressed promptly. By performing regular maintenance, which includes cleaning and inspections, you can reduce the chance of sagging as well as other gutter problems over time. For more serious issues it's best to speak with a professional gutter service to prevent damaging your home with a high cost. A gutter expert will be able to identify the root of the problem and do the necessary repairs. This will save time and money.