Sitting on your porch and enjoying a nice rain shower can be dampened by a gutter leak pelting away at your garden. While a leaky gutter may seem like a small issue, gutter leaks can slowly destroy the siding of your home or even damage your foundation. On the bright side, fixing a gutter leak is often an easy job that you can do yourself. So, before you hire a pro, follow these steps on how to fix a gutter leak.
Prepping to Fix a Gutter Leak
Before you even think of climbing up on a ladder, you'll first want to prepare the space for fixing a gutter leak. Look around for any obstacles that could deter you from safely climbing on a ladder and clearing the gutters. Be it tree branches, shrubs, or garden decorations, you’ll want to move or trim any obstacles before you begin.
Knowing what's causing the leak in your gutters can change your entire game plan. For instance, if your gutters are leaking because of a clog of messy leaves and debris, simply removing that debris could be all that's needed to fix the problem. On the other hand, if the source of the leak is a small hole, you'll need to patch it. Likewise, a bent, cracked gutter may need replacing entirely.
Clean the Area around the Leak
To gain a better idea of how you're going to tackle the leak, your next step is to clean the area. Eliminating debris will free up the space, reveal any larger structural issues, and prepare the space for reparation work.
Before cleaning the area, first put on your gloves and safety glasses. The last thing you’ll want is to get debris in your eye or scratch up your hands. Remove larger debris like rocks, leaves, and dirt using a gutter scoop. Then, scrub the area down with a wire brush. Rinse and repeat until the area is clean.
Roughen Up the Gutter
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To ensure there are no remaining dirt particles, which can prevent the plastic roofing cement from properly adhering to the gutters, go over the area with an abrasive pad. This effectively removes any remaining debris while also giving traction to the surface to help it adhere.
Apply Plastic Roofing Cement
With your gutter surface properly cleaned and prepared, you can now apply the roof cement. The easiest way to apply the cement is by using a caulking gun; however, you can apply it manually without one using the applicator. Apply the cement using a steady amount of pressure to help the material seep into the hole or joint.
Larger holes will need additional materials to repair. You'll need a piece of flashing and tin snips to customize the amount of flashing you'll need for this gutter fix. Be sure to choose the same type of flashing material as your gutters. Follow the same steps as you would for a smaller hole—filling the hole with roofing cement. Then, fit the flashing flush with the gutter, directly into the cement.
For both gutter repair methods, you'll want to feather the cement so that it is smooth. That way, water will flow correctly through the gutters.
Clean the Downspout and Replace the Gaskets
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While you're at it, now is a great time to inspect the downspouts to make sure that they’re in good shape. Clean the downspout with water and a wire brush. Once clean, look at the joints of the downspout closely for signs of holes. Repair holes using the same method you did for the other sections of your gutter.
If you have vinyl or PVC gutters, you may also need to replace the gaskets, which hold the gutters together.
Apply Silicone Caulk and Reassemble
For leak-proof properties, you can also apply silicone caulk to freshly repaired joints, cracks, and holes. Apply the silicone caulk as you applied the roofing cement—with a caulking gun or applicator tube and a steady hand. Simply allow the caulk to dry and then call it a day.
Check for Other Gutter Problems
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Your leaky gutter is fixed, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other issues—especially if there are signs you need new gutters. You may need to replace your gutters entirely if you see any of the following signs while inspecting your gutters:
If everything looks well, all that's left is to create a gutter maintenance plan to help keep your gutters clean, all while catching signs of gutter repair issues as soon as they arise. Part of your maintenance strategy includes inspecting your gutters, cleaning them, repairing gutters, and replacing sections as needed. Generally speaking, how often to clean your gutters should fall around once or twice a year.
DIY Fixing a Gutter Leak vs. Hiring a Pro
Fixing a gutter leak is a quick and easy DIY project. However, there are times when it makes sense to hire a pro instead. Gutters that need sections replaced may benefit from the experience of a local gutter repair company.
A gutter repair pro can help determine whether to repair or replace your gutters and how to go about repairing or replacing them. They can also replace your gutters for you if you don’t know how to install gutters. Though you'll spend more on gutter replacement costs, it's a good idea to work with a professional to avoid making common mistakes that could lead to large, structural damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the biggest causes of gutter leaks is clogged gutters. If your gutters are full of debris and leaves, water will back up and eventually overflow outside of the gutter. Other common causes of gutter leaks include loosened gutter fasteners, faulty gutter slopes (sagging gutters), separated joints, and cracks or holes.
The best way to seal gutters is with a combination of waterproof roofing cement and silicone gutter sealant. This powerful duo works to prevent water from escaping through holes and cracks while allowing for breathability. While you can use polyurethane sealants, silicone sealants tend to be more flexible when it comes to climate. Silicone is UV-resistant and bonds well to many surfaces. However, polyurethane sealant bonds better with wood.
Gutters can last between 10 and 100 years, with most gutters lasting around 20 years on average. If you're considering repairing your leaky gutter, it's important to consider the age and material of the gutter, as you might be better off simply replacing your gutters. Vinyl gutters have the shortest lifespan, while copper gutters have the longest. Remember, how well you maintain your gutters can also extend or decrease your gutter's life span.
