Gutter and Downpipe Repairs You Can Do Yourself
The exterior of your home takes a constant battering from the elements, including rain and wind. During storms, gutters can become damaged and require repairs.
To fix leaks in the gutter's ends first clean the gutter and get rid of any paint or rust. Use roof and gutter sealant to make a new seal.
Leaks
Gutters are responsible to collect rainwater and direct it away from your home. But, if they fail, they could cause damage that is not expected. The damage can be immediate (such as peeling or damp paint) or it can be gradual, such that soil is washed away from your garden, or the frames of your windows and fascias become corrosion-prone. The good thing is that it's possible to repair gutter leaks yourself.
The first step is to get rid of any obstructions that may be causing the problem. If the leak is due to a hole or a crack in the gutter, you can repair it using roofing cement. Remove the cap on the end and clean the area around it before applying the patch. It is important to ensure that you're working safely by removing any obstacles that may hinder you from climbing the ladder.
Damaged gutter seams are another common cause of leaks. Leaks at gutter joints can be caused when caulk or tar becomes damaged by weathering, expansion or contraction, or due to corrosion. If you have a leak at the corner of your guttering, you can fix it by cleaning and scraping off any old caulk or tar before applying a new caulk. Make use of a caulk specifically designed for gutters and apply it in an overly wide strip.
Inspecting regularly the condition of your rain gutters is an excellent idea. Regularly cleaning your gutters can help to prevent blockages and any subsequent leaks from forming, as will inspecting the condition of your downpipes regularly.
If you notice that your downpipes are leaking at their junction with the guttering, it's likely they have been split or damaged by the pressure of flowing rainwater. The leaks can be fixed by applying gutter sealant. This product is readily available in many trade counters and DIY stores. Apply the sealant in an extensive, overlapping strip on the inside and outside guttering. After the sealant has been applied then you can look for any leaks that remain. You can do this by flushing the gutters using an hose or bucket.
Loose downspouts
If your gutter downspouts are becoming loose or are separating from the home, they must be secured. Install fascia hanger brackets, or replace the damaged downspout when necessary. You may also want to add gutter guards or deterrents in order to stop debris from entering the drain.
A downspout that is loose can be caused by cracks or breaks in the gutter. If you're able repair the issue yourself, it's best to consult an expert to ensure that the repair is done properly.
Clogs are another issue that is commonly encountered with downspouts for gutters. This is usually caused by large particles of dirt that get trapped in the downspout or even smaller debris like leaves and twigs which settle in the pipe over time. This could cause the downspout to clog and eventually overflow.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent the formation of clogs. If the amount of debris is large, it could be necessary to replace the gutter system.
The elbow design is a different kind of downspout that tends to block. Metal pieces can attract debris due to the turns they make, particularly when you haven't put them back together tightly enough after cleaning.
If your downspout is getting blocked the drain, you'll have to remove the debris from the downspout elbows. The blockage can be eliminated with a pressure washer or a plumbing snake. It's best to have this procedure done every year to ensure that the system is working efficiently.
Downspouts can also get blocked due to the slope of the gutter system. Depending on the slope, the downspout might be too close to your foundation. This could result in foundation damage by over-saturating the soil around your house. This can be fixed by repositioning your downspout or installing a drainpipe that redirects the water away from your home's foundation.
The downspout might be loose because of a broken connector bracket or wall plugs that are missing. It's crucial to keep track of all of these problems when cleaning your gutters so that you can repair them as required.
Damaged union pieces
Although modern plastic gutters are durable, they can develop leaks where sections connect with the downpipe. These leaks could be caused by faulty gutter union clips, which require replacing if they are damaged. This is a simple DIY task, but you may need the help of a professional depending on the type and size of guttering. The first step is to wash any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the joint area and ensure it's dry. After cleaning, you can use a spanner to undo the bolt that holds the gutter union clip in place. If the nut won't budge, use a junior hacksaw.
Once the clip is removed and the gutter union is cleaned, you can employ a wire brush to clean any paint or rust off the surface of the gutter union. Then, you can remove the screw holding the gutter union to bracket. Next, you can replace the insulating gasket with a new one. You can also use roof and gutter sealant to fill in the holes that the gaskets of the past left.
Gutter unions that have flanges are designed to shield the guttering from galvanic corrosion by separating the metal parts of the pipes. This will save you money and reduce the risk of damage and leaks to your guttering and home. Hart Industrial, for example offers a variety of gutter unions.
A damaged or broken stop-end may also cause gutters to leak. The stop end diverts rainwater from the guttering downpipe and is crucial to keep your gutter system in good condition. If yours is damaged or missing, you can repair it by following the steps for repairing a gutter joint (above).
Use a conductor pipe band or a downpipe clincher to avoid gutter leaks. These are available from many home improvement centers and will protect your downpipe and hold it in place. uPVC Guttering Specialists can also make use of a tarp to stop water from seeping through the downpipe. It's worth noting that this can impede the flow of water, so it may not be the best solution for you if you reside in an area that has high rainfall.
Sagging guttering
Gutters are essential in protecting our homes against water damage. Like all things, gutters will get worn out over time. This is usually caused by excessive rainfall or a large amount of leaves which cause them to sag. In some cases, the sagging is so extreme that it will require a complete gutter system replacement. In many cases, sagging can be easily fixed with just a few easy solutions.
The most common cause of sinking gutters is the hanging gutters that are loose. This can be a concern for any kind of gutter, but it's particularly problematic for aluminum gutters, that can easily be bent or damaged. To address this issue, simply remove the loose gutter hangers and replace them with ones that aren't bent. This will help redistribute weight and reduce sagging.
Another reason for sagging rain gutters is that the system has lost its slope. This is typically caused by the old or loose gutter spikes. You can fix this by using a ladder to remove the old spikes and replacing them with new ones that aren't bent.
If you notice sagging in a specific area of your gutters, you can attempt to fix it by adding another downspout to the spot. This will allow water to flow more effectively through that area and relieve the strain on the gutters and their hangers.
Sagging guttering is a serious problem for the structural strength of your home, and it is essential to have any issues addressed promptly. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, will reduce the risk of gutters sagging. For more serious problems it's best to call a professional gutter company to avoid costly damage to your home. A gutter expert can pinpoint the root cause of the issue and do the necessary repairs. This will save time and money.