Fixing Gutter Leaks

In our previous article we talked about the how to’s in cleaning and repairing a gutter. Now, we will try to cover (pun intended) leaks on a gutter and how to go about fixing it.

First thing to do is inspect all gutter seams for possible leaks. It’s really difficult to tell if a seam leaks when there is no water in the gutter, but the seams often drip dirty water and leave dark streaks below. If you suspect any seam of being less than water tight, you should seal it before it gets worse.

Sometimes, for minor leaks, you can force sealant into the seam without taking the pieces apart. Use a caulk-sealant specifically formulated for the type of gutter you have. These sealants are synthesized to adhere and remain resilient in hot and cold temperatures. If you cannot push the sealant into the joint, you’ll have to open the seam.

Gutter seams usually are held in place with rivets. Remove the rivets by drilling them out with a bit that is slightly larger than the hole in the center of the rivet. With the rivets removeed, you can pull the seams apart and clean them with a putty knife or coarse sandpaper. Remove all traces of the old sealant and make sure the surfaces are smooth.

Apply a new bead of sealant, reassamble the joint, and install new pop rivets.

After you’ve made all the necessary repairs to the gutters, inspect the mounting brackets to ensure that they are secure and the gutters have’nt pulled away from the roof. Don’t forget to check the brackets that hold the downspouts to the wall.