Five DIY Ways to Fix Leaking Gutters

Gutter problems can be a nuisance with loud drips, water pooling in places it shouldn’t be, and water going down unplanned paths that can cause damage and cause more problems for storms than they need to. While some gutter problems require professional help, others can be fixed on your own with just a few simple tools. Here’s what you need to know.

Use a slip joint

If your gutters have a crack that is causing water to come out in the middle instead of flowing down the downspout, using a slip joint to attach a replacement gutter piece is a repair you can do yourself. A sliding hinge is placed on the outside of the existing gutter piece to connect the two gutter pieces together. Hanging a new section of gutter to replace the damaged, leaking part, and then using a slip joint on the seam is as simple as sliding it over the seam and using caulk to hold it in place.

Replace section of gutter

If your seamless gutter has a dent or buckle, instead of replacing the entire gutter, you can cut out the damaged part with scissors and replace the smaller part. A ten-foot section of gutter costs about $7 and can be cut to fit the damaged section. Measure the section that needs replacing and then cut the replacement gutter section to that length. Then use the slip joint mentioned above at each end and some gutter hangers to attach the repair section.

Use Gutter Hangers

If your gutters have areas that are sagging or coming away from the roof, they can be secured with tenons or nails. New gutters are usually secured using screws and brackets known as gutter hangers . Reattaching the gutter to the roof using brackets and screws can solve the problem of the gutter running away from the house by allowing water to flow down the roof behind the gutter. For this repair, you will need a drill with a quarter-inch nut bit to tighten the screws. The use of brackets will provide a stronger connection between the gutter and the roof.

Change the slope of the gutter or add a downspout

Sometimes the slope of the gutter can cause water to pool in the middle of the gutter. If this happens, you can either use some gutter hangers to raise the middle of the gutter a little to create a slope towards the downspout, or you can add a downspout if that makes sense. Installing what is called a drain , which allows water to flow into a downspout , is similar to repairing a section of damaged gutter. Measure the width of the gutter and cut off the part of the gutter you want to attach it to. Then use gutter hangers and one slip joint at each seam to secure them to the edge of the roof. Add a section of downspout underneath the drain to complete the repair.

Sealing joints

If there are joints between gutter sections or between components that have become leaky, you can repair them with a sealant. Sometimes the sealant can wear away over time, so it is possible that the existing seal has simply failed if the groove around the seam where the leak occurred is intact. In this case, clean the area around the seam and make sure it is dry. Next, apply a sealant designed for gutter repair to the seam, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.