Repair Or Replace Aluminum Gutters

Clean the downspout joints and replace the gaskets step 5.

Repair or replace aluminum gutters.

Apply plastic roofing cement step 3. Replace rusty gutters as soon as possible. Once the hole is clean and dry spread roofing cement around the edges of the hole and apply a patch of appropriately sized metal flashing. Have them replaced by a professional who can do the job without damaging the roof or siding of your home.

Seamless aluminum gutters last a long time up to 30 years if they ve been installed correctly. Gutter replacement may be necessary if gutters are rusting or leaking. Clean out gutters at least once a year to make them last. If they do leak there s a fair chance they can be repaired.

Patches sealants step 1. Small openings can be cleaned with alcohol and covered over with a quality sealant. Gutter repair and replacement tips. Then you can simply replace those sections instead of tearing out your entire guttering system.

Gutters with holes or splits aren t reparable. Here are some warning signs that your gutters need work. First use a stiff wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion from the hole and the surrounding area. With gutter replacement you can prevent water from running behind your gutters by installing a metal gutter apron flashing under the shingles and over the back edge of the gutter.

Gutter leaks usually start at rusty spots or seams that have opened up because of expansion and contraction. If your original gutters are straight solid and don t leak they don t need replacement period. Check the downspout step 4. Clean the area around the leak step 2.

You don t have to rush to a replacement if something s going wrong however. You only need to fix a few holes or cracks. If your home center or hardware store doesn t sell pre bent flashing ask an aluminum siding contractor or local sheet metal fabricator to bend some for you. Photo by summer galyan gutters require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Apply silicone and reassemble. Rusty areas indicate a future problem even if the rust has not yet created a hole. Here s what you ll want to consider before deciding. If your gutter is still basically sound the easiest way to stop the leak is by covering the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape available at home centers and hardware stores.