Repairing Copper Gutter Seams

Use steel wool and gently scrub the crack to make the surface clean and stamped.

Repairing copper gutter seams.

Expansion joints allow for the segments of gutter to move freely during expansion and contraction. There are three main steps to repairing copper gutters that have been caulked. Run water into the gutter at the top of the downspout and watch the drainage at the bottom. For sealing and joining lap seams in aluminum or vinyl gutters and downspouts we recommend a permanently flexible and water resistant sealant.

Scrubbing the crack reach your gutter by using an extension ladder. Chances are the sealant will pull out easily. Without them solder seams can break and the metal itself can tear thus causing leaks to occur. You can paint this primer directly over the existing liner and any rust that exists.

Next coat the inside of the gutter channel with a self etching metal primer. Alternatively you can use a joint or decorative cap on the exterior or a piece of gutter laid over the old gutter. Clean the outside of the gutter where the seam has been leaking. Find the crack and scrub the area around it to give way for a small plastic replacement sheet to fit into place.

Wipe away the dirt using a rag. If water backs up out of the downspout instead of easily draining remove the downspout s base this. All residue must be removed to ensure that the seal that you re placing adheres fully. The preferred method for mending a hole in a copper gutter is to use a piece of sheet copper on the inside of the gutter.

Over time all things copper acquire a patina first turning a rich brown and then that classic green brown blue coating. If some of it sticks don t worry. Get ready to seal. If possible flush out gutters with a garden hose then allow them to air dry for a clean fix.

See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this old house. This old house general contractor tom silva has a fast fix for a dripping rain gutter. Remove the caulk at the end caps outlets and miters.