How To Fix Leaking Gutters

When it rains, you might notice a section of gutters leaking. It is advisable to fix it immediately, as it may cause more damage if left unattended.

Gutters are vital to your house as they help prevent water from flooding your basement, which may ruin your foundation. Many things cause gutter leaks, like clogged gutters, improperly fixed gutters, wear and tear, and many more.

Here are some tips on how to fix your gutters:

What tools do you need to fix your leaking gutters?

There are tools that you require for you to do your work seamlessly and efficiently. Here are some tools you should have before fixing your gutters.

• Ladder
• Wet cloth
• Absorbent roll
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Replacement joint
• Caulking gun
• Good quality gutter sealant

Safety tips to know before attempting to fix your leaking gutters

Before repairing your gutter, your safety should come first. Here are some tips to consider before repairing your gutters:

• Before climbing the ladder, ensure you have someone to hold it so you don't slip and fall
• Ensure that it is not windy, as this could be dangerous
• Wear heavy-duty gloves, especially when removing debris from the gutters or cleaning the dirt
• Avoid overstretching instead of climbing down and moving your ladder closer

Here is how to fix your leaking gutters

You can attempt to fix the gutter yourself or seek professional services. Here are some ways to improve leaking gutters.

Removing Debris

Debris is the most common cause of gutter leaks. Debris, like leaves and branches, accumulate in your gutters, blocking them and causing leaks. It is a simple issue; you must clean your drain to remove the debris. You will need a ladder and a dustpan to make your work easier when cleaning the gutters.

If left, the debris might end up ruining your gutters and causing even more damage. It would be best to also prevent this reoccurrence by cleaning your gutters regularly to avoid gutter leaks.

Ensure Your Gutters Are Positioned Properly

Ensure your gutters are properly pitched and titled, as they may cause an overflow if incorrectly installed. When positioned correctly in your channels, the water will flow freely and smoothly without leaks. You can seek professional help to pitch the gutters properly.

Using Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a great way of preventing overflow and leaks. They also prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutter. They come in different sizes and types, and they are:

• Micromesh guards
• Mesh guards
• Brush guards
• Foam guards
• Surface tension guards

Why invest in a gutter guard?

1. They help save you time and money because you don't have to clean the gutters occasionally.
2. They help your gutter last longer. Since no debris gets into and ruins your drains, they will last for many years.
3. They prevent leaks and overflows. They are essential since they stop leaks and overflow from your gutters.
4. They help prevent insects from getting into your gutter system.
5. They come in handy for both the rainy season and the winter.

Install bigger gutters

If your roof is larger than the size of your gutters, the best thing to do is change them. Small channels can't hold large volumes of water, leading to overflowing and leaking.

You should change your entire gutter system to ensure your gutter can control the water without an overflow. It will help prevent water from flooding your basement and ruining your foundation.

Replacing worn-out gutters

You might find your gutters too worn out and damaged to repair. These may be caused by ageing and harsh weather conditions.

The best way to fix this is to replace the old ones with new ones. It is costly but necessary, as you want to avoid leaking gutters on your roof. If left like that, they might cause even more losses.

Fixing a Sagging Gutter

The best way to fix this is by calling a professional to align the gutter for you. They will repair and align them back to their initial position. Sagging gutters cause poor drainage and leaks, and water may spill onto your wall and cause more damage to your building.

Fixing Leaks From Holes

Another issue that affects your gutters is getting holes around them. After a long time of being exposed to the sun and other conditions, your gutters are prone to wear and tear.

The good thing to know is that the problem is fixable. You are good to go with just a few tools, like a knife and roofing cement.

Spread a thin layer of roofing cement on the affected area using a knife. You must add a piece of metal sheeting on top of bigger holes. You can also use weatherproof tape to fix the holes. It is perfect for both small and large holes.

Leaks from gutter joints

A leaking gutter can be a real headache for any business owner because, if left alone, it can cause more problems. After a long time on your roof and holding all the water, your gutter may leak at the joints.

You should call a professional to help you fix leaking gutter joints. The easiest way to improve the leaks is by applying a sealant to the affected areas. The sealant will help fix the holes permanently.

Conclusion

The perfect way of dealing with gutter leaks is by ensuring you check and regularly maintain the gutters. This will help avoid losses that you would have incurred when repairing completely ruined gutters. If left like that, you can even be prompted to change your entire gutter system if it is spoilt beyond repair.

Finally, ensure no branches are near your gutters, as they will cause the gutters to clog. If you decide to change your gutters, ensure you get high-quality, durable ones that will serve you a long time, such as cast iron gutters.