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How To Repair Gutters
If your gutters have any cracks or holes, the seepage could cause structural damage to your house. You'll want to apply the relatively cheap and quick fix of repairing the gutters before any real damage is done.
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First, wire-brush the damaged area to remove dirt and loosen rust. Clean the area well with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. If the hole is small, or if the metal isn't rusted all the way through, a screening patch isn't needed; just spread roof cement over the damaged area.
To repair an open hole in a gutter:
Step 1: Cut piece of scrap wire screening, 1/2 to 1 inch bigger all around than hole.
Step 2: Using trowel, spread roof cement around hole, and press wire screening patch down into hole. Spread thin layer of cement over screening. Let dry.
Step 3: If holes of screening are still open, spread another layer of cement over patch to close it completely.
If the gutter is extensively damaged or has a large hole in it, patch it with sheet metal instead of wire screening. If the gutters are copper, use copper for this repair. Use sheet aluminum for other types of gutters. Here's how:
Step 1: Cut piece of sheet metal big enough to cover inside of gutter completely and wrap around outside edges. Patch should extend at least 1 inch beyond damage each way along gutter.
Step 2:
Step 3: Use roof cement to coat entire area inside gutter where patch will go, then press patch down into cemented gutter to cover hole.
Step 4:
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Large holes can be patched with sheet metal bent to the shape of the gutter. Spread roof cement on the damaged gutter before installing the patch. |
Besides patching obvious damage, inspect gutters for sags, loose sections, and loose hangers. Gutters are held by sleeve-and-spike supports, fascia brackets nailed to the face of the wall, or strap hangers nailed to the roof.
Loose hangers can be adjusted or renailed; use 6d galvanized roofing nails to reset them. Cover the nail heads with roof cement to prevent leaks. If you can't get at a fascia bracket to renail it or if the gutter sags even though all its supports are solid, add supports. There should be a support about every 21/2 feet along the gutter. Make sure you cover all nail heads with roof cement.
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If a section of downspout or an elbow is loose, reattach it with pop rivets using an inexpensive pop rivet tool. Pop rivets can be installed from the outside, so it isn't necessary to take the sections of downspout apart.
To install pop rivets:
Step 1: Hold loose section up in proper position. Use electric drill and bit the size of the pop rivets to drill through overlapping sections. Make one hole on each exposed side of downspout.
Step 2: To set pop rivet through each drilled hole, place rivet in pop rivet tool, insert tip of tool into hole, and squeeze handles of tool until rivet pops off. Pop rivets will hold section of downspout in place permanently.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Reattach loose sections with pop rivets. Drill through the overlapping sections, then set one rivet through each exposed side. |
From blocked gutters and loose shingles to pooled water and gaping flashing, the types of problems that can cause leaks in your roof are numerous. Don't let a leaky roof cause water damage in your home. Use the tools in this article to help you quickly spot -- and fix -- the problem with relative ease.
If you're ready to tackle other home-repair projects, try these links.
- How to Repair a Deck: A backyard deck can be a slice of heaven, but maintaining it can be ... well, difficult. Pick up some tips on this page.
- How to Repair Floors: Repairs to floors, be they for minor squeaks or major surface damage, are surprisingly easy. Learn how on this page.
- How to Fix Pipes: Plumbing can be tempermental. Find out how to fix a wide range of problems, from funny noises to leaks.
- How to Repair Windows: Windows are a major source of heat loss. Learn how to unstick them, replace glass, and repair blinds and shades.
