Our home’s gutters do a fantastic job of controlling and preventing stormwater from damaging our house. But, when a home’s gutter system fails, it is usually due to gutter leaking, sagging, or overflowing.
If left unchecked, gutter leaking can cause significant water damage to the house and its foundation. When a home’s gutters are leaking, the problem is usually corrected by replacing the joints between gutter sections, where water has been allowed to build up and rust the gutter’s galvanized steel or seep through the seams.
How To Repair a Leaking Gutter at the Joints and Seams?
While replacing damaged gutters is sometimes needed, it is also possible to repair a leaking gutter at the joints and seams by sealing up the seams when there has only been minor wear and tear to your roof’s gutters. Roofers may use a butyl caulking or gray caulking that looks like liquid solder. Your home’s gutters must be completely dry to begin filling the seams of gutters with a fresh sealant.
Can You Patch a Gutter?
As mentioned, gutters can get punctured in many ways. For light damages and holes, it is possible to patch a gutter hole with the help of inexpensive roofing cement and metal-repair patches several inches larger than the damaged area. It is imperative to clean and dry the gutter area that will be repaired so that it is free of debris and rust. It is also essential to apply a metal patch that matches the gutter material you have, to prevent electrolytic corrosion.
Can You Fix Rust Holes in Gutters?
Similar to the process mentioned above, you can use the same method for repairing rust holes in both steel and aluminum gutters using inexpensive roofing cement and metal-repair patches. After making sure that the area is clean and dry, spread roofing cement around the hole’s edges and apply the proper patch of metal flashing.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Guttering?
According to Angie’s List, replacing gutters can cost $4 to $30 per linear foot, depending on the materials used, such as aluminum or high-end copper. To get further tips for how to repair a leaking gutter, or to get a free estimate for your next gutter repair project, contact our roofing team today!