Probably one of the most neglected aspects of a home, gutters actually provide an important service. They keep water from building up and settling around your foundation, which can cause problems. But like anything else, gutters need regular maintenance and even then, they may leak at some point.
If your gutters are leaking, you should make it a priority to get them fixed to prevent further damage to both the gutters and your home. But how do you repair a leaking gutter? Here are a few tips.
Tips on How to Repair a Leaking Gutter
Gutters can leak for a number of reasons. The most common one being they need to be cleaned. A gutter filled with leaves, twigs and other debris will not only leak, but it may also overflow.
The first step to repair a leaking gutter is to clean it out. In the process, you may find a clog that may be the source of your leak. Be sure to clean out the clog and visually inspect the area. Look for any corrosion or signs of deterioration the clog may have caused.
An important part of cleaning the gutter system is to clean the downspouts as well. These are what direct the flow of water away from your home. Again, as you clean, look for any corrosion or damage that may be causing problems.
Once your gutters are clean, it’s time to find the leak. You can’t fix it if you can’t find it! It’s best to do this on a sunny day so that you can clearly see where the leak is. Take a hose and stick it in the gutter, then turn on the water. Once the water is flowing, start looking for any leaks, which can be in a number of different forms including:
- Holes – Older gutters are more prone to holes than newer ones. They are typically the result of water pooling in certain spots and corroding the gutter leading to small holes. These can be sealed with caulk after the gutters are cleaned.
- Cracks – Like holes, older gutters are prone to cracking as they age. Water is notoriously corrosive and cracks can develop wherever water can pool. However, they typically appear near the junctions of gutter sections or where the fasteners are attached to the gutter. In some cases, you can seal these cracks with caulk, but if there are a number of cracks or several sections are affected it’s best to call a professional to have the gutters replaced.
- Improper slope – Gutters can start to sag over time due to the weight of water, temperature variations and the debris that can build up in them. This sagging can affect the slope of the gutters that directs water away from your home. Fixing this requires taking the gutters down and then rehanging them, which should be left to the experts because the slope line will have to be redrawn.
- Joint separations – The corners of your gutter system are its weakest point. This is where water flows around a corner, typically to a downspout. Unfortunately, water can tend to pool in these corners and cause corrosion, deteriorating the seal and causing cracks or holes. While some cracks can be sealed with caulk, in some cases the joints may need to be replaced.
Gutter Repair in Rochester, NY
If your gutters are leaking or just getting older, it may be time to get a new system! MIG Building Systems offers gutter repair and also gutter replacement, so we can help with any needs you have. Our experts can install high-quality gutters on your home to keep it looking its best and prevent water from going where it shouldn’t.
