As your gutters start to age, there’s a fairly good chance that they’ll begin encountering certain issues: they might begin sagging, overflowing, or even pooling runoff. They might also serve as housing for uninvited critters and wildlife! But one common, frustrating issue that homeowners often must deal with is leaking gutters. Just one hole is all it takes to completely compromise your gutter system! That said, here’s a brief overview of how you should go about repairing holes in gutters, and when it’s best to turn to a team of trusted professionals.
1. Locate and Clean Around the Leak
You’ll first need to locate where your leak is coming from. Most leaks tend to occur at seams and end caps, since these pieces are responsible for connecting your gutter system together. However, any part of your gutters can become damaged, so carefully locate any present holes and begin cleaning around those areas with a wire brush and water. After it’s had time to dry, scrub it with an abrasive pad. Roughing up the surface a bit will help provide some texture for the roofing cement to adhere to.
2. Apply Roofing Cement
For small holes, you can apply roofing cement directly on top; just be sure to fill them completely. For holes larger than the size of a nail hole, you’ll need to use flashing, which is a waterproof tool that stops moisture from building up behind the gutter. These flashing strips should be made from the same material as the gutter and need to be wide enough to sufficiently cover the hole(s). Once they’ve been placed, you can apply roofing cement to cover any leftover gaps. Finish by spreading the roofing cement out on the surrounding area and flatten any edges, to promote proper water flow.
3. Double Check Your Downspout
While you’re repairing your leak, this is also an ideal time to check your gutter downspouts for damage and replace them as needed. These are the vertical pipe attachments that move water away from your building into a separate drainage system. Over time, gravity can cause joints to open up in your downspouts, or they might even get jostled from below and come loose. It’s also possible for them to sustain damage as a result of a nearby leak in a different part of your gutter system. You’ll want them to be in top condition; without them, your entire gutter system wouldn’t function correctly; in addition to leaks, check for issues like sagging gutters, or debris buildup.
Above all else, you should strive to maintain your gutters, but know when the repair job is out of your hands. While learning the basics of gutter repair is valuable, there’s no greater value in having a skilled team handle things and ensure that your gutters are repaired correctly and set up for future success. If you have doubts about how to carry out your project, don’t leave it up to chance; leave it up to the pros.
About Platinum Gutters
Our team at Platinum Gutters has served the DFW metroplex for over 15 years, offering assistance with a wide range of gutter repair and related services, including installation and full replacement. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a FREE consultation with our team, feel free to visit our website or call us today for further assistance!
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 993-4237.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (972) 346-1590.