Your home’s rain gutters may not be the most exciting feature in the world, but they are a necessary one – after all, they protect your home from the wrath of the elements. However, the funny thing about gutters is that you often don’t even notice they’re there until something goes wrong with them! That said, when you do realize there’s an issue with your gutter system, it often helps to be able to identify the specific problem and repair it as quickly as possible – and sometimes you can even do things yourself! Here’s a closer look at three simple gutter repairs you can often complete on your own.
1. Patching a Hole
Gutters can develop holes due to a variety of reasons, including rust, storm damage, or even sharp tools or branches. Sometimes, homeowners also mistakenly drill through their gutters to assist with standing water – this is unwise, as it just further damages the gutters and could lead to damage to your home. If you notice small holes in your gutters, you can repair them using roofing cement and metal-repair patches that are specially made for this task. Be sure to match the gutter material to your repair patch, and always scrub clean the area before getting to work. If there’s any rust around the hole, cut it out before applying the patch.
2. Fixing Leaky Joints
Over time, the joints between lengths of gutters can fail, and even seamless gutters aren’t immune to the leaks and drippage this can cause. They have seams where the gutters connect to performer corners and to downspout outlets; whether it’s a corner or a straight joint, the repair is pretty much the same. Usually, you just need to clean the area and apply plastic roofing cement, but for extensive leaks, entire sections of the gutter may need to be replaced.
3. Curing Sagging Gutters
Most gutter systems are held up in place with large spikes that pass through tubular sleeves, called ferrules. When one of these spikes pulls free, the gutters can begin sagging or come crashing down. To repair sagging gutters, you’ll have to replace the spike that has come free with something that won’t withdraw as easily. You can buy gutter screws, which are often at least 7 inches long, from most general hardware stores; they can often serve as suitable replacements, provided the damage isn’t too extensive.
If you still have doubts or concerns about repairing your gutters and ensuring they’re working flawlessly, don’t hesitate to contact a team of professionals for assistance; at the end of the day, it’s about getting your gutters in working order, so if you can’t on your own, they’re happy to help!
About the Practice
Our team here at Platinum Gutters has proudly served homeowners all across the DFW metroplex for several years, offering a wide range of gutter maintenance, repair, and replacement services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up a FREE estimate, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance.
Tarrant County Telephone: (817) 993-4237.
Dallas/Denton/Collin County Telephone: (972) 346-1590.