How To Repair a Gutter

*Costs in this article sourced from Angi.

Maintaining your home’s gutters is crucial for protecting your foundation and preventing water damage. When gutters sag, leak, or fall off, they can’t effectively channel water away from your house. Fortunately, many common gutter issues are simple to fix with the right tools.

In this how-to video and guide, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows us how to address various gutter and downspout repairs.

Common Gutter Problems and Their Causes

Before diving into repairs, it’s important to understand what typically goes wrong with gutters. Identifying the root cause can help prevent future issues.

Sagging Gutters

Sagging gutters are often caused by:

• Ice dams in colder climates
• Improperly spaced hangers
• Loose or broken brackets
• Weight from debris buildup

When gutters sag, water can pool in the low spots, leading to overflow and potential water damage to the exterior of your home.

Leaky Gutters

Leaks can occur due to:

• Clogs forcing water to find alternative paths
• Cracks or holes in the gutter material
• Improper slope, causing water to back up
• Loose or damaged seams

Detached Gutters

Gutters may fall off the house due to:

• Age and wear of fasteners
• Improperly installed hangers or brackets
• Rotted fascia boards
• Severe weather events

Tools and Materials Needed for Gutter Repair

Before starting your gutter repair project, gather these essential tools and materials:

• Drill/driver
• Gutter patch kit (if needed)
• Gutter sealant
• Ladder
• Replacement brackets or hangers
• Safety glasses
• Screwdriver
• Screws (appropriate for your fascia material)
• Work gloves

We also recommend working with a helper to spot you for safety. Spotters not only help keep you safe on the ladder, but they can also grab tools for you, reducing how often you need to ascend and descend it.

How To Fix a Sagging Gutter

Addressing a sagging gutter is often a straightforward process. Here’s how to tackle this common issue:

1. Remove old brackets: Unscrew and discard the old, failing gutter brackets.
2. Secure the gutter temporarily: Drive one screw through the rear center of the gutter to hold it in place while you work.
3. Adjust the pitch: Pull down on the end of the gutter to create the proper slope toward the downspout. Secure it with a screw to maintain the position.
4. Mark rafter tail locations: Identify and mark the positions of all rafter tails on the fascia board.
5. Install new brackets: Slip new, heavy-duty gutter brackets inside the gutters, placing one in front of each rafter tail.
6. Secure brackets: Screw each bracket through the fascia board and into a rafter tail for maximum stability.

As you’ll notice in the video, Silva demonstrates this process, emphasizing the importance of creating the proper pitch to ensure water flows correctly toward the downspout.

For more detail, read our complete guide to repairing sagging gutters.

Repairing Leaky Gutters

Often, you can fix a leaky gutter without replacing the entire gutter. Here’s how to address common leaks:

1. Clean the gutter: Remove debris and use a garden hose to flush the gutter, identifying leak locations.
2. Dry the area: Use a cloth to dry the leaking area thoroughly.
3. Apply sealant: For small holes or cracks, apply gutter sealant according to the product instructions.
4. Patch larger holes: Use a gutter patch kit for bigger gaps, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5. Check seams: If leaks occur at seams, clean the area, apply sealant, and secure with rivets if necessary.
6. Allow to cure: Give the sealant or patch time to dry completely before testing with water.

Remember, prevention is key. Regularly cleaning your gutters can help you spot leaks before they become major issues.

Reattaching Fallen Gutters

When gutters detach from the house, it’s crucial to reattach them properly to prevent future issues. Follow these steps:

1. Inspect fascia boards: Check for rot or damage and replace them if necessary before reattaching gutters.
2. Position the gutter: Hold the gutter in place, ensuring proper slope towards the downspout.
3. Install new hangers: Use sturdy gutter hangers, spacing them every 2 feet along the gutter length.
4. Secure to fascia: Screw the hangers into the fascia board so they penetrate the rafter tails for maximum strength.
5. Check alignment: Verify that the gutter is straight and properly sloped after installation.
6. Seal any gaps: Apply gutter sealant where the gutter meets the fascia to prevent water intrusion.

Maintaining and Repairing Gutter Downspouts

Downspouts are crucial in directing water away from your home’s foundation. Here’s how to maintain and repair them:

1. Clean regularly: Remove debris from downspouts to prevent clogs.
2. Check connections: Inspect all sections and ensure they are securely fastened together.
3. Repair loose sections: Use short aluminum pan-head screws to fasten downspout elbows and sections together.
4. Install straps: Screw aluminum straps near the upper and lower ends of the downspout to secure it to the house.
5. Attach to the gutter: Screw through the upper end of the downspout and into the downspout outlet for a secure connection.

Silva demonstrates the proper technique for securing downspouts in the video above, emphasizing the importance of using the right screws and straps for a lasting installation.

Preventative Gutter Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can prevent many common gutter issues. Consider these tips:

• Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from becoming major problems
• Check for proper slope and adjust as needed
• Clean gutters at least twice a year, more often if you have overhanging trees
• Inspect gutters and downspouts after severe weather events
• Install gutter guards to minimize debris buildup
• Trim trees near your roof to reduce debris accumulation
• Gutter guards can prevent damage

By staying proactive with gutter maintenance, you can extend the life of your gutter system and protect your home from water damage. Proper maintenance can reduce the need for costly professional repairs.

Our Conclusion

Repairing your gutters can save money and prevent costly water damage to your home. By following these steps and maintaining your gutters regularly, you can keep them working at peak performance.

Remember, it’s always wise to consult a professional if you’re uncomfortable working at heights or encounter extensive damage.